In Denzel Washington’s many film roles, his characters tend to die much more often than viewers might think. Most of the deaths are on-screen and violent, while a few others happen passively or naturally off-screen. Over the past 40 years, Washington has earned nine Oscar nominations and proven himself a skilled actor. As a result, he’s built a reputation as one of the best actors of the past several decades.

There’s no doubt that Denzel Washington is one of Hollywood’s most versatile and varied performers. His first movie role was in Norman Jewison’s 1984 film A Soldier’s Story. His most iconic films since then include Malcolm X, Glory, Training Day, and Flight. Washington has also acted in several Shakespearean adaptation movies as well. In his career of over 50 films, Washington has played many characters, some more likable and complex than others. However, neither Washington’s villain nor hero roles are safe from the deadly fate which Washington’s characters frequently tend to suffer.

There Have Been 16 Movies That Killed Denzel Washington’s Character

Washington Died In A Film Every Year From 1987-1990

In his impressive filmography, Washington has died in 16 films. His first career death was in his third film, Cry Freedom, in 1987, and his most recent at the time of writing was in The Tragedy of Macbeth in 2021. Of Washington’s deaths, only two of the 16 were of natural or undisclosed causes, the rest a result of being killed by another character or himself.

As Washington stars in many action films, most of his deaths are shown graphically on screen. However, not all of Washington’s screen deaths are as orthodox as they seem. In The Preacher’s Wife, for instance, Washington actually dies before the events of the film and appears as an angel, highlighting that he’s unafraid to take on roles that challenge convention.

Denzel Washington Dies In 29% Of His Movies

The Star Has Had 54 Career Roles

Since his first career role in A Soldier’s Story, Washington has starred in 54 movies, including TV movies. Given that he’s had sixteen deaths, Washington has died just over 29% of the time. That means that in about one in four films, audiences have seen Washington dead in some way. In comparison, Keanu Reeves and Morgan Freeman have only died in about 19% and 17% of their films, respectively. Of Washington’s highest-grossing movies, only a few also rank on the list of films where he dies – potentially suggesting that audiences respond better when Washington survives the story.

Despite the number of ways scripts and films have tried to kill Washington, he remains an iconic actor with over 40 years of experience. Given that he is still actively working, with Gladiator II releasing in late 2024, there are more upcoming opportunities for Washington’s death statistics to rise. Denzel Washington’s prolific acting career has helped turn him into a Hollywood icon, with both his living and dead characters enhancing his resume.