Denzel Washington Turns 57; Says 'Ministering' Through Career

(Photo: MGM Distribution Company)
Denzel Washington stars in The Weinstein Company's 'The Great Debaters.' The movie opens nationwide on Dec. 25.

By Christine Thomasos , Christian Post Reporter

December 28, 2011|4:13 pm

Denzel Washington, who turned 57 Wednesday, is continuing to prove that a successful acting career is feasible with the proper spiritual foundation.

The multiple Oscar award winner, who has appeared in films since his 1977 debut, has remained vocal throughout the years about his Christian faith. In an interview with Beliefnet, Washington spoke about the importance of his spirituality in not only his life, but also his career.

“Spirituality is important in every aspect of my life,” Washington said. “I mean, that's why I'm here. That's what I've been blessed to do,”

In the interview, the actor also spoke about his career being his ministry.

“My work has been my ministry. In fact, I asked my pastor, years ago, ‘Do you think I should become a minister or a preacher,’” Washington recalled. “And he says, ‘Well, that's what you're doing already.’”

The actor also described an experience when a woman revealed his future to him – in his mother’s hair salon.

“She said that I would speak to millions of people, and I would travel the world and preach to millions of people,” Washington told the publication. “And I didn't know what she was talking about. But this was March 27th, 1975.”

The son of a pastor who practiced for 60 years, Washington has been open about being a part of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ for close to 30 years. The award-winning actor has made no qualms about acknowledging his religion, and has even contributed his voice to “The Bible Experience,” an audio interpretation of the word of God.

Through all of his successes and accolades, Washington once told Beliefnet that he wanted to continue to preach about what God has done for him.

“I've always understood why I've been blessed to be put in this situation,” Washington said. “And I'm more than happy to take advantage of it and to preach, if you will, about what God has done in my life.”