‘From Hell to Hallelujah’: Denzel Washington Reflects on Faith Journey
By Movieguide® Contributor
Academy Award winner Denzel Washington said his time on the set of FENCES reminded him of the “spiritual journey” he is on.
When asked by Movieguide® if FENCES reminds him of his father’s faith, Washington replied, “Well, it’s a spiritual journey that even Troy takes. He just doesn’t know it. I call it from hell to hallelujah. Because early on he just ‘oh hell this and hell that,’ but one of the last things he says is ‘Hallelujah!'”
The actor prioritizes faith in all areas of his life, including marriage.
“By the grace of God,” Washington said when asked how he and his wife Pauletta have survived marriage in the spotlight. “Really, I’m not taking credit,” he replied. “And a great wife. A strong, strong, strong (woman) … she has done the heavy lifting. She has been the consistent one. She has given daily religious instruction. She makes breakfast, she took them to school. I was out killing the lion, bringing home the meat, you know, providing.”
He previously opened up about the “supernatural” moment when he encountered God.
“I was filled with the Holy Ghost, and it scared me. I said, ‘Wait a minute, I didn’t want to go this deep, I want to party,’” Washington said.
“I went to church with Robert Townsend, and when it came time to come down to the altar, I said, ‘You know this time, I’m just going to go down there and give it up and see what happens,’” he continued. “I went in the prayer room and gave it up and let go and experienced something I’ve never experienced in my life.”
Since that experience, he’s also brought his faith into his acting career.
“Through my work I have spoken to millions of people,” he said. “In 2015, I said I’m no longer just going to speak through my work. I’m going to make a conscious effort to get up and speak about what God has done for me.”
Movieguide® previously reported on Washington:
Denzel Washington continues to spread his Christian faith as he discusses his acting career and the hand God has had in it.
While appearing on DESUS & MERO, Washington said that “by the grace of God,” he was “given the natural ability to act.”
Even though the actor has an undeniable natural talent for acting, he emphasized that he still works very hard to be the best he can be.
“That’s why I did [study],” he continued. “And it paid off.”
Washington also talked about the importance of humility while working in Hollywood.
“One of the most important lessons in life that you should know is to remember to have an attitude of gratitude, of humility, understand where the gift comes from,” he said.
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