<p>The iconic actor and father of rising star John David Washington turns 68 today. Take a look at his impressive and impactful career here.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Denzel Washington has been one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood since he got his start in the 1980s. Known for his iconic roles in movies such as <em>Remember the Titans</em> and <em>Training Day</em>, Washington is revered in Hollywood as one of the all-time greats. Washington has established himself not only as a film star but as an all-around acting powerhouse (he has both an Academy Award and a Tony). Now, Washington is venturing to the other side of the camera while also supporting <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/john-david-washington-zendaya-malcolm-marie-denzel-movies-age" target="_blank" rel="noopener">family members</a> just entering Hollywood. For the actor's 68th birthday, <em>L'OFFICIEL</em> has put together a list of even more surprising facts about the legendary actor.&nbsp;</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">Washington wanted to be a doctor before getting into acting.&nbsp;</h3>

Getty Images.

<p>Before setting his sights on acting, Washington had dreams of becoming a doctor. Hoping to follow in his father's footsteps, the Oscar winner only changed his career path after randomly taking an acting class in college.&nbsp;</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">Washington got his acting start in the theater.&nbsp;</h3>

<p>While attending Fordham University in New York City, Washington started his career in the theater. Acting in off-broadway productions of classics such as Shakespeare's <i>Coriolanus </i>and<i> Othello.&nbsp;</i><span></span></p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">He met his wife Pauletta on the set of one of his first acting jobs.&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Washington found love on the set of his first on-camera project, <em>Wilma</em>. Denzel and his wife, Pauletta Washington, have been married since 1983 and even had Desmond Tutu officiate their vow renewal in 1995.&nbsp;</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">His kids have also caught the acting bug.&nbsp;</h3>

<p>You've probably seen the actor's son, rising star <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/john-david-washington-zendaya-malcolm-marie-denzel-movies-age" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John David Washington</a>, in some of the biggest blockbusters as of late. From <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/amsterdam-premiere-red-carpet-fashion-style-margot-robbie-rami-malek" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Amsterdam</em></a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<em>BlacKkKlansman,&nbsp;</em>John David is high on Hollywood's radar. Denzel's youngest daughter, Olivia Washington, has also gone into the family business, taking on a small role in Lee Daniel's film <em>The Butler</em>, while his oldest daughter Katia Washington has found success behind the camera as a producer.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;">In 2022, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.&nbsp;</h3>

<p>In the summer of 2022, the White House announced that Washington would be one of this year's recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Washington is being honored for portraying American revolutionaries such as Malcolm X and boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter.&nbsp;</p>

5 Things to Know About Denzel Washington

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