Denzel Washington Opens Up About Losing His Mother: 'She Was There for Everything'

Denzel Washingtonis mourning the death of his mom.

While appearing onThe Late Show with Stephen ColbertWednesday, the 66-year-old actor opened up about losing his mother Lennis Washington. She died in June at age 97.

Thanking hostStephen Colbertfor his condolences,The Tragedy of Macbethstar said “A mother is a son’s first true love. A son, especially that first son, is a mother’s last true love,” before getting choked up.

Scott Kowalchyk/CBS

“She was there for everything, and she went home,” Denzel continued, asking for a tissue. Then, Colbert flashed a throwback photo of the star, his wife Pauletta and Lennis at the 1990 Academy Awards, when Denzel won Best Supporting actor forGlory.

“This is terrible!” the two-time Oscar winner teased through tears. “And [I] didn’t cry at her funeral.”

“Why do you think?” Colbert asked. “I guess I saved it up for you!” Denzel joked.

Of their strong bong, Denzel said: “I don’t know if I was her favorite, I gave her the hardest time. I can tell you that.” And in a word of advice, the actor urged the audience to “hug” and “love” those most dear while they can.

source: people.com