Hollywood Dreamin' is a new weekly series highlighting up-and-coming Black actors in Hollywood.

Born under a name that echoed greatness, New Orleans native Denzel Johnson seemed destined for the stage from the start. "At my mom’s baby shower, she asked all the ladies if I should be named Jeremiah or Denzel," he recounted to BET. "Everyone screamed ‘Denzel!’ and that was it." It’s more than just a name he admires; it’s the essence of his inspiration. “The way he walks, his aura, his command––he’s a transformative actor,” Johnson says of his legendary namesake, Denzel Washington.

Johnson's passion for acting was evident from early church and theater performances. In 2019, he boldly moved to Los Angeles, aiming for the major leagues. But just as his career began to gain traction, the pandemic struck, challenging his aspirations. "The world shut down, but I hung in there, toughing it out with a lot of prayers and support from family and friends," he explained.

His perseverance bore fruit; Johnson has since secured roles in popular TV shows such as The CW’s "All American" and ABC’s "9-1-1," where he achieved a milestone many aspiring actors dream of: working alongside the illustrious Angela Bassett. Johnson took this opportunity not just to share the screen but to learn. “Watching her get into character, seeing her between takes, you see her doing the work,” he noted. “She is going over her lines, making sure she's hitting marks, delivering every take differently with her inflections. She made me a better actor.”

The journey of Black actors like Johnson in Hollywood remains steeped in systemic challenges. A 2020 UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report found that despite making up 13.4% of the U.S. population, Black actors are significantly underrepresented in lead roles and earn fewer screen credits. Johnson’s experience reflects a broader narrative of resilience in the face of these statistics.

Looking ahead, Johnson aspires to portray complex, dramatic roles, especially those with an edge. "I’d love to be a villain. Villains are fun," he asserts, drawing inspiration from Washington’s Oscar-winning role as Alonzo Harris in "Training Day." Johnson views Washington’s late-career Oscar as a beacon of persistence and talent, motivating him to press forward despite the odds. "If you stay persistent, and keep doing great work, eventually, talent rises to the top. That resilience keeps me going because I know this is what I was destined to do," he affirms, driven by a destiny shared with his namesake and shaped by his enduring dedication.