This is Denzel:
and
Suffice to say, Denzel is far better than Will Smith, both as an actor and as a person.
I followed Will and Denzel closely growing up. If you wanted a quality, 100% performance, you call Denzel. If you want a cheap laugh, juvenile behavior with a soft face, you call Will. Both got in during a time when Hollywood was trying to find black actors and both jumped at the opportunity.
From Glory to Training Day to now The Equalizer, you can see that Denzel puts everything into his profession and takes pride in providing the best he can offer. That work ethic has been recognized by the countless awards and the arguable case that he might be one of the greatest actors of all time.
Meanwhile, Will took the route of least resistance. Fresh Prince was a hit and he went after blockbuster movies and the money that came with it. He could of took the similar route Denzel took but didn't. While he got the fame and riches, he never really use that capital to propel him to new heights. I remember watching a mini documentary on him in the mid 00's and he straight up said he prioritizes sfx movies over everything. That showed me the true character of Will.
Sure enough in the 2010's, roles for Will started drying up. Meanwhile Denzel been gliding along. Will made that piece of crap movie Focus where it seemed like a sad attempt to get with Margot Robbie. That was it for me.
I take stock of a person by their children. You only have to take one look at John David Washington and then look at Jaden Smith. Im not surprised by all this. It's like a tragedy where the spoiled star is coming to the realization that this is the end and he's the butt of the last joke.