Actor
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington was born on December 28, 1954 in Mount Vernon, New York. He became a series regular on 'St. Elsewhere' at age 24 and won a NAACP Image Award for 'A Soldier's Play' at 30.
Denzel Washington was born in 1954 and is currently 71 years old. Anyone born before 1954 is older than Denzel.
Denzel Washington is 71 years old in 2026, born on December 28, 1954 in Mount Vernon, New York (Capricorn).
Born
December 28, 1954
World pop. at birth
~2.7B
Denzel's age
71
Your age
20
Are you older than Denzel Washington?
No — Denzel Washington was born in 1954. You were born in 2006, making you 52 years younger.
At your age (20), Denzel hadn't yet reached his first major milestone. Denzel was 24 when he became a series regular on 'St. Elsewhere' — that's 4 years from now for you.
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Denzel's Life Timeline
Denzel Washington was born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York. He grew up in a family that valued education and hard work, which influenced his pursuit of acting. Washington attended Fordham University, where he earned a degree in Drama and Journalism, laying the groundwork for his future career in film and theater.
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Denzel Washington was 29 years old when he gained recognition for his role in the television film 'Wilma' in 1977. He became a household name with his performance in the medical drama 'St. Elsewhere' from 1982 to 1988. His film career took off in the 1990s with notable performances in 'Malcolm X' (1992) and 'The Hurricane' (1999), earning him critical acclaim and several award nominations. Washington won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'Glory' in 1990 and his second Oscar for Best Actor in 'Training Day' in 2002, solidifying his status as one of the leading actors of his generation.
In later life, Washington has continued to take on diverse roles in both film and theater, including directing and producing projects. He is known for his commitment to social issues and mentorship of young actors. Denzel Washington's legacy is marked by his contributions to the film industry and his influence on aspiring artists, making him a respected figure in Hollywood and beyond.
Became a series regular on 'St. Elsewhere'
Denzel Washington was 24 years old when he became a series regular on the acclaimed medical drama 'St. Elsewhere'. This role significantly raised his profile and showcased his acting talent to a wider audience.
Denzel Washington was 24 years old when he became a series regular on 'St. Elsewhere' in 1978. Are you older than Denzel was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Won a NAACP Image Award for 'A Soldier's Play'
Denzel Washington was 30 years old when he won a NAACP Image Award for his performance in the Broadway play 'A Soldier's Play'. This recognition highlighted his skills in theater and marked an important milestone in his early career.
Denzel Washington was 30 years old when he won a NAACP Image Award for 'A Soldier's Play' in 1984. Are you older than Denzel was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Won the Academy Award for 'Glory'
Denzel Washington was 35 years old when he starred in the Civil War film 'Glory' and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his powerful portrayal of Private Trip.
Denzel Washington was 35 years old when he won the Academy Award for 'Glory' in 1989. Are you older than Denzel was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'Malcolm X'
Denzel Washington was 38 years old when he starred in 'Malcolm X', directed by Spike Lee. His portrayal of the civil rights leader earned him an Academy Award nomination and is considered one of his defining roles.
Denzel Washington was 38 years old when he starred in 'Malcolm X' in 1992. Are you older than Denzel was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'Glory'
Denzel Washington was 39 years old when he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Glory'. This win marked his first Oscar and established him as a leading actor in Hollywood.
Denzel Washington was 39 years old when he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'Glory' in 1993. Are you older than Denzel was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'The Hurricane'
Denzel Washington was 45 years old when he starred in 'The Hurricane,' portraying wrongfully imprisoned boxer Rubin Carter. His performance earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Oscar nomination.
Denzel Washington was 45 years old when he starred in 'The Hurricane' in 1999. Are you older than Denzel was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Won the Academy Award for Best Actor for 'Training Day'
Denzel Washington was 48 years old when he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in 'Training Day'. This achievement made him the second African American actor to win this prestigious award.
Denzel Washington was 48 years old when he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for 'Training Day' in 2002. Are you older than Denzel was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Directed 'Antwone Fisher'
Denzel Washington was 50 years old when he made his directorial debut with 'Antwone Fisher'. This film showcased his talents behind the camera and further expanded his contributions to the film industry.
Denzel Washington was 50 years old when he directed 'Antwone Fisher' in 2004. Are you older than Denzel was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'Man on Fire'
Denzel Washington was 50 years old when he starred in 'Man on Fire,' an action thriller directed by Tony Scott. The film was a box office success and showcased his intensity as a performer.
Denzel Washington was 50 years old when he starred in 'Man on Fire' in 2004. Are you older than Denzel was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'American Gangster'
Denzel Washington was 53 years old when he starred in 'American Gangster,' portraying drug lord Frank Lucas opposite Russell Crowe. The film was both a critical and commercial success.
Denzel Washington was 53 years old when he starred in 'American Gangster' in 2007. Are you older than Denzel was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'Flight'
Denzel Washington was 58 years old when he starred in 'Flight,' a drama directed by Robert Zemeckis. His performance as an airline pilot with a substance abuse problem earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Denzel Washington was 58 years old when he starred in 'Flight' in 2012. Are you older than Denzel was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'Fences'
Denzel Washington was 63 years old when he starred in 'Fences', a film adaptation of August Wilson's play. His performance earned him critical acclaim and another Academy Award nomination, reinforcing his legacy as a leading actor.
Denzel Washington was 63 years old when he starred in 'Fences' in 2017. Are you older than Denzel was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'The Equalizer 3'
Denzel Washington was 69 years old when he starred in 'The Equalizer 3,' the final installment of the action thriller franchise set in Southern Italy.
Denzel Washington was 69 years old when he starred in 'The Equalizer 3' in 2023. Are you older than Denzel was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'Gladiator II'
Denzel Washington was 70 years old when he starred in 'Gladiator II,' directed by Ridley Scott. His commanding performance as Macrinus was widely praised by critics.
Denzel Washington was 70 years old when he starred in 'Gladiator II' in 2024. Are you older than Denzel was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by Year
| Year | Age | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1954 | 0 | |
| 1955 | 1 | |
| 1956 | 2 | |
| 1957 | 3 | |
| 1958 | 4 | |
| 1959 | 5 | |
| 1960 | 6 | |
| 1961 | 7 | |
| 1962 | 8 | |
| 1963 | 9 | |
| 1964 | 10 | |
| 1965 | 11 | |
| 1966 | 12 | |
| 1967 | 13 | |
| 1968 | 14 | |
| 1969 | 15 | |
| 1970 | 16 | |
| 1971 | 17 | |
| 1972 | 18 | |
| 1973 | 19 | |
| 1974 | 20 | |
| 1975 | 21 | |
| 1976 | 22 | |
| 1977 | 23 | |
| 1978 | 24 | became a series regular on 'St. Elsewhere' |
| 1979 | 25 | |
| 1980 | 26 | |
| 1981 | 27 | |
| 1982 | 28 | |
| 1983 | 29 | |
| 1984 | 30 | won a NAACP Image Award for 'A Soldier's Play' |
| 1985 | 31 | |
| 1986 | 32 | |
| 1987 | 33 | |
| 1988 | 34 | |
| 1989 | 35 | won the Academy Award for 'Glory' |
| 1990 | 36 | |
| 1991 | 37 | |
| 1992 | 38 | starred in 'Malcolm X' |
| 1993 | 39 | won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'Glory' |
| 1994 | 40 | |
| 1995 | 41 | |
| 1996 | 42 | |
| 1997 | 43 | |
| 1998 | 44 | |
| 1999 | 45 | starred in 'The Hurricane' |
| 2000 | 46 | |
| 2001 | 47 | |
| 2002 | 48 | won the Academy Award for Best Actor for 'Training Day' |
| 2003 | 49 | |
| 2004 | 50 | directed 'Antwone Fisher' |
| 2005 | 51 | |
| 2006 | 52 | |
| 2007 | 53 | starred in 'American Gangster' |
| 2008 | 54 | |
| 2009 | 55 | |
| 2010 | 56 | |
| 2011 | 57 | |
| 2012 | 58 | starred in 'Flight' |
| 2013 | 59 | |
| 2014 | 60 | |
| 2015 | 61 | |
| 2016 | 62 | |
| 2017 | 63 | starred in 'Fences' |
| 2018 | 64 | |
| 2019 | 65 | |
| 2020 | 66 | |
| 2021 | 67 | |
| 2022 | 68 | |
| 2023 | 69 | starred in 'The Equalizer 3' |
| 2024 | 70 | starred in 'Gladiator II' |
| 2025 | 71 | |
| 2026 | 72 |
