Denzel Washington covers GQ, talks politics and OMG what’s on his head?

OMG. Let me tell you what just happened – we got the email about Denzel Washington’s appearance on the October issue of GQ. I glanced through the interview highlights were we sent, and I thought, “Wow, looks like a good interview.” I barely paid attention to the photos from the cover shoot while I was planning to cover this. Then I was like, “Oh, I should take a look, see what Denzel looks like these days.” OMG. OH. MY. GOD. WHAT IS ON HIS HEAD?!!?

Is that a wiglet?!?! Is that a wiglet from John Travolta/Ben Affleck’s “Roman-style Wiglet Collection”? Or is this – as CB theorized – some spray-on Ronco crap? I have no idea. But whatever is going on, it is flat-out WRONG.

Anyway, you can read Denzel’s full GQ piece here, and here are some highlights:

Denzel Washington on staying out of the public eye: “Sidney Poitier told me this years ago: ‘If they see you for free all week, they won’t pay to see you on the weekend, because they feel like they’ve seen you. If you walk by the magazine section in the supermarket and they’ve known you all their life, there’s no mystery. They can’t take the ride.’ My professional work is being a better actor. I don’t know how to be a celebrity.”

On roles he regrets turning down: “Seven and Michael Clayton. With Clayton, it was the best material I had read in a long time, but I was nervous about a first-time director, and I was wrong. It happens.”

On his daughter working with Tarantino after his feud with the director on what he called racist dialogue in Crimson Tide: “Isn’t that interesting how life goes? But I buried that hatchet. I sought him out ten years ago. I told him, ‘Look, I apologize.’ You’ve just gotta let that go. You gonna walk around with that the rest of your life? He seemed relieved. And then here we are ten years later, and my daughter’s working with him. Life is something.”

On Whitney Houston: “Whitney was my girl, and she had done so well in recovery. And that is the toughest part about addiction. …That was a monster drug that got ahold of her, it was a mean one. You can’t go back to that one. Nobody beats that. I look at people—and I don’t think I’m speaking out of line—Sam Jackson, I’ve known for thirty-some-odd years, he was down at the bottom. And he came all the way back. And when he cleaned up, he never looked back. But he can’t have that beer, because it might lead to the tough thing.”

On his code: “I read from the Bible every day, and I read my Daily Word. I read something great yesterday. It said, “Don’t aspire to make a living. Aspire to make a difference.””

[From GQ]

GQ also sent us some edited and out of context comments Denzel made about Mitt Romney, but I wanted to put them in context because I think the context is key. The interviewer is asking Denzel a series of questions about his childhood and his faith, how his father was a Pentecostal preacher, and how Denzel has been going to the same church for decades, and how he even had a moment in church where he felt physically “filled with the Spirit”. Then this happens:

GQ: I look at Mitt Romney with his spirituality, and he’s chosen not to talk about his faith.
DW: Yeah, he hasn’t even brought it up.

GQ: But if he just said, “Here’s my path,” I would love to hear it.
DW: When I see him, he’s always uncomfortable. You can see that uncomfortableness. Forget about his being Mormon. He hasn’t said anything about his faith.

[From GQ]

I think that’s interesting… obviously, Denzel took a minor swipe at Romney – which, to be fair, many, many people have noted. But it felt like GQ was trying to get Denzel to really discuss his politics and his faith, and I like that Denzel didn’t really engage. Later on in the interview (which I would recommend reading in full), GQ asks Denzel about Obama, and Denzel basically says that the whole story on Obama hasn’t been told yet – meaning, how Obama fits into the larger story of America and American politics, I believe. Denzel is asked if he’d ever go into politics and he says, “No. I’m an independent. In some ways I’m liberal, and other ways I’m conservative. We get so locked in on ‘you have to be this or that.’ It’s ridiculous. I’m not a liberal or a conservative completely. Who is? Or why do you have to be? You assess the pros, the cons, of both sides and you make an intelligent decision.” Very interesting.

Photos courtesy of Nathaniel Goldberg/GQ.

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98 Responses to “Denzel Washington covers GQ, talks politics and OMG what’s on his head?”

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  1. Eve says:

    Is that a wiglet?!?! Is that a wiglet from John Travolta/Ben Affleck’s “Roman-style Wiglet Collection”? Or is this – as CB theorized – some spray-on Ronco crap? I have no idea.

    Third theory: really bad photoshop.

    By the way, I would. So totally, undeniably would it’s not even funny.

    • Crystal says:

      wave cap plus really bad photoshop

    • truthSF says:

      I will cyber beat your ass to get to Denzel, but I still love you Eve.

      • Eve says:

        Awwwwwww…but I have a “history” with Denzel, you know? He (along with Viggo Mortensen) defined what would become my “taste” in men (meaning: I stopped liking the “baby-faced boys”). I was in my early teens when I saw them for the first time: saw “Glory” and “The Refleting Skin” (on tv) and that kinda changed my life a little bit…

        …or a lot, actually:

        Brazilian television used to be extremely racist (still is, but to a minor degree), to the point that if you had never left your house and watched only Globo’s soap operas you’d think you were in Scandinavia.

        Black people used to play one of these characters: maids; bandits; if it was a story about a white woman with a black man, he was a rapist OR she was a whore (if it was the other way around, she was his maid/mistress and plotted against his wife) and so on…they were NEVER ever portrayed in a positive light. And if they weren’t criminals, they’d be just plain stupid, depending on white people’s good will. Even the movies/miniseries/soap operas about slavery would show black people as SECONDARY characters (I shit you not: the main characters, the heroes who fought for the slaves, were white).

        Not only that, but they’d be (often) played by unattractive — or made up to look unattractive — people. Everything was carefully chosen to make them look bad.

        So…one day I was watching tv and saw the ad for “Glory” (it was going to be aired later that day) and then *THAT* face showed up on screen. I clearly remember how it happened, and how I felt — that I had been fooled my entire life: that black people were beautiful too. Heck, I even remember the specific scene: he’s marching, then he turns his head and salutes the people in the stands.

        I think I’d eventually “discover” Denzel Washington, but I’m really glad it happened sooner than it would (hadn’t I seen that tv spot for “Glory”).

        P.S.: Sorry for the rant, but I felt like sharing that story.

      • Elizabeth says:

        @ Eve
        Thanks for sharing that story. I really enjoyed it. Not a rant 🙂

    • Mona says:

      Eve, I really love that you shared that story. I just want to give you a big hug now 🙂 Or you know, wrap a bow around Denzel and send him on off to your house.

  2. Chatcat says:

    I love this man, wiglet or not. This interview just makes me feel connected to him because 99% of what he said is exactly how I feel and want to live my life. This man walks the walk. 🙂

    • pinchofsalt says:

      Totally agree. This man is such an inspiration. As is Samuel L. Jackson whom he mentions in the interview. Just wow.

  3. Lindsey says:

    It’s not a wiglet. He’s been hitting the wave cap a little too hard:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waves_(hairstyle)

  4. renata says:

    I don’t think it’s a wiglet. It looks to me like he just processed his hair and then adopted some different styling.

    I like him so much. Articulate, interesting, and remarkably talented. This is a guy that genuinely understands how to be a star. He “gets” the responsibilities inherent in that, and meets those responsibilities. I don’t want to “hit it” with DW. I wish I could sit down and talk to him for an hour and try to learn a thing or two from the man. I just plain admire the guy.

    • Tiffany says:

      I am with you Reneta. He is one of the last movie stars left. That group of actors who you only see if they have a movie to promote. That does not show up to the opening of an envelope or attach their name to every product on the planet. That give off an aoura that does not reek of dispiration or famewhoreness. I am a huge lover of gossip websites but I also love the mystique that comes with a movie star. Anyone that be a celebrity, but you got to have something special to be a star.

      I also agree with him as far as political leanings. There are some views that both have that I agree with but at the end of the day you have to go with one.

    • Turtle Dove says:

      Yes. 100% agree.

      Denzel is h-o-t. I would watch any movie with him in it. He plays the game well, but he’s also an amazing actor.

  5. lena80 says:

    Denzel’s hair is not a “wiglet”. It appears to be his hair that has been “texturized”, which semi straightens out his curls.

    I like Denzel’s comments in regards to Mittens…he kept it classy as always.

  6. PrettyTarheel says:

    I adore Denzel, and I always hope that the rumors about him being a tremendous manwhore are rumors. *puts on rose-colored glasses and skips off to the happy world*

  7. zut alors! says:

    Denzel Washington has the sexiest walk of all time….it’s mesmerizing.

  8. V4Real says:

    Love Denzel, still a hottie at his age but speaking of my current hottie Chris Evans, he will be at the Boston Film Festival starting 9/20/9/24. It’s open for public attendance for $300. It’s being held at Theatre 1 at the Revere Hotel Boston Common. He’s there to promote Strangehold which is about the Boston Strangler in which Chris voices for the director. So if you’re not far away and would like a chance to meet him I suggest heading down to the festival. I live in NY and have drove to Boston many times but I’m going to sit this one out. I perfer to admire him from a distance and keep him locked away in my fantasies. Plus that girl might be there; you know the one I mean; and I might be tempted to cause her bodily harm, not really but she would catch a stare down.

  9. nicolle buchelli says:

    so classy! love it <3

  10. menlisa says:

    The things I would do to this man…

  11. marie says:

    I absolutely love this guy, wonderful interview and so well spoken. I agree with everything he said about being an independant, it’s exactly how I feel..

  12. Turd Fergussen says:

    Love him, and love how thoughtful and diplomatic he was concerning politics. Wish more loud-mouthed celebs would take note.

  13. Tanjee says:

    On his head is probably his own hair cut very short and then he wears a “wave” cap. Voila you have Denzel with waves. My husband has cut his hair very short last year and that is what it looked like after a couple of nights with a wave cap. I hated it,so after 2 months of it he changed it.

  14. S.joy says:

    It’s clearly not a wiglet… he’s either straightened/texturized his hair or has used waving product and a wave cap. Many black men wear their hair this way and i think it looks great!

  15. almondjoy says:

    Lol seriously?? It’s clearly not a wiglet. He’s either straightened/texturized or has used waving product and a waving cap. Many black men wear their hair this way and I think it looks great! Same as my hubby’s 🙂

  16. notpretentious says:

    Great interview! He’s always had thick hair. I believe he put some kind of pomade on it and wore a tight cap to get the look.

  17. cr says:

    Hair’s fine, not digging the goatee/facial hair.

    Still very hot, though.

  18. Fyofeelings says:

    A brush + grease + a wave cap + barbershop visit = Denzel’s hair

  19. Fyofeelings says:

    A brush + grease + a wave cap + a barbershop visit = Denzel’s hair

  20. Lizzie says:

    So Kerry Washington is his daughter? I NEVER realised that.

    • Naye in VA says:

      Lol you wouldn’t have because she isnt. His eldest daughter Katia is going to be in Django Unchained. Ironically along with Kerry Washington lol

    • lucy2 says:

      No – his daughter’s name is Katia, and she’s in Quentin’s movie coming out soon.

  21. bea says:

    Do you mean the chandelier on his head in the last pic?

  22. Nicole says:

    That is not a wiglet. That is waterwaves. That is achived by brushing your hair in one direction vigorously then wearing a stocking cap. The sheen is achieved through a pomade for black hair.

  23. lucy2 says:

    It may not be a wiglet, but it is reminiscent of Travolta’s…

    I’ve always liked him as an actor, and like how he handled the questions in that interview. I’ve heard not so nice rumors of him offscreen, but who knows if that’s true.
    Though I respect him mostly staying private, I think it’s easier when you’re established in your career, have a longtime marriage, etc.

  24. Hanna says:

    Doesn’t matter, he’s still hot.

  25. mercy says:

    It reminds me more of Clooney’s old Caesar cut the Travolta’s hair skull cap. Even with that hair and a few years on him, Denzel is still so very handsome.

  26. Blue says:

    I so would. I LOVE Denzel, always and forever!!

  27. Joy says:

    Why in the hell would Denzel get a texturizer then a Caesar fade?!? He is too grown for that look.

    • Kim says:

      What’s the age limit for a woman getting a relaxer? My dad is seventy and uses a texturizer and he looks great.

  28. Jayna says:

    I love this man. What a great interview instead of the usual canned crap. He is in my top favorite actors of all time.

    Poor Romney has to stay far away from his religion because the far Christian right has him by the balls. He doesn’t dare mention faith because it focuses attention on his Morman faith indirectly. He will flip flop on anything for that far right Christian base, and they still will never like him.

  29. Christina says:

    Denzel can get it anytime. He is so handsome and such a terrific actor. I just love him. He has swagger too…

  30. mk says:

    He’s a beautiful man no matter what kind of hairstyle he has. I love that he seems to be so dedicated to his family.

  31. hoya_chick says:

    I’m assuming, (perhaps wrongly? Lol forgive me?) that all the people correctly Kaiser are black or familiar with black culture/hair? Lol. I was looking at his head after reading the title of the post and thinking wait, what’s wrong with his hair? I don’t see anything. It looks totally fine to me. Funny how our view of the world with something so simple as hair is viewed through a prism by way of our cultural experiences. And yes, I agree with the posters above it’s probably a brush and a ‘wave cap’ even though we call it something else in NY. It’s funny though. Im not sure why someone his age and stature would even bother. It’s usually younger men who employ such techniques. I love that he is proudly rocking the salt and pepper hair though. Very classy and sexy. Not like some other men *cough* with an unnatural almost shoe-polish-black head of hair.

    Oh and please don’t ever compare Denzel to Travolta when discussing hair Kaiser! Apples and Oranges! Johnny obviously has some spray-on monstrosity happening above the shoulder while Denzel clearly does not!

    I loved all of his answers. I agree with everything he said especially about the overexposure of celebrities and his views on Mitt and politics. I personally cannot see movies with people like Halle, Jen Aniston, JLO or Leo D, Pitt, or Clooney. Their celebrity overshadows their acting because they are on the cover of tabloids every week (whether self inflicted or not is a whole other discussion). I hope this post doesn’t turn political or rude. I do find Mitt stiff and his comments released today from the video of him from a fundraiser do nothing to endear me to him. It’s funny when something you suspect about someone is validated with proof. I expected better though. Sigh. This whole election cycle is über depressing. Im really looking foward to it being over. I’m an independent and honestly feel uncomfortable voting for either candidate.

    • FingerBinger says:

      I think at some point Denzel has had a shaved head or he’s had his hair cut really short,(crop cut). Why the hell would he all of a sudden start wearing a hairpiece?. Maybe for a movie,but not for the cover of GQ.

    • Kim says:

      He’s an actor it’s possible hairstyle is for next role

      • Guest says:

        In the end of the day he is among the few that delivers; one of the few exports I pay to go to see. IDK about his personal life; the assertion that he made earlier to his wife about their critics still stand. He said many will attack you because they want to change places with you and are aware they do not stand a chance.

  32. Nanz says:

    He’s always been a favorite actor of mine. He’s so good. Turns out he’s a decent person too. A rare find in Hollywood.

  33. Stacia says:

    I don’t think that it’s a wiglet. It looks like he put some water and pomade(aka ‘DUKE’ for the brothas) in his hair and probably wore a wave cap to bed and woke up the next day ‘Sportin Waves’…lol

  34. Aqua says:

    He’s a gentleman through and through.Everyone wants to not only work with him but everyone has nothing but good things to say about him.Never have I heard or read a bad story about him or his family.

  35. FingerBinger says:

    How many Black men u see wearing wiglets? Come on.

  36. Mira says:

    Two things – One, being a “movie star” is all about having a certain lifestyle. It has nothing to do with acting. Two, who the hell is a complete liberal or conservative? Most of us are all of it – liberal, left-liberal, conservative, right-wing etc. Clearly post-modern thinking. The excerpts made for a good read. Love Denzel.

  37. BreeinSEA says:

    Sex on a stick with a heart of gold! I would love to drink coffee and discuss anything with this man! Uhm.. book of Eli??? Love his talent. You can always feel the soul of every character he portrays. Very classy 🙂 and ya, no comparing him to Travolta. Which makes me sad to say because Pulp Fiction is one of my top ten movies..boo…

  38. AnnieGrey says:

    It looks brushed down with product in it.

    Classy man. Always loved Denzel.

  39. samely says:

    Denzel Washington needs to stop talking about Whitney Houston’s death and talk about his dead friend Tony Scott who jumped off a damn bridge and committed suicide,it seems like old Tony boy couldn’t handle Hollywood.But I guess because Tony is white the how he died is o.k Denzel is nothing but a black old tired white kiss ass. That’s why he did training day he didn’t care how black men or women for that matter was betrayed as long as he got his Oscar Whitney never did anything like that that’s why he is trying to put Whitney down he’s jealous he is so pathetic.even in death Whitney still has more class,dignity,and respect than Denzel will ever have with so called friends like him who needs enemies.

  40. shulm says:

    Why don’t Denzel Washington talk about Whitney Houston’s incredible movie she did that just came out why keep on talking about her death her death is done but her legacy will live forever.some celebrities will do anything for attention even exploding a friends death not very gentlemen of you Denzel not very gentlemen at all.

  41. Tonya says:

    Whats up with his hair he is to damn old for that shit is he still wearing that earring in his ear.I mean come on does he think that,that makes him look hip to the younger audience,because I must tell you dear Denzel it doesn’t It just makes you look older and desperate how sad.

    • illy says:

      Are you people really on here dogging this man about his comments..Yall need to seriously move around with the BS..Denzel is far from Ugly so those of you misguided 12 year old acting hoodrats need to backtack with your waka flocka loving asses..SMFH..His hair is fine. Denzel has wavy hair and when he gets it cut low and uses a brush is waves up. Geez some of you are sooo stupid.He had damn near the same style in training day..

  42. Elly says:

    Even in the grave Whitney is still more lively,charming,entertaining than Denzel could ever be.

  43. Elly says:

    What about Tony Scott Denzel Washington what about him,lets talk about your dear friend tony.seems like you two were more closer to each other than you and Whitney Houston was don’t you think his death is tragic.

  44. DNLP says:

    Denzel is just pissed that Whitney wouldn’t sleep with him LOL.

    • Willie says:

      Denzel Washington is a well known womanizer I heard that he tried and have slept with a lot of his female costars. he tried that mess with Whitney Houston and she wasn’t having it she turned him down flat so that was the end of their friendship.

  45. APLE says:

    It’s a little late to be talking about Whitney’s death don’t you think Denzel I mean it’s been what 7 months.you should have said all this stuff early why now oh yeah you have a movie to promote.

    • mickey says:

      totally agree I don’t know why this celebrities and so called friends of Whitney Houston is still discussing her death.other celebrities have died and passed on why not talk about them and leave poor Whitney alone that’s what a true friend would do.Her family has moved on their even doing a reality show,heck even Whitney Houston has moved on she produced,starred,did a soundtrack which is all doing successfull all why’ll she’s still in the grave.So what have you done lately Denzel besides using Whitney’s passing as a publicity stunt?

  46. Daren says:

    Denzel is a attention whore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  47. Seven says:

    That is not a wig or wiglet..geez. It’s called a “Caesar” cut. In Mr. Washington’s case, he does not need chemicals to achieve this look… someone mentioned it earlier in the comments. Just the use of a brush and a wave cap.

  48. Mary says:

    Denzel is trash and ugly as shit he needs to get his over bite fixed he looks nasty.

  49. Bobyn says:

    sad Whitney had this as a friend he’s no friend he’s a demon inside a mans body lol.

  50. SYTF says:

    If Denzel Washington was a real friend he would have read the autopsy report instead of reading the tabloid headline reports.It clearly states in Whitney Houston autopsy that she was not drunk,high,or OD a true friend would know and say this instead of helping the media spread false rumors and lies on his so called dear friend.

  51. ching says:

    Sad that people are still saying Whitney Houston over dose when it’s clear she didn’t.but I guess people still think the world is flat and humanity ends tomorrow,and Santa plus the Easter Bunny will be coming this Christmas and Easter.

  52. sunny says:

    anybody with a functional brain knows that Whitney Houston didn’t over dose.But she’s black so that’s what they’ll say it’s sickening that black folks like Denzel washington will go along with the stereo types smh.

  53. meline says:

    He should of kept his big mouth shut he shouldn’t talk about things he has no prove of dumb ass.

  54. sharen says:

    Reading what denzel said about Whitney without facts lets me know exactly what Whitney had to go through. so many people jealous of her and her talent a gift God gave no one else I guess if I was a jealous type of person I would be jealous of her just like denzel and other’s are thank God I’m not that way.

  55. swazzy says:

    I was reminded on a a few things after Whitney’s death I was reminded that just because someone says their your friend it doesn’t mean they are.people will smile in your face and then cut your throat from behind,friends and family will sell you out for a couple of bucks.And that there is a line between love and hate,Whitney gave nothing but love why’ll her family and friends gave her nothing but hate.Thanks for reminding me Denzel, thanks for letting your true colors show I know now to never go rent,buy,see any of your movies I can save my money.

  56. Ned says:

    He made a big mistake saying those things About Whitney Houston a big mistake.

  57. lazer says:

    Thanks denzel washington for showing us how a friend is not suppose to be.

  58. paully says:

    It’s funny how people have a lot to say about a person when their dead but when their living not one word is spoken not one its funny how that works isn’t.

  59. sly says:

    Denzel is the biggest uncle tom out there today LOL.

  60. BMD says:

    Did any of you read the whole interview he’s a real creepy guy.In one part of the interview he talks about the movie he did man on fire.And he mentions how he watched real footage of a young girl get shot and killed and that he was excited and thrilled by how the young girl fell and that’s what he wanted to do fall like she fell when he pretends he’s gotten shot in the movie.Pretty sick stuff if you ask me that’s what people should be talking about everything else is irrelevant this man needs some help asap.

  61. Turnay says:

    He had the nerve to say that he doesn’t know what Barack Obama’s legacy will be WTF!!!!!!!!!!!! He’s the first black president you dumb ass that alone is a huge part of his legacy president Barack Obama will always be the first person of color to ever hold the highest office ever the commander and chief of the united states of America.

    • Bonie says:

      Denzel Washington is nuts Don’t even sweat him he recently said that Clint Eastwood was his idol and hero,And refused to talk about Clint’s chair episode like it was no big deal.I think just like Clint Eastwood Denzel is old,tired and senile.

      • daney says:

        Even though he supported Barack Obama in 2008 this election he says that he doesn’t know who he is voting for.I mean what could Obama have said that would make him feel such a way,that he would actual consider voting for Mitt Romney that is a big switch.

    • MKLP says:

      He’s just jealous of Obama jealousy will make you do and say crazy things.

    • pam says:

      turnay@ That explains why he is running his mouth talking crazy like he’s out of his mind.being thrilled about a young girl getting shot and fallen to the ground,getting into Whitney Houston’s personal life that he has no buisness getting into even bringing Samuel Jackson’s personal life into the conversation which I’m sure Samuel wouldn’t like,and Barack Obama not knowing what Obama’s legacy will be.Denzel’s a secret republican I new there was something strange about this interview,he doesn’t make any damn since.Wonder if he got paid to say those stupid things or is he just that looney?

  62. suel says:

    mklp@:agreed jealous

  63. Sunday says:

    PAM@:I think Denzel Washington is just an old bitter has been who’s career is long gone,desperate for work and willing to do and say anything for a little bit of attention.That’s why he feels the need to put down others so he can feel like a big shot but he doesn’t understand when you do such things you make yourself look smaller than any insect.

  64. DLNN says:

    sunday@speaking nothing but the truth Amen.lol