As a top actor Denzel Washington holds significant influence in the film sector.
As a successful actor twice crowned an Oscar winner Denzel appears as a leading star with his movies captivating everyone across generations.
With a career spanning over four decades, most would assume Washington embodies the very definition of a “Hollywood actor.”
His own words show that he does not feel comfortable identifying as someone from Hollywood.
Washington considers himself something different compared to the label of a Hollywood actor.
During his interview with 60 Minutes Washington shared with Bill Whitaker how he does not accept the title regularly given to him.
The production opened at Barrymore Theatre in New York and set new attendance records yet to open for business.
The production of Othello set a new record as the leading straight play in Broadway history according to Deadline by generating $2.8 million during its initial eight preview shows.
Before Othello a record of $2.7 million was attained by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in 2023.
Credit: (Instagram/denzelwashington.official)
Though Othello makes significant money Washington remains dedicated to ensuring timeless stories that deliver honest performances.
“This is a 48-year journey for me,” he told Whitaker during the interview.
“Forty-eight years ago, I played Othello at 22, right down the block at Fordham [in the Bronx], at Lincoln Center.”
Every day I walk past the theater when I go to rehearsals. Having missed an opportunity before I am now finding it interesting at my current age. My knowledge of life gained through 48 years of living enriches my method for presenting this part.
The star Jake Gyllenhaal gave equal emphasis to the emotional depth of their performance together.
“Life and death is ever-present in every moment of the show,” Gyllenhaal shared.
All performers dedicate themselves through intense effort to achieve top performance quality.
But amid discussions of Shakespeare and the Broadway renaissance, Whitaker noted that the theatre scene was seeing a surge of “Hollywood actors and producers.”
Washington subtly questioned the use of the term during that moment.
Gyllenhaal wanted to understand how these performers defined their status as Hollywood stars.
As a native of Mount Vernon New York City I perform roles specifically from Mount Vernon. I do not recognize how the people of Hollywood define their community. I know it’s a place.”
Washington gave his definitive opinion about this standard movie actor term during the interview.
I perform on stages before moving to movie productions. Stage acting remains his original profession before moving into movies. I did stage first. Through stage work I earned my acting abilities which I did not learn from making films.
When making films filmmakers shoot the scenes first and then leave the project. They join together the filmed footage then add background music to create the finished product.
Actors control every part of theater life when the stage curtain opens during performance. Ain’t nobody can help you.”
Washington has mentioned his performance background several times before.
He discussed his Othello performance during a Today interview when he reached age 22. At 70 years old I will perform Othello for the stage once more.
After this role I will take the part of Hannibal. Afterward I met with director Steve McQueen about a film project.
“After that, Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me in the next Black Panther.”
I plan to perform Othello following these tasks. Following these roles I intend to perform King Lear. I will start living in retirement mode after my next goal.
Credit: (Instagram/denzelwashington.official)
For someone considered one of the greatest actors of our time, Washington’s refusal to be boxed in by the term “Hollywood” is a revelation.
He does not turn away from celebrity status because he wants to shape how industry success looks for performers.
Denzel Washington views his Hollywood career as a temporary part before moving on to other things in life.
His stage has been his own house since the beginning.
Feature Image Credit: (Instagram/denzelwashington.official) and (Instagram/jakegyllenhaal)