John David Washington's mother did more for his acting career than his famous father.
John David Washington
The 34-year-old actor has his mum Pauletta Washington to thank for helping him break into the film industry because she kept practicing his lines with him ahead of his auditions and giving him "tough" feedback - even though his dad Denzel Washington is a three-time Golden Globe award winner and has loads of experience under his belt.
Speaking on Britain's 'Lorraine' on Wednesday (22.08.18), he said: "When I was first auditioning, I was reading with her. She was giving me notes, she was killing me, she was really tough! I consult with her all the time. You've got to right, it's Mom!"
The hunk decided to switch to the film industry after he was forced to put his professional football career on the back burner when he tore his Achilles tendon.
He explained: "I believe in God, I pray a lot, and I believe it was meant to be the way it happened. I tore my Achilles, which I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, it is very painful but that sort of transitioned me into the acting field [from American football]. And fortunately enough for me, the first role I was able to get was one of a football player. To me all those lessons I learnt in football are applicable to this industry."
As well as support from his parents, the words of wisdom he got from acclaimed director Spike Lee when he was working on the new film 'BlacKkKlansman' uplifted him.
Speaking about working with the director - who he worked with on 'Malcolm X' at the age of six - he added: "This legend telling you to trust your instincts... this legend believing in me was the confidence. I am indebted to him forever."
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