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How John David Washington Found His Own Career and Faith Separate From Father Denzel Washington
By Movieguide® Contributor
John David Washington might come from Hollywood royalty, but has learned to make his own way in the entertainment business while embracing his roots.
“I don’t even know if [people] see me as John David yet. I’m still ‘Denzel’s son.’ I’m always his son. So, it’s like, the day that they start seeing just me is the day that I can maybe better answer that question about celebrity. ’Cause I’m still not out of his shadow,” Washington said, the eldest of four children.
The 38-year-old spoke of the challenges of coming from a famous family even when pursuing a career in professional football before he worked on his acting career.
“I literally had situations where [people] think I don’t need my scholarship because I’m Denzel’s son. Well, I feel like I earned the scholarship. I worked hard, I broke my ribs, I got concussions. I worked for that contract, even though I sat on the bench,” Washington said.
The actor was determined to succeed on his own merit and has made a name for himself appearing in the HBO series BALLERS and sci-fi thriller TENET. He will also be making his Broadway debut in August Wilson’s THE PIANO LESSON, and will be working with his father who is producing the movie version of the play.
Despite carving out his own way in the entertainment industry, he still shows admiration for both his parents.
Movieguide® previously reported:
“Pauletta Washington gives me inspiration,” John David said. “That’s my mother, the most consistent person in my life.” As for his Oscar-winning father, he had some special words for him, too.
“I think the best actor in the industry, in the business, is my father,” he said.
“I’m inspired by the kind of career he’s had and what he’s had to do. Again, he’s been on the frontline for many years, and what he’s done with it, with his opportunities, I just am so inspired and continue to be inspired by what he does and how he works and his approach to the craft and the business.”
The actor shared some words of wisdom that his father passed down to him about the value of a strong work ethic.
“It doesn’t even guarantee you will make it, but if you don’t, you can almost guarantee that you won’t,” the younger Washington recalled.
Denzel, who is known for speaking out about his Christian faith, has passed that along to his son as well. John shared with Rolling Stone having a crisis of faith after his football career faltered, and coming back to God.
“I told God, ‘I’ll never leave you again. That’s my bad, man. I’ll never leave you again.’ ” he said.
John spoke about maturing in his faith: “If I believe in what I do, which is God, and that I’m serving a bigger purpose, and I want Him to move me and make my decisions, that means I can’t panic. I have to exemplify that faith by not panicking in my decisions with my significant other or a role that I think is going to change my career.”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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