Denzel Washington recently shared how often people mispronounce his name, attributing the mix-up to his mother.
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel’s show, he discussed the correct way to pronounce “Monica” and mentioned that many NFL players share the name Denzel. “This is how you know they were named after me,” the 70-year-old Golden Globe winner explained. He emphasized, “My name is not pronounced Denzel.”
Washington pointed out that the correct pronunciation is more like “Denzel,” with a clipped second syllable.
He reminisced about how his father, Denzel Hayes Washington Sr., had the name too. When both he and his dad were present, his mother decided to simplify matters, stating, “From now on, you’re Denzel,” which is how the name came to be used.
Kimmel responded by calling it a clever decision.
Washington noted there are now four NFL players named Denzel, suggesting a jump in popularity perhaps following his Oscar win in 1990. Kimmel mentioned there were none in 1987, highlighting just how much things have changed.
The actor agreed, acknowledging, “I know. There are a lot of Denzels.”
Interestingly, during an earlier chat on The Graham Norton Show, Washington jokingly asked Norton which pronunciation was correct, showcasing the ongoing mix-ups surrounding his name.
In a somewhat related note, actress Kirsten Dunst recently commented about people mispronouncing her own name, expressing a carefree attitude toward it. “I don’t care,” she stated, conveying a sentiment about acceptance of mispronunciation.
