Denzel Washington Says He Doesn’t See Himself as a ‘Hollywood Actor’: “I Have No Idea What ‘Hollywood’ Means”
Denzel Washington has long identified as a theater actor before a film star, a sentiment he reinforced during a recent interview on CBS News’ Sunday Morning on March 23. Reflecting on his role in the new Broadway production of Shakespeare’s Othello, Washington, 70, discussed his deep connection to the stage and why he considers it his primary craft.
Denzel Washington Reflects on Hollywood
“What’s the definition of a Hollywood actor? Myself, I’m from Mt. Vernon, so I’m a ‘Mt. Vernon actor,'” Washington said, referring to his hometown in New York. “I don’t know what ‘Hollywood’ means.” He added, “Somebody who’s famous on film? A film actor, great success on film?”
“I’m a stage actor who does film; it’s not the other way around,” Washington explained. “I did stage first. I learned how to act on stage, not on film. Movies are a filmmaker’s medium. You shoot it, and then you’re gone, and they cut together and add music and do all of that. Theater is an actor’s medium. The curtain goes up, nobody can help you.”
Denzel Washington Stars In “Othello”
The Broadway production of Othello, which officially opened on March 23, features Washington in the title role and Jake Gyllenhaal, 44, as the villainous Iago. This is the first time Othello has graced Broadway in more than 40 years, with the last revival in 1982 starring James Earl Jones.
Washington spoke emotionally about stepping into the shoes of his hero, James Earl Jones, whose performance as Othello had inspired him. “James Earl Jones was my northern star when I was in college,” Washington shared. “He was who I wanted to be. I didn’t get to see his Othello, but I know it wasn’t as good as my 22-year-old interpretation. But you know, it’s my turn.”
Reflecting on his growth as an actor, Washington continued, “I know a lot less now. I thought I knew everything then. I didn’t really like the part, ’cause I wasn’t wise enough to understand it. Now I understand it’s really about a bond, you know, that these characters have. He loves not wisely, but too well.”
Washington also expressed his enthusiasm for the production, calling it “the most excited I’ve been this century.” He added, “Seriously, I haven’t been this excited about anything I’ve done as I am about this.”
The production, directed by Tony Award-winning Kenny Leon, is set for a limited 15-week run. The show is produced by Brian Anthony Moreland, with co-producers including Kandi Burruss and her husband Todd Tucker from The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Othello is currently on Broadway.
