Denzel Washington, the Oscar-winning actor known for iconic roles in films such as *Training Day* and *Gladiator II*,
is sharing a deeply personal experience following a recent accident that nearly caused him to bite off his tongue.
The incident, which Washington credits to divine intervention, has also led the actor to reflect on his faith and its profound impact on both his life and career.
The 70-year-old actor is currently preparing for his Broadway debut in the role of Othello, starring opposite Jake Gyllenhaal.
However, Washington’s preparations have been challenging due to the lingering effects of the injury.
In a recent interview with *The New York Times*, he revealed that the accident left his tongue swollen, making it difficult for him to enunciate some of his lines.
Washington explained that a particular line from *Othello*, “Whither will you that I go to answer this your charge?” has become especially challenging to deliver, due to his swollen tongue. “It’s hard because my tongue is swollen,” he admitted. “It has affected everything,” he added, speaking candidly about the physical struggles he has faced while preparing for the demanding role.
Despite the inconvenience and discomfort, Washington sees this injury as a moment of reflection on his relationship with God. “That’s why you pray every day,” he said, emphasizing the importance of his faith in navigating difficult situations. “I’m like, ‘OK, Lord, I’m here, I think this is what you wanted me to do.’” Washington believes that the accident could have been much worse, but his faith has provided him with a sense of peace and perspective during this challenging time.
Washington’s faith has been an integral part of his life, and the actor has spoken about his belief in God on multiple occasions. He sees his acting career and public persona as part of a larger purpose, especially now that he has recently reconnected with his religious roots. In fact, Washington got baptized just last year, shortly before his 70th birthday, as a testament to his renewed commitment to his faith.
During the baptism, which was attended by his wife of over four decades, Pauletta Washington, the actor shared a powerful message about his spiritual journey. “It took a while, but I’m finally here. If [God] can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you – the sky literally is the limit,” Washington said, reflecting on the transformative power of his faith.
The actor also spoke about a prophetic moment from his youth that he believes set him on the path to both his successful acting career and his spiritual journey. Washington recalled an encounter in 1975 when he was struggling after flunking out of college. While sitting in his mother’s beauty shop, a woman approached him and shared a prophecy about his life, though it did not specifically mention acting. “She didn’t say anything about me being an actor, but I have traveled the world, and I am speaking more and more,” Washington said, connecting this experience to the prophetic words that have resonated throughout his life.
In addition to his personal reflections, Washington shared his thoughts on his current work. As he prepares for *Othello* on Broadway, the actor has been reflecting on the universal themes within the play, such as jealousy, envy, pain, and death. He noted how these themes take on new significance in the digital age, where the constant flow of information has amplified these emotions in modern life. “It depends upon what they bring to it,” Washington said, speaking about how audiences interpret his work. “There’s some interesting themes in *Othello* of jealousy and envy and pain and death,” he added.
Washington’s perspective on his work has shifted over the years. “At this point, everything I’m doing is through the lens of what God thinks, not what they think,” he explained. “I don’t know what they think… When people ask, ‘What do you want people to get from this movie?’ or ‘What do you want them to get from this play?’ I always say, ‘It depends upon what they bring to it.’”
As Washington continues to navigate his Broadway role and his evolving career, his renewed commitment to faith provides him with a strong foundation for both his personal and professional life. His reflections on the recent accident, combined with his ongoing spiritual journey, show how deeply his relationship with God shapes every aspect of his life. For Washington, faith is not just a private matter; it is the lens through which he views his work, his relationships, and his purpose.
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