John David, son of The New York Times’ Greatest Actor of the 21st Century, Denzel Washington, is very close with both of his parents.
Despite spending his youth longing to get out of the shadow of his famous father, John David has since accepted the acclaim. In fact, when asked if his name could ever outshadow his father’s John David has said, “I don’t see it as a reality for me. He’s larger than life. So no, I don’t think of it that way. I can’t.”
Even though acting was his true passion, John David spent time in the NFL, trying to avoid being known as only “Denzel’s son”. Even so, he found the famous name hard to outrun.
“I could have the best game, career – the headline is always going to be what it is,” he said. “So, to try to prove something to somebody is a fool’s errand.”
Even so, John David and Denzel are an incredibly close pair, often photographed in public together or complimenting each other to the press. John David has said:
“I think the best actor in the industry, in the business, is my father,” he says. “I’m inspired by the kind of career he’s had and what he’s had to do. Again, he’s been on the frontline for many years and what he’s done with it, with his opportunities, I just am so inspired and continue to be inspired by what he does and how he works and his approach to the craft and the business.”
“That’s my son, I love my boy and I’m just happy he’s his own man, he’s independent,” the two-time Oscar winner said. “He’s really good at what he does, and the fact that he’s been fighting to make his own mark, he didn’t want any help from me, I didn’t help him get onto Ballers or anything like that.”
Sources:
John David Washington Reveals How He Is ‘Inspired’ by His Parents Denzel and Pauletta (people.com)
Denzel Washington tears up over praise from son John David (today.com)
