Glen Powell shares life-changing advice he received from Denzel Washington that caused a ‘miracle’

Is there anyone on the planet who dislikes Denzel Washington?

I don't think there is.

Well, if you needed another reason to like him, you'll get that here.

Way back in 2007, Glen Powell featured in Washington's drama The Great Debaters, which he directed. A synopsis of the movie tells us it's about a professor motivates his students to form the college's first-ever debate team - which Powell is on.

At the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Powell tells Sharp that none of the reporters were interested in speaking to him, until Washington's publicist persuades one camera crew to interview him.

But, what happened shaped the 35-year-old's future.

Talking about how his career has blossomed recently, he told the magazine: “I’ve been doing this a long time, and this is the first time where I can definitely feel a shift.

Glen Powell credits Denzel Washington for his acting career (Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)

“I got to have a really amazing year where I promoted Anyone But You and Hit Man and Twisters, three movies I’m incredibly proud of, and I feel really grateful for this moment. But right now, I’m just excited to get back into acting, which is where I feel the most like myself.”

While he has not been nominated for any major awards on the back of his acting career, he is certainly flourishing and an Oscar nomination can't be too far off - if his performance in Twisters (2024) is anything to go by, where he stars as a tornado-hunter, Tyler.

But it is all with thanks to Washington who helped usher him in the right direction.

Earlier on that night in 2007, Washington introduced the then 19-year-old to the talent agent, Ed Limato.

Both Washington and Lomato sat him down and told him he had to make the decision to quit school and life in Austin, Texas, and move to Hollywood.

How much of Powell's 'miracle' career is down to Washington? (Raymond Hall/GC Images)

And that is what he did.

Speaking about it he said: "It’s just a miracle. Any time you can pay the bills and survive on acting, it’s a miracle. I am hyper aware of that.

"You never forget how people treated you. It’s why I feel this insane sense of gratitude right now. I don’t take any of this for granted — at all.”

So, is the actor we're all seeing now in front of our screens down to Washington, or would he have made it on his own accord?

I'm not sure, but they make a pretty cool duo.

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