Denzel Washington reveals surprise new career move after getting baptised

Denzel Washington has proudly revealed his surprising new career path after getting baptized.

The Gladiator II actor took part in a special ceremony at the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ, in Harlem, New York, on Saturday.

During the celebration – which was reportedly streamed live on Facebook – the 69-year-old made a speech to the congregation, and was immersed in water.

He was also presented with a minister license, meaning that he can be ordained in the future.

‘In one week I turn 70,’ the dad-of-four said, via Page Six. ‘It took a while but I’m here.

‘If [God] can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is the limit.’

Denzel’s wife, Pauletta Washington, also took the time to share her pride over his baptism, stating: ‘46 years later, here I’m still standing next to him as only God will have it.

‘I’m very proud of you. You are the head of our house, and you have set a great example for our children, who are now adult children who know the difference because we have shown them the difference.’

Following the ceremony, the Equalizer star posed for pictures, showing off his newly acquired certificate of baptism, as well as his minister licence.

Denzel has been a staple of Hollywood for decades, having appeared on the stage and on the small screen in the 70s, before making his cinematic debut in the 80s.

In that time, he has appeared in Malcolm X, Much Ado About Nothing, Training Day, Inside Man, American Gangster and many more.

He recently stole the show in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, playing Ancient Roman arms dealer Macrinus, opposite Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn.

However, in a recent chat with Deadline, the acting heavyweight suggested that he could retire from the spotlight in the near future.

‘There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker,’ he said.

Unpacking his decision to take on a role in Gladiator II, he described the film as ‘one of the best things I’ve ever made’ and heaped praise on filmmaker Ridley.

‘We had a great go-round the first go-round and here we are. He’s engaged. He’s excited about life and his next film. He’s an inspiration,’ he added.

‘We should all want to feel like that at 86.’

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