Summary

The article recounts the author's unique experience of having dinner with Denzel Washington during a press event for his film "Cry Freedom" and their subsequent conversation about his career, family, and the challenges of his profession.

Abstract

The author shares a memorable encounter from over 30 years ago when they were invited to dine with Denzel Washington in a London hotel. Washington was promoting his role in the film "Cry Freedom," directed by Richard Attenborough. The dinner took place amidst a series of interviews, and the conversation ranged from Washington's career trajectory, the impact of his rising fame, and the parallels between the experiences of Black Britons and African-Americans. They also discussed the personal sacrifices of his acting career, including time away from family, and the complexities of accepting roles that might be controversial within the Black community. The article reflects on Washington's humility and his commitment to using his success to benefit his family and support causes he believed in. The narrative revisits the relationship years later at a screening of Washington's film "Fences," where the actor expressed pride in his achievements and the difference he has made.

Opinions

The author expresses admiration for Denzel Washington's humility and his grounded perspective on fame and money, noting his focus on making a positive impact.
Washington is portrayed as thoughtful and open, sharing personal insights about his career and family life, including the struggle of balancing professional opportunities with personal sacrifices.
The article suggests that Washington was conscious of the cultural implications of his roles, particularly the potential backlash from the Black British acting community when he accepted the role of a British soldier in "For Queen and Country."
The author highlights Washington's pride in his work and his ability to reflect on his career over the span of thirty years, emphasizing his contributions beyond acting, such as directing and producing.
The piece conveys a sense of nostalgia and the lasting impact of a chance encounter with a Hollywood icon, showcasing the human side of a celebrated actor.

The Night I Had Dinner With Denzel

It was one of those chance experiences you remember forever

Anyone who knows me at all well will at some time have heard me telling my Denzel Washington dinner date story. It happened over 30 years ago when I was invited, along with twenty or so other journalists, to a big hotel in central London to interview the actor who was promoting his latest film Cry Freedom, (Dir: Richard Attenborough, 1987) in which he played South African activist Steve Biko.

Up until then, his biggest role was as Dr. Philip Chandler in St. Elsewhere, but he was beginning to make a name for himself in film.

I was waiting for my turn to interview him in a state of quiet excitement when Denzel’s publicist came up to me: “Mr. Washington hasn’t eaten for hours and needs to have dinner, but still has interviews to get through. Would you mind doing your interview with him over dinner? UPI will, of course, be paying for your meal.” I stared at the woman as if she’d grown three heads — was this a trick question? Of course, yes, please!

And that was how I ended sitting across a hotel restaurant table with Denzel where between courses we talked about his new film, his career and how it all got started, how life as a Black Briton differed to that of African-Americans, and much else besides.

I stared at the woman as if she’d grown three heads — was this a trick question?

We also talked about what it was like to be parents — I had a baby daughter and he a toddler son and a baby on the way. He was open and happy to share that he missed his family. Yes, he was enjoying the work that was now coming his way, but not the time it took him away from home.

One of the issues he was struggling with, he shared, was an offer he’d just been made to stay on in England and film a post-Falklands war movie For Queen and Country, in which he would play the role of a British soldier. Firstly, it would mean staying away longer from his family, and secondly, would he face criticism as an African-American playing a Black Brit?

Ultimately, he took the part — he wasn’t yet in a position to turn down work. Though he did face criticism, mainly from Black British actors who thought the part should have come to one of them and it wasn’t a box office hit, For Queen and Country (Dir: Martin Stellman, 1988) remains notable as a post-Thatcherite critique of Great Britain, and for having ill-fated Stephen Lawrence as an extra.

What I remember most is how humble Denzel was; how unimpressed he was with Hollywood, fame, and money — except where it could make what he called a ‘difference.’ He was proud that he’d been able to buy his mother a new home, and help causes he believed in.

Yes, he was enjoying the work that was now coming his way, but not the time it took him away from home.

Flash forward to 2017, at the screening of his third directorial offering, the movie Fences, and I got another chance to ask Denzel a question. Now that thirty years have gone by, what is he now most proud of?

Here is his response:

I use affirmations to rise above the fray; get yours here:

Marla Bishop is a writer and relationship coach. She lives in London UK with her husband and youngest two children, plus Ellie the collie cross & Sparkle the goldfish. You can read more of her writings here: Lilith

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