Denzel Turns 50

As the sexy Oscar winner hits the mid-century mark, take a look inside his life. By Serena Kappes and Lucy Maher

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PACKING HEAT

At 45, Washington worked out for a year with L.A. boxing trainer Terry Claybon and lost 40 lbs. to prepare for his role as middleweight boxer Ruben Carter in 1999's The Hurricane. "He said, 'Teach me to fight like a pro. Don't be light on me,'" says Claybon. The result of 1,000 sit-ups and running three to five miles a day? A sculpted body and a Golden Globe for best actor.