Los Angeles: In a surprising turn of events, two-time Academy Award winner actor Denzel Washington, who once declared religion as ‘not fashionable’ in Hollywood, has now been baptised and ordained as a minister.

The star was baptised and received a certificate of baptism and a minister’s license, which means that he can later be ordained, reports deadline.com.

The significant event took place at the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ, a historic location in New York City’s Harlem, as reported by Today. The First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Eastern New York even live-streamed the service on Facebook, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The actor said: “In one week I turn 70. It took a while, but I’m here.”

He went on to thank his wife, Pauletta Washington.

The award-winning star has been open about his faith before, telling Esquire last month that while talk of religion in Hollywood is rare, he is unflinching in his resolve to share his beliefs and experience.

“I’m unafraid. I don’t care what anyone thinks. See, talking about the fear part of it—you can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town,” he wrote in an essay relayed by the magazine.

He continued at the time, “It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe. There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That, to me, means a street called Hollywood Boulevard. It’s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe.”

“So I don’t know how many other actors have faith. I didn’t do no poll. How would I find that out? I mean, there’s no Church Actor Meetings I’ve been to.”

Upcoming on Washington’s docket is Spike Lee’s Apple Original project “Highest 2 Lowest”, alongside A$AP Rocky & Ice Spice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

–IANS