Denzel Washington: A cinematic soldier

July 29, 1996
Web posted at: 2:00 a.m. EDT

From Correspondent Paul Vercammen

HOLLYWOOD, California (CNN) -- Denzel Washington has spent a lot of time in the cinematic trenches. And with his new release, "Courage Under Fire," he's back in battle again. (225K QuickTime of scenes from the movie)

Washington's illustrious career of military service in film began 12 years ago as a private in "A Soldier's Story." Then he played a testy solider in "Glory." Next, an executive officer, lieutenant commander, aboard a submarine in "Crimson Tide."

For his current role as Col. Nathaniel Serling in "Courage Under Fire," Washington faced the flames and became a tank commander, learning the ropes at the national training center.

"Maybe that arena just makes for good drama," says Washington. "You know the stakes are so high, it's life and death. It's steeped in a reality we all can relate to -- especially in this case, with Desert Storm."

Asked whether he has some deep reserve of self-discipline allowing him to pull off military roles, Washington replies, "A soldier I ain't; an actor, maybe."

He continues, "Maybe that's something I want to have in my life or somewhere." Maybe, he says, "layers down, I want to be a soldier or something."

Honored for work

Washington received a prestigious decoration last month from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society: the Bob Hope Artists' Award. He describes the special joy he feels when soldiers compliment him on his acting. (191K AIFF or WAV sound)

"I hoped they would be proud of the work that I did and how I represented them," he says. "(My character) is not an unflawed man. This is a man with flaws. This is a man who makes a tremendous, tremendous mistake and rebuilds himself.

Washington wants his performance in "Courage Under Fire" to heighten appreciation for U.S. troops: "These are real men and women whose lives are on the line, who've lost friends, who go about the business. And they don't get a whole lot of recognition or pats on the back for it."

Washington is quick to credit his wife and four children for keeping him in line. "My career used to be my life," recalls the charismatic actor. "Then I had children and my career became making a living. You know, my family is first."

Related site:

• MovieWeb - 'Courage Under Fire'

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