The One Movie Denzel Washington Didn’t Remember Being a Part Of – You Won’t Believe This!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Denzel Washington, one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, has a career spanning decades with a remarkable array of iconic performances. From his Academy Award-winning roles in Training Day and Glory to his powerful portrayals in Malcolm X and Fences, Washington’s filmography is both extensive and diverse. However, even the most seasoned actors can experience the occasional memory lapse, as was the case during a memorable appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2017, where Washington amusingly forgot a line from one of his own films.
The Incident: A Laughable Memory Lapse
The incident occurred during a segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live! while Washington was promoting his role in Fences (2016). The segment involved a game where Washington was asked to identify lines from his various films. While he easily recognized lines from Malcolm X, Flight, and Carbon Copy, he was thrown off by a line from his post-apocalyptic thriller The Book of Eli (2010).
In a humorous moment, Washington couldn’t recall a specific line from the film, which prompted him to exclaim, “I was so sure, too! That’s because I’m in character and I don’t remember everything.” This playful comment underlined his immersion in his roles, suggesting that he had so fully embraced the characters he played that certain details, like individual lines, were difficult to recall years after filming.
Context: A Long and Storied Career
Washington’s career spans over 50 films since his debut in 1981, making it understandable that, despite his immense talent, remembering every line from every film could be a challenge. With two Academy Awards, numerous nominations, and countless memorable performances under his belt, Washington’s focus has always been on bringing each character to life in a deeply meaningful way. As a result, the line in question from The Book of Eli—a film in which Washington plays Eli, a solitary wanderer tasked with protecting a sacred book in a desolate future world—was understandably lost in the shuffle of a career filled with such diverse roles.
Clarifying the Misunderstanding: Not Forgetting the Movie, Just the Line
The phrasing of the user’s query, “forgot he was in,” suggests a misunderstanding of the incident. It wasn’t that Washington forgot he starred in The Book of Eli altogether, but rather that he had forgotten a specific line from the film. This moment, while funny, highlights just how many films Washington has starred in, and how each role is so deeply ingrained in his creative process that remembering every line, especially during a light-hearted game, is no small feat.
Washington’s comment about being “in character” during filming speaks to the dedication he puts into his roles, often staying in character for extended periods. This could have contributed to the lapse, as his intense focus on portraying Eli might have made the specific details of the script harder to recall in retrospect.
The Book of Eli: A Significance Beyond the Line
The Book of Eli, directed by the Hughes Brothers, was released in 2010 and showcased Washington in one of his more complex roles. The film tells the story of Eli, a lone man who roams a post-apocalyptic wasteland with a sacred book that could hold the key to humanity’s future. The film touches on themes of mortality, faith, and redemption, making it a powerful and reflective piece in Washington’s career. While the line he forgot may have been significant within the context of the film, it’s clear that the film itself remains an important part of his extensive body of work.
Conclusion: A Funny Moment in a Legendary Career
Ultimately, the incident on Jimmy Kimmel Live! serves as a lighthearted reminder that even legendary actors like Denzel Washington can experience moments of forgetfulness. The Book of Eli line lapse is not a reflection of Washington’s memory or dedication to his craft but rather a funny, relatable moment that reminds us all how much we can immerse ourselves in our work.
Given his vast and varied filmography, it’s no surprise that a line from one of his many films might occasionally slip through the cracks. But make no mistake: Denzel Washington’s career remains one of the most memorable and respected in Hollywood history—The Book of Eli included.
