Denzel Washington Shares Candid Thoughts On Why He Doesn’t View Himself As A ‘Hollywood Actor’

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Denzel Washington stands out as an actor who values his craft above the limelight. From his debut on TV’s “Wilma” to his latest role as Macrinus in “Gladiator II,” available through your Paramount+ subscription, Washington consistently delivers transformative performances that justify Time magazine naming him one of the greatest actors of the 21st century. Despite being a prominent figure in Hollywood, Washington is adamant about not labeling himself as a “Hollywood actor.” His perspective on his career makes a lot of sense.

One might assume that any top-tier actor would identify themselves as a “Hollywood actor,” given their work in the entertainment capital, attendance at film premieres, and frequent magazine covers. However, Denzel Washington is not one to embrace such superficial associations with stardom. In an interview with CBS News, he shared a compelling reason why the term “Hollywood actor” doesn’t resonate with him:

A Hollywood actor is simply an individual who acts in movies or television shows produced in Hollywood, which is a famous district in Los Angeles, California known for its film and entertainment industry. So, if you’re from Mt. Vernon and act there, you could be called a ‘Mt. Vernon actor.’

As a movie-loving critic, I can empathize with Denzel Washington. It’s understandable to feel out of place when your workplace is Hollywood, while your roots are deeply embedded in the blue-collar neighborhoods of New York City. Contrary to popular belief, Washington was not born into stardom; his mother was a beautician, and his father worked for the NYC Water Department.

After earning a BA in Drama and Journalism at Fordham University, Washington honed his craft as a creative arts director at Camp Sloane YMCA. It was during one of the staff talent shows that a colleague saw potential in him and encouraged him to explore acting further. Following this wise advice, Washington continued his acting studies at Lincoln Center, where he nurtured his natural talent for performance.

It’s evident that one doesn’t necessarily need to be born in California to achieve success in acting. Even Hollywood stars don’t always reside in California to maintain their careers. Actors like Denzel Washington demonstrate that it’s commitment to your craft, rather than conforming to the Hollywood stereotype, that leads to success.

Global viewers recognize Denzel Washington primarily for his award-winning roles in movies like “Malcolm X,” “A Soldier’s Story,” and “Fences,” among others. However, it’s worth noting that the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom began his career on stage, a fact that contributes to him being seen as more than just a “Hollywood actor.

As a thespian who dabbles in cinema, let me clarify: I started on stage before moving to film. My acting skills were honed on the stage, not in front of cameras. Movies are primarily a director’s craft; once filmed, editors piece it together, adding music and effects. On the other hand, theater is an actor’s domain; when the curtain rises, there’s no one to bail you out.

The actor known for his role in “Training Day” presents a compelling argument. Movies allow us to appreciate the artistic flair of directors as they bring their vision to life. Conversely, theater is where an actor’s talent truly shines. They are required to give a spellbinding performance in a single take, with no opportunity for re-takes or line prompts when the stage curtain rises. Whether reciting timeless lines from Shakespearean plays or contemporary works like “Angels in America”, immersing oneself completely in one’s character through dialogue, actions, and emotions becomes crucial without any room for hesitation.

1979 saw Denzel Washington making a mark with several supporting roles in “Coriolanus” at New York City’s Joseph Papp Public Theater. Since then, his powerful stage performances have been translated to the big screen, with roles such as those in “A Soldier’s Story”, where he played the lead character, and his portrayal of Malcolm X in the Off-Broadway play “When the Chickens Came Home to Roost”. Notably, he also brought the character from “Fences” to life on stage.

This year, Denzel Washington takes center stage in his sixth Broadway production, “Othello,” portraying the titular character, with Jake Gyllenhaal playing the manipulative Iago. His first performance as Othello was during his days at Fordham University, and he has a long history with Shakespeare, having starred in stage productions of “Richard III” and “Julius Caesar.” Furthermore, he has embodied Shakespeare’s works in the film adaptation of “The Tragedy of Macbeth” as well as Kenneth Branagh’s film version of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Given his extensive experience with Shakespeare, it’s safe to say that Washington is well-prepared for his upcoming Broadway performance.

Denzel Washington might not consider himself a typical “Hollywood star” because he takes pride in being a New Yorker and a stage actor who also appears in films. Yet, his influence on both the film and theater industries is indisputable. The acclaimed actor always delivers his best performance when faced with any challenge. Don’t miss out on seeing him and Jake Gyllenhaal in “Othello” at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre from now until June 8th.

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2025-03-25 03:38