Hollywood News: Wait, what?! We've all been pronouncing Denzel Washington's name wrong this whole time

[playahaitian]

The part about his name begins at about 7:37.

"And this is how you know they were named after me. My name is not pronounced Děn-ZĚL," Washington said of the name the way moviegoers know it. He added, "My name is pronounced DĚN-zǝl," emphasizing the first syllable and pronouncing the second syllable so that it rhymed with "lull."


Wait, what?!


"I'm Denzel Jr.," the actor continued, pronouncing it the way it had been intended. "My father's Denzel Hayes Washington Sr. I'm Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. My mother would say, 'Denzel,' and we'd both show up."​

 

[M.H.C.]

the way we pronounce it sounds better imo lol.

I worked with a youngin named Denziel. And also with a chick named Teyonce.

 

[World B Free]

Just like Rihanna......

She pronounces her name REE-ANNA
...however most of us pronounce it: REE-ONNA

I like REE-ONNA

 

[34real]

....his momma called him Denzel , I'm calling him Denzel to,which the same as always

 

[Simply Sickenin']

Just like Rihanna......

She pronounces her name REE-ANNA
...however most of us pronounce it: REE-ONNA

I like REE-ONNA

In cases in these, it's probably helpful to the celebrity to have one name for real friends and family and another for the public.

 

[World B Free]

In cases in these, it's probably helpful to the celebrity to have one name for real friends and family and another for the public.

Her family and friends call her Robyn, because that's her first name and Rihanna is her middle name.

 

[playahaitian]

Ryan Reynolds Enraged Denzel Washington When His Phone Rang During Emotional ‘Safe House’ Scene: ‘Who the F—‘s Phone Is That?’

Ryan Reynolds recalls when his phone interrupted a pivotal take with Denzel Washington on the set of 'Safe House'

variety.com