Denzel Washington Shares Family Life and the Challenges of an Empty Nest
On a bustling talk show set, the host enthusiastically welcomed the one and only Denzel Washington, much to the delight of the cheering audience. Amidst the excitement, Washington stepped onto the stage, his charm and charisma captivating everyone from the start.
Washington, known for his incredible range and powerful performances, sat down for a candid conversation. The host opened with light-hearted banter, joking about the pair being “eye candy” for the audience, setting the tone for what would be a warm and intimate chat.
Family Vacations Across Europe
Washington revealed that he had recently returned to Europe, mixing business with pleasure. After spending three weeks vacationing with his family across France, Italy, Spain, and Prague, he was back on the promotional circuit for his latest movie. The conversation turned toward his love of European travel, a tradition the Washington family has upheld for nearly two decades.
“We try to teach the kids something new every year, taking them to different cities around the world,” Washington shared. “They’ve been to London, Paris, Prague, Stockholm—so many places.” He spoke with pride about his now-adult children, most of whom are already leaving the nest.
A Sporting Family Legacy
The host asked Washington about his children’s current endeavors. His eldest son has pursued a career in professional American football, while his younger son has excelled in basketball, even winning a California state championship. “They get it from me,” Washington laughed, reminiscing about his own college days playing both basketball and football.
Living vicariously through his children’s athletic success, Washington admitted he once dreamt of going pro himself. “But it worked out all right,” he added, flashing his signature smile.
His Daughter Follows in His Acting Footsteps
The proud father also talked about his daughter, one of his twins, who is pursuing a career in acting. “She’s studying theater at university now,” Washington said. It’s clear that the Washington family talent extends beyond just sports.
However, with his youngest children soon heading off to college, Washington is facing the reality of an empty house. The actor shared a humorous story about his wife, who felt so uneasy being home alone during one of his trips that she ended up sleeping in the car. “She freaked out! The house was too quiet, making all kinds of noises. She was driving around in the driveway just to feel better!” Washington chuckled.
Coping with the Empty Nest Syndrome
While Washington is often away for work, his wife’s strong bond with their children has made the impending empty nest a tough transition for her. “She’s been with them for 25 years, raising them, nurturing them,” Washington said. The host, also a parent, related to the anxiety that comes with children leaving home.
When asked if Washington would consider having more kids, the actor diplomatically passed the question to his wife. “That’s a question for her,” he joked.
A Strong Partnership
Washington took a moment to appreciate his wife, whom he described as being “in front” of him rather than behind, as the saying goes. “She’s an incredible cook. I remember she wanted to hire a chef, and I told her, ‘For who? You’re the best chef I know!’” he said proudly.
Their strong partnership and mutual respect are evident, with Washington often referring to his wife’s role in their family as a crucial part of his own success. “Behind every great man is an even greater woman,” he said, emphasizing her influence in his life.
Back to the Big Screen
Shifting gears, the host dove into Washington’s latest movie, where he stars alongside John Travolta. Washington mentioned that it was he who suggested Travolta for the role, and the pair had fantastic on-screen chemistry. They filmed many of their scenes separately, with Washington shooting live on camera while Travolta recorded his voiceover lines in his dressing room.
The film is a remake, but Washington noted that it’s quite different from the original. “It’s an entirely new film, though the core of the story remains the same,” he said. In the movie, Washington plays an overweight character, for which he gained 40 pounds, much to the host’s amusement.
The Fun of Gaining Weight
Gaining the weight, Washington joked, was the most enjoyable part of the role. “I was having milkshakes, burgers, anything I wanted,” he laughed. But he also admitted that carrying around the extra bulk wasn’t easy. “It was like wearing an extra 40 pounds all day. I had to wear bigger clothes, of course.”
The host, always the entertainer, couldn’t resist making a few more jokes about gaining weight, saying he sometimes felt sweat gathering under his folds and joking about wearing a poncho to stay cool. Washington took it all in stride, laughing along and adding his own witty comments.
The Challenge of Being the “Ordinary Guy”
Washington’s role in this film is somewhat different from his usual action-hero roles. This time, he plays an ordinary man thrust into an extraordinary situation. “He’s an everyday guy caught in a pickle,” Washington explained. The movie revolves around a hostage situation, with Washington’s character trying to redeem himself through the challenges he faces.
Washington’s admiration for Travolta shone through as he described their on-screen dynamic. “John is such a great bad guy because he’s actually a really good guy. Even when he’s being evil, you kind of like him,” he said, reflecting on their scenes together.
A Meaningful Perspective
Toward the end of the interview, the host touched on Washington’s broader outlook on life. Though he avoids getting too political, Washington spoke about his commitment to making a positive difference. “You can’t take it with you,” he said, emphasizing the importance of giving back. “Whether it’s money, talent, patience, or love—whatever your gift is, you can’t take it with you. So, who have you lifted up? Who have you helped?”
This simple yet profound philosophy encapsulates Washington’s approach to both his personal life and career. Whether he’s lifting up his family, his fellow actors, or those in need, Denzel Washington continues to inspire with both his talent and his humanity.
