Need some good information fast on African American history? We've got what you're looking for with our selection of more than 300 reference articles. Article provided by: Encyclopaedia Britannica Denzel Washington (Born 1954) The award-winning U.S. actor Denzel Washington was noted for his powerful performances, particularly his portrayals of eminent African Americans. Washington was born in Mount Vernon, N.Y. After graduating from Fordham University in New York City in 1977, he appeared in a number of theatrical productions, including When the Chicken Comes Home to Roost; A Soldier's Story, for which he won an Obie award; and Ceremonies in Dark Old Men. He starred in the television series St. Elsewhere (1982–88) and was featured in such made-for-television dramas as Wilma (1977), Flesh and Blood (1979), and The George McKenna Story (1986). Washington made his feature-film debut in Carbon Copy (1981). His subsequent movies include Cry Freedom (1987), for which he was nominated for an Academy award for best supporting actor; The Mighty Quinn (1989); Glory (1989), for which he received an Academy award for best supporting actor; Mo' Better Blues (1990); Mississippi Masala (1991); Malcolm X (1992), for which he was nominated for an Academy award for best actor; Much Ado About Nothing (1993); Crimson Tide (1995); He Got Game (1998); and The Hurricane (1999), for which he was again nominated for an Academy award for best actor. Copyright © 2002 Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.