New Delhi, Oct. 24 -- Long before he became one of Hollywood's most respected actors, Denzel Washington made a contribution that would leave a lasting mark on another famous performer's life. In 1998, Washington secretly helped fund a summer acting programme in Oxford for a young actor who could not afford to attend.

The student was among a group of 10 theatre students from Howard University who had been accepted into a programme at the British American Drama Academy (BADA). Their opportunity to study in the UK came with a financial challenge, prompting their teacher, actor Phylicia Rashad, to seek help from her celebrity connections.

Washington was among those who agreed to contribute. His support helped the students take part in the p...