Denzel Washington has one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood, but as he revealed this week, we’ve all been saying it wrong for decades.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday evening (Sept. 2), the Oscar-winning actor was credited with popularizing the name Denzel, which has since become a staple among athletes and entertainers alike.

Kimmel pointed out, “There weren’t that many before your first Oscar [award]. There was zero in 1987,” referencing how the actor’s career sparked a wave of parents naming their sons after him. Washington agreed, but also dropped a revelation that left the audience stunned.

“This is how you know they named themselves after me, because my name is not pronounced Denzel. My name is pronounced Denzel (Den-Zil),” he explained, clar

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