John David Washington, the son of Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, was born in 1984 in Toluca Lake, California. While he did appear briefly as a child in “Malcolm X” (1992), a film that starred his father in the lead role, John David largely stayed away from Hollywood during his early years. Instead, he channeled his energy into sports, where he really began to shine.
In high school, at Campbell Hall in Los Angeles, John David Washington excelled in football, baseball, and track—earning varsity letters in all three. His athletic talent earned him a scholarship to Morehouse College, the same school his father attended. Playing as a running back, John David Washington made a name for himself on the field, setting multiple school records for rushing yards over a career, in a single season, and in one game. In 2005, he led his conference in rushing, proving himself a standout player.
Though he wasn’t selected in the 2006 NFL Draft, John David Washington got a shot when the St. Louis Rams signed him, eventually placing him on their practice squad. He later played in NFL Europe and had a stint in the short-lived United Football League. But after his time in professional football came to a close, John David Washington returned to the world of entertainment—this time not just as the son of a legend, but as someone building his own legacy.
His first behind-the-scenes role came in 2010 when he served as a co-producer on “The Book of Eli,” a post-apocalyptic thriller starring his father and directed by Allen and Albert Hughes. It was a meaningful step, reconnecting him with cinema through a project close to home—literally and figuratively. Then, in 2015, John David Washington stepped fully into the spotlight with his first major on-screen role as an adult.
He joined the cast of HBO’s “Ballers,” where he plays Ricky Jerret, a confident and talented wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins. Sharing the screen with Dwayne Johnson, who portrays a financial advisor to athletes, John David Washington brought charisma and authenticity to the role. It marked the beginning of what would become a rising acting career—one shaped by discipline, diverse experiences, and the quiet determination that has defined John David Washington from the start.
When it comes to John David Washington’s film career, one standout performance definitely shines through — his highest rated movie is BlacKkKlansman from 2018. Critics and audiences alike praised the film, and it really put John David Washington on the map as a serious talent in Hollywood. On the other hand, not every project has hit the same high notes. For instance, Amsterdam, released in 2022, ended up being his lowest rated film so far. While John David Washington brought his usual charisma to the role, the movie just didn’t resonate as strongly with viewers or critics. Still, considering the ups and downs, John David Washington continues to build an interesting and evolving body of work.