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On December 28th, actor and director Denzel Washington turned 70. "Happy Birthday!"

Denzel Washington may turn 70 today, December 28, but you wouldn’t guess it by looking at him. The Hollywood legend is still a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the silver screen. And true to his unique spirit, this milestone birthday comes with more than just cake and candles—Denzel has fulfilled a lifelong wish that reflects his profoundly personal journey.

Born in Mount Vernon, New York, in 1954, Washington's life could have taken a very different path. After his parents separated when he was 14, his mother sent him to a private school in New Windsor, a decision Denzel credits with keeping him out of trouble. "All of my friends went down the wrong path," he has often said. Her intervention led him toward a brighter future—and the rest, as they say, is history.

Denzel dabbled in biology and political science in college before embracing his passion for acting. After earning a bachelor’s degree in acting and journalism in New York, he trained at the prestigious American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. When he landed his first movie role in Christmas Vacation at 27, he made waves on stage. His breakout came in the TV series St. Elsewhere, and his 1989 Oscar win for Glory cemented his place in Hollywood. The accolades grew, with nominations for Malcolm X and The Hurricane and a second Oscar for Training Day in 2001.

From thrillers like The Bone Collector to the time-twisting Déjà Vu, Washington has captivated audiences for decades. He’s also stepped behind the camera, directing films such as Antwone Fisher (2002) and Fences (2016), proving his talent isn’t confined to acting. As if that weren’t enough, he’s been a model husband to Pauletta Pearson since 1983. The couple renewed their vows in 1995 in a ceremony officiated by Archbishop Desmond Tutu—because when you’re Denzel, even your romance is Oscar-worthy.

In 2022, President Joe Biden honored Denzel with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to American society, a fitting recognition for a man whose work has inspired millions. But it’s not all glitz and glamour for Washington. Just days before his 70th birthday, he fulfilled a deeply personal ambition: he was baptized at Kelly Temple in Harlem, a moment streamed live on Facebook. A minister’s license was also part of the package, a nod to his long-standing desire to preach. “I’ll be 70 in a week,” he said during the ceremony. “It took a while, but now I’m here.”

Washington’s spiritual journey has always been intertwined with his career. As a young man, he considered becoming a priest, and even as he conquered Hollywood, his faith remained a guiding force. Now, with his baptism, it seems he has come full circle.

Meanwhile, fans can catch Washington in Gladiator 2, proving that age is just a number for this indomitable talent. As he celebrates his 70th birthday, Denzel Washington is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of staying true to oneself. Here’s to many more iconic performances—and perhaps a sermon or two—from a man who’s not just a legend but also a living inspiration.