Yes, he has been generous both to our troops and as a spokesman for the Boy's Club of America.
Yet he gets smacked around on FR for some reason.
Posted on 04/14/2005 3:24:55 PM PDT by Former Military Chick
WASHINGTON — It reads like a Hollywood script: Denzel Washington, overcome with emotion after a visit with wounded troops, pulls out his checkbook and pays for construction of a new Fisher House.
But, just like many movies, the story is a little bit of truth with a lot of special effects added.
Officials from the Fisher House Foundation want the public to know the Academy Award-winning actor is a generous donor to their efforts. But an e-mail forward which has him single-handedly building new facilities for them is nothing more than an urban legend.
“He has given us one of the most substantial donations we have ever received,” foundation spokesman James Weiskopf said, declining to give a specific amount. “But it’s not enough to build a new Fisher House, and that was never his plan.”
Weiskopf said he has been fielding questions about Washington’s donation for about a month, since he saw the e-mail rumor surface.
Washington and his wife visited wounded troops at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio in December and took part in a Purple Heart ceremony.
Weiskopf said the actor also toured one of the nearby Fisher Houses — living facilities for the families of wounded troops — and offered a generous donation to help with future projects.
But the confusion began later that night, when foundation officials announced plans to build a new facility near BAMC, at a cost of more than $1 million. Simultaneously, they also made public Washington’s donation.
“Somebody put two and two together, even though they weren’t related,” Weiskopf said.
A spokesman for Rogers and Cowan, the publicity firm that represents Washington, would not offer further comment on the issue. Foundation officials say they’re thrilled with the actor’s generosity, but they don’t want the e-mail rumor to exaggerate and spoil the story.
Washington has been very generous to our troops, he is down to earth, and is quite giving. I suppose that comes from his years growing up in the Boys Club of America.
Our troops are thankful for all they receive.
Yes, he has been generous both to our troops and as a spokesman for the Boy's Club of America.
Yet he gets smacked around on FR for some reason.
Its that Hollywood thing. Its too easy to assume he's just like all the rest.
"Yet he gets smacked around on FR for some reason."
Probably has something to do with him playing Malcolm X. I never saw that one, but personally I have enjoyed almost all the movies he has done. If he is making contributions to the troops and the Boys club then he's alright in my book.
Good for Denzel. Thank you for your contribution. It was done from the heart and with meaning and not as a means to grandstand and improve your public image.
Only by the ignorant, wide brush painters here.
Aside from all this, on pure acting ability alone, I think he is just about the best actor who is still active in films.
I forget I am watching an actor when watching most of his roles.
He was quite good in it.
So true. But Samuel L. Jackson gives him a run for the money.
He was great in "Traing Day"
Can't argue with that.
I think the top 5 actors, aside from DW and SLJ, who can always be counted on to give an intense performance are, in no particular order and no points added or subtracted for political views: Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Edward Norton, Gene Hackman, and Anthony Hopkins.
That's your top 5. Not bad choices.
Leaving out Denzel and Samuel L. Jackson, mine would be Tom Hanks, Anthony Hopkins, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, and "Michael Corleone" himself, Al Pacino.
your list matches mine.
I hope not on this thread. I suppose it takes all kinds. I have no ill what so ever towards Washington, if there is something that can be substaniated that would sway my opininon, I say bring it on. Until, I say thank you kindly, Mr. Washington.
Excellent comment, thanks.
He evidently has fond memories of the Boys Club. He still has a card that signifies as part of the organization from years past.
I think he is talented and has a good heart.
not bad. my faves are Mel Gibson, Robert DeNiro, Morgan Freeman,Tom Hanks, and Chazz Palminteri.
Damn. Does that mean that they'll throw away the two movies he's got coming out next year?
THANK YOU, DENZEL!
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