Archive · 4 Sep 2025
Denzel Washington Reveals Correct Name Pronunciation
Denzel Washington, the famous actor, revealed on a TV show that many people have been saying his name wrong.
His mom came up with the new way to say his name to make sure people knew which Denzel they were talking about, him or his dad.
Washington says his name should be pronounced 'den-zelle' with a longer 'e' sound, and his father's name is pronounced 'den-zil' with a shorter 'i' sound.
He joked that there are now many football players with the name, possibly due to his fame.
Denzel Washington revealed the correct pronunciation of his name.
The revelation occurred on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 2.
Washington's mother influenced the differing pronunciations for him and his father.
The actor's pronunciation is 'den-zelle', while his father's is 'den-zil'.
Washington joked about the recent trend of NFL players named Denzel.
- Who
- Denzel Washington
- What
- Revealed the correct pronunciation of his name.
- When
- September 2
- Where
- Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- Why
- To differentiate himself from his father.
- Actor's Name
- Denzel Hayes Washington, Jr.
- Name Pronunciation
- den-zelle (actor) vs. den-zil (father)
- Reveal Date
- September 2
- Show
- Jimmy Kimmel Live!