WATCH: Omari Hardwick Credits Denzel Washington For Saving Him From Homelessness

Many know the talented actor Omari Hardwick for his performance in hit shows like "Power" and "Being Mary Jane." But before he became the name he is today, he struggled to make it to the top, just as any other Hollywood actor.

During a sit down with The Real's Loni Love, Hardwick speaks openly about his humble beginnings. Working as a high school substitute teacher and football coach, he gained the mentorship of none other than Denzel Washington and his son, John David Washington.

“They perfectly and appropriately didn’t help me out. They gave me shelter when I didn’t have a place to stay or whatever, but they sort of allowed me to be close enough to the family so I sort of transitioned into getting an agent…the whole thing…doing all these odd jobs,” said Hardwick.

Hardwick even considered becoming a firefighter, but turned down a full-time position when Spike Lee offered him his big break in a series titled, “Sucker Free City.”

Unfortunately, the show was never picked up and Omari fell upon hard times once again. This time, he says he lived out of his car and showered at a local YMCA.

The actor candidly expressed that at one point, his car was in danger of being repossessed but Denzel and his wife Pauletta stepped in and paid it off. Once Hardwick got back on his feet, he paid the Washington's back and they framed his check because they were so proud of him.

Omari Hardwick has definitely come a long way, but it is his gracious beginnings that have mold him into the well rounded actor we love and appreciate today.

Check out Omari's testimony below:

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