Denzel Washington, Oprah & More Raise Millions to Renovate August Wilson’s Childhood Home

Denzel Washington, Oprah Winfrey

Denzel Washington, Oprah & More Raise Millions to Renovate August Wilson’s Childhood Home

Academy award-winning actor Denzel Washington is revisiting his Fences roots. Reportedly, he recently led a $5 million fundraising ceremony in Pittsburgh, PA. The ceremony marks the start of an effort to renovate the childhood home of Fences playwright, August Wilson. The home, now on the National Register of Historic Places, will be renovated to mirror how it looked when the noted playwright lived there, and hold invaluable artifacts that belonged to him. It will ultimately be used as both a museum and art studio. Duquesne University is launching a fellowship program for emerging writers who will also work at the home.

Celebrity contributors included director Spike Lee and actor Samuel L. Jackson. OWN Channel collaborators, Oprah and Tyler Perry, each donated $1 million to the cause. Washington starred in the 2016 film adaptation of August Wilson’s play, Fences, and is set to produce over 15 films based on his works in his honor.

Denzel Washington

He said:

“I love August Wilson. He touches my soul, our souls, in a way that no one else I know has. This is just like coming home.”

He continued:

“It is a privilege and an honor and a responsibility and a joy to play a small part in keeping him alive.”

The August Wilson House is expected to be complete in 2020. Great work, Denzel!

Revisit Denzel Washington’s role in Fences by watching the clip below.

Written by Miata Shanay