Denzel Washington Admits He Didn’t Cry at His Mother’s Funeral

Denzel Washington visited The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Thursday and paid tribute to his late mother. The Tragedy of Macbeth actor opened up to Colbert about how he never cried at his mother’s funeral during his appearance promoting his latest movie.

Denzel, 66, lost his mother, Lennis, earlier this year at 97. He admitted how she wasn’t cheated life, neither was his brother or sister,  in the interview with the late-night host.

He said, “A mother is a son’s first true love.” Then he continues, “A son, especially their first son, is a mother’s, last true love.” Denzel began to get water-eyed and said how he was surprised he was crying because he didn’t cry at the funeral. Instead, during that time he reflected on a mother and son’s bond.

The Training Day actor told the audience about his first son, John David Washington, and his wife’s Pauletta’s relationship. “That’s when I realized really that bond.” Now knowing how impactful that relationship can be, he explains how similar the relationship is. “[My mother] was there for everything and she went home.”

Colbert then brings out a 1990 Academy Award picture with Denzel and his wife Pauletta standing beside his mother. The image is from his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Glory. Washington begins to cry. “This is terrible! [I] didn’t cry at her funeral … I guess I saved it up for you.”

The Academy Award winner has been directing movies lately and has a well-hyped movie coming out with lead actor Michael B. Jordan in A Journal for Jourdan. The film comes out on Christmas Day.