Denzel Washington uncovers new acting talent

Fr, 27.12.2002, Urban Aregger

Derek Luke is a name we would be well advised to look out for. Luke stars in the lead role in Denzel Washington's directing debut «Antwone Fisher». Luke was so overawed by the honour bestowed upon him by Washington that he went down on his knees, howling uncontrollably.

Derek Luke was last seen doing a regualr job in a Sony store, unable to make the crucial brakethrough into an acting career. That is until the day Denzel Washington showed up one day in the store to inform him that he had been selected for the lead role in «Antwone Fisher». Conincidence or not, precisely at that moment the genuine Antwone Fisher, whose life story is related in Washington's film, was actually physically present in the store. On hearing the happy news, Luke fell to his knees, and began spontaneously to wail. «I just broke down and fell on my knees crying, and just expressing all kinds of joy.» His interpretation of the part was so compelling that he was nominated for an «Independent Spirit Award».