Is there anyone on the planet who dislikes Denzel Washington? I don’t think there is.
If you needed another reason to like him, you’ll find it here.
Back in 2007, Glen Powell appeared in Washington’s drama The Great Debaters, which Washington directed. The film’s synopsis describes it as a story about a professor who motivates his students to form the college’s first-ever debate team, with Powell being one of the students.
At the Los Angeles premiere of the film, Powell recalls in an interview with Sharp that none of the reporters were interested in speaking to him, until Washington’s publicist persuaded one camera crew to interview him.
But what happened that night significantly influenced the 35-year-old’s future.
Discussing his career’s recent growth, Powell told the magazine: “I’ve been doing this a long time, and this is the first time where I can definitely feel a shift.
“I got to have a really amazing year where I promoted Anyone But You and Hit Man and Twisters, three movies I’m incredibly proud of, and I feel really grateful for this moment. But right now, I’m just excited to get back into acting, which is where I feel the most like myself.”
Although he has not yet been nominated for any major awards, Powell is certainly thriving, and an Oscar nomination might not be far off—especially if his performance in Twisters (2024), where he stars as tornado-hunter Tyler, is any indication.
All thanks to Washington, who helped guide him in the right direction.
Earlier in the evening back in 2007, Washington introduced the then 19-year-old Powell to talent agent Ed Limato.
Both Washington and Limato sat Powell down and advised him to make the decision to quit school and life in Austin, Texas, and move to Hollywood.
And that’s exactly what he did.
Reflecting on it, Powell said: “It’s just a miracle. Any time you can pay the bills and survive on acting, it’s a miracle. I am hyper aware of that.
“You never forget how people treated you. It’s why I feel this insane sense of gratitude right now. I don’t take any of this for granted — at all.”
So, is the actor we see on our screens today due to Washington’s influence, or would he have achieved success on his own?
It’s hard to say, but together, they certainly make a pretty cool duo.