Actor
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington was born on December 28, 1954 in Mount Vernon, New York. He became a series regular on 'St. Elsewhere' the year he turned 24, and won a NAACP Image Award for 'A Soldier's Play' the year he turned 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).
Denzel Washington is 71 years old in 2026 and turns 72 on December 28, 2026. Denzel Washington's age in every year ↓
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: he became a series regular on 'St. Elsewhere' the year he turned 24. 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.
Read more
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 turned 24 in 1978, the year he became a series regular on 'St. Elsewhere'. 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 turned 30 in 1984, the year he won a NAACP Image Award for 'A Soldier's Play'. 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 turned 35 in 1989, the year he won the Academy Award for 'Glory'. 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 turned 38 in 1992, the year he starred in 'Malcolm X'. 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 turned 39 in 1993, the year he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'Glory'. 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 turned 45 in 1999, the year he starred in 'The Hurricane'. 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 turned 48 in 2002, the year he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for 'Training Day'. 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 turned 50 in 2004, the year he directed 'Antwone Fisher'. 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 turned 50 in 2004, the year he starred in 'Man on Fire'. 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 turned 53 in 2007, the year he starred in 'American Gangster'. 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 turned 58 in 2012, the year he starred in 'Flight'. 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 turned 63 in 2017, the year he starred in 'Fences'. 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 turned 69 in 2023, the year he starred in 'The Equalizer 3'. 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 turned 70 in 2024, the year he starred in 'Gladiator II'. Are you older than Denzel was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by year
How old was Denzel Washington in each year?
- 2026
- Denzel Washington is 71 years old in 2026 and turns 72 on December 28, 2026.
- 1978
- Denzel Washington was 23 at the start of 1978 and turned 24 on December 28, 1978. That year, he became a series regular on 'St. Elsewhere'.
- 1984
- Denzel Washington was 29 at the start of 1984 and turned 30 on December 28, 1984. That year, he won a NAACP Image Award for 'A Soldier's Play'.
- 1989
- Denzel Washington was 34 at the start of 1989 and turned 35 on December 28, 1989. That year, he won the Academy Award for 'Glory'.
- 1992
- Denzel Washington was 37 at the start of 1992 and turned 38 on December 28, 1992. That year, he starred in 'Malcolm X'.
- 1993
- Denzel Washington was 38 at the start of 1993 and turned 39 on December 28, 1993. That year, he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'Glory'.
- 1999
- Denzel Washington was 44 at the start of 1999 and turned 45 on December 28, 1999. That year, he starred in 'The Hurricane'.
- 2002
- Denzel Washington was 47 at the start of 2002 and turned 48 on December 28, 2002. That year, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for 'Training Day'.
- 2004
- Denzel Washington was 49 at the start of 2004 and turned 50 on December 28, 2004. That year, he directed 'Antwone Fisher'.
- 2007
- Denzel Washington was 52 at the start of 2007 and turned 53 on December 28, 2007. That year, he starred in 'American Gangster'.
- 2012
- Denzel Washington was 57 at the start of 2012 and turned 58 on December 28, 2012. That year, he starred in 'Flight'.
Denzel Washington's age in every year
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