Denzel Washington and Drake have an interesting history. It primarily revolves around a tattoo the rapper got of the actor in 2017. The tattoo was a Denzel deep cut, referencing the Spike Lee-directed Mo’ Better Blues. However, despite a bemused reaction from Denzel, nothing really came of the viral moment.
But what if there was another connection between the two celebrities? In this case, one that dated all the way back to Drake’s childhood in Toronto? A recent interview with Denzel appears to point to that being the case.
Denzel Recalls Meeting Drake As A Child
Appearing on Good Morning America, Denzel recalled a story from the early 90s with a surprise celebrity cameo. “I met a kid in Toronto, who came up and was fascinated with me because I was like this star and he wanted to talk to me and he couldn’t believe that he met me. Well, 10 or 15 years later, he came up and he said “you don’t remember when you met me” I said no. His name is Drake.” The meeting came at a Boys and Girls Club in Toronto. Denzel has been a spokesperson for the charity for over 30 years and was on GMA to celebrate the opening of the 5000th Boys and Girls Club. Prior to his appearance on GMA, he delivered a keynote speech at the newest location. The Boys and Girls Club seeks to provide safe community spaces and opportunities for young people.
But Denzel, who was speaking on never knowing whose life you might affect, had more to say about the rapper, “He said what I said to him and he never forgot.” Denzel didn’t share what he told Drake all those years ago but it’s clear that the meeting with and the advice that Denzel gave him as a child helped Drake become the man he is today. It’s a powerful and heartfelt story about the power that idols and role models can have. Denzel has seen the Boys and Girls Club add 3000 locations during his 30 years as spokesperson. The 5000th location was opened in Elgin, Illinois. With this new revelation, maybe Drake would be willing to share the advice Denzel gave him that inspired him so much.
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