Ed Lover Talks His Surprise Meeting With Denzel Washington And The Actor’s Unexpected Reaction
Ed Lover, best known for hosting hip-hop TV show 'Yo! MTV Raps,' recounted a memorable first meeting with Denzel Washington during a film premiere party in 1990.
That standout experience with a young Denzel Washington sparked a lasting friendship.
Ed Lover, born James Roberts, appeared on 'The Culture Club Uncensored' to discuss his career, including his first encounter with Washington and how they quickly became close friends.
Lover, 61, recounted meeting the renowned actor at the after-party for the premiere of 'Mo Better Blues.' Washington played the role of Bleak, a troubled trumpet player in Spike Lee's film.
As Lee's guest, Lover tried to maintain a composed demeanor, despite his excitement about meeting one of the film's stars.
"I'm in the party. I see Denzel," Lover began. "You know, he's a star of the movie. So, I see Denzel. I'm like, 'Spike invited me.' I'm like, 'Yeah, Denzel Washington.' It was just so many people around him that I was like I don't want to bother him."
An unexpected turn of events occurred when Lover was pondering how to approach Washington, 69, at the party, trying to avoid appearing intrusive while the actor mingled with his entourage.
Instead, Washington approached Lover first.
Lover shared, "I'm just standing there. And I go to the bar and I get a drink and he tapped me on the shoulder he goes, 'Ed Lover! You're taller than you look on TV, bro.' "
This gesture helped break the ice between the pair. Lover, who is over 6-foot-5 tall, and Washington, who is about 6-foot-1, hit it off and have maintained a friendly relationship ever since.
