Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington, born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York, is one of Hollywood's most respected and versatile actors. Known for his powerful performances and commanding presence, Washington has built a career that spans over four decades, earning numerous awards, including two Academy Awards. He is also recognized for his work as a director and producer, as well as his philanthropic efforts. Here are 15 fun facts that you might not know about Denzel Washington. Enjoy these fun facts as we explore the life of a true Hollywood legend.
Denzel Washington
1

 Denzel Washington has won two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for 'Glory' (1989) and Best Actor for 'Training Day' (2001).

2

 He was named after his father, Denzel Hayes Washington Sr., who was named after the doctor who delivered him.

3

 Washington initially considered a career in journalism and earned a degree in Drama and Journalism from Fordham University.

4

 He made his film debut in the 1981 film 'Carbon Copy'.

5

 Denzel Washington is known for his intense preparation for roles, including spending time with real-life counterparts of the characters he portrays.

6

 He turned down the role of Detective David Mills in 'Se7en', which eventually went to Brad Pitt.

7

 Washington directed and starred in the film 'Fences' (2016), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for Viola Davis.

8

 He is a devout Christian and has often spoken about the importance of faith in his life and career.

9

 Denzel Washington was the second African American actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, after Sidney Poitier.

10

 He has appeared in multiple films directed by Spike Lee, including 'Malcolm X' and 'Inside Man'.

11

 Washington is known for his generosity and has made significant donations to organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Wiley College.

12

 He was offered the role of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the film 'Selma', but turned it down, believing the role should be played by a younger actor.

13

 Denzel Washington has been married to his wife, Pauletta, since 1983, and they have four children together.

14

 He received the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement at the 2016 Golden Globe Awards.

15

 Washington has said that one of his favorite films that he starred in is 'Man on Fire' (2004), where he plays a former CIA operative turned bodyguard.

The Wolf of Wall Street

The Wolf of Wall Street, directed by Martin Scorsese and released in 2013, is a biographical crime film based on the life of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engaged in rampant corruption and fraud on Wall Street. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort, the film is known for its wild depiction of excess, greed, and the darker side of the American Dream. The movie's high-energy performances, sharp humor, and controversial subject matter made it a major success. Here are 15 fun facts about the movie 'The Wolf of Wall Street.' These fun facts provide a deeper insight into the making of this bold and audacious film.
The Wolf of Wall Street
1

Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese had been trying to make 'The Wolf of Wall Street' for several years, but the project faced numerous delays before finally being greenlit.

2

The film set a record for the most uses of the F-word in a mainstream non-documentary film, with the word being used 569 times, averaging nearly three times per minute.

3

Jonah Hill took a significant pay cut to work on the film, earning only $60,000, which was the minimum SAG rate, because he wanted to work with Scorsese and DiCaprio.

4

Matthew McConaughey's chest-thumping scene was improvised and was actually part of his warm-up routine before shooting. Leonardo DiCaprio liked it so much that he suggested including it in the film.

5

The actors snorted crushed B vitamins to simulate cocaine use in the film. Jonah Hill later revealed that he developed bronchitis from inhaling so much of the powder during filming.

6

Margot Robbie, who played Naomi Lapaglia, was relatively unknown at the time of casting. She became a breakout star due to her performance in The Wolf of Wall Street.

7

Jordan Belfort, the real-life inspiration for DiCaprio's character, makes a cameo in the film as the man who introduces DiCaprio's version of himself at the end.

8

To capture the wild party atmosphere, the production team hired real-life partygoers as extras and encouraged them to behave as they normally would at a wild event.

9

The film's infamous scene of DiCaprio crawling to his car while high on Quaaludes was inspired by a real-life incident Belfort recounted in his memoir. DiCaprio studied videos of people on Quaaludes to perfect the scene.

10

The yacht sinking scene was based on an actual event where Jordan Belfort's yacht sank off the coast of Sardinia. The real Belfort recounted the story to DiCaprio, who insisted it be included in the film.

11

Leonardo DiCaprio described his role as Jordan Belfort as the most fun he ever had playing a character, due to the outrageous nature of the scenes and the freedom Scorsese allowed him on set.

12

Jonah Hill wore a set of fake teeth to portray Donnie Azoff, which altered his speech and helped him get into character.

13

The Wolf of Wall Street was banned in several countries, including Malaysia, Nepal, and Kenya, due to its explicit content, language, and depiction of drug use and sexual activity.

14

The film's marketing campaign included a viral online campaign that allowed fans to create their own Wolf of Wall Street memes using dialogue and scenes from the movie.

15

Despite its three-hour runtime, 'The Wolf of Wall Street' was a commercial success, grossing over $392 million worldwide and becoming one of Scorsese's highest-grossing films.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts, born on October 28, 1967, in Smyrna, Georgia, is one of Hollywood's most beloved and successful actresses. Known for her radiant smile and magnetic screen presence, Roberts has captivated audiences in a wide range of films, from romantic comedies to intense dramas. She became a global superstar with her role in 'Pretty Woman' and has since earned numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Actress. Here are 15 fun facts that you might not know about Julia Roberts. These fun facts provide a deeper insight into the life of a true Hollywood icon.
Julia Roberts
1

Julia Roberts initially wanted to be a veterinarian, but after graduating from high school, she moved to New York City to pursue acting.

2

She made her film debut in the 1988 movie 'Mystic Pizza,' where she played a young waitress, a role that helped launch her career.

3

Roberts became a household name with her role as Vivian Ward in 'Pretty Woman' (1990), a performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination.

4

She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich in the 2000 film of the same name, a role that also earned her a Golden Globe Award.

5

Roberts is known for her distinctive laugh, which has become one of her trademarks in many of her films.

6

She was the first actress to command a $20 million salary for a single film, earning the sum for her role in 'Erin Brockovich.'

7

Roberts has three children with her husband, cinematographer Daniel Moder, whom she married in 2002.

8

She has worked with some of the most respected directors in Hollywood, including Steven Soderbergh, Garry Marshall, and Mike Nichols.

9

Roberts has been named People's 'World's Most Beautiful Woman' a record five times, reflecting her enduring appeal and charisma.

10

She is a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various causes such as UNICEF, and has also served as a spokeswoman for Earth Biofuels.

11

Roberts starred in the 1997 romantic comedy 'My Best Friend's Wedding,' which became one of the highest-grossing films of the year.

12

She has a passion for knitting and has been known to knit on movie sets between takes.

13

Roberts' niece, Emma Roberts, is also a successful actress, and the two have a close relationship both personally and professionally.

14

She voiced the character of Charlotte in the animated film 'Charlotte's Web' (2006), showcasing her versatility as an actress.

15

Julia Roberts was honored with the American Cinematheque Award in 2007 for her contributions to the film industry.