Denzel Washington Refutes “Hollywood Actor” Designation
Denzel Washington recently clarified his self-perception during a March 23 interview on “CBS Sunday Morning,” stating that he does not consider himself a “Hollywood actor.”
Questioning the Term “Hollywood Actor”
“What exactly is the interpretation of a Hollywood actor?” Washington inquired during the conversation. “Personally, originating from Mt. Vernon, I identify as a ‘Mt. Vernon actor.’ The designation ‘Hollywood’ holds no specific meaning for me.”
“Is it simply someone recognized through film? An actor achieving significant success in cinema?” the New York native elaborated.
Stage Roots Define Acting Identity
Washington characterized himself as “primarily a stage actor who also works in film; not the reverse.”
“My foundational training began on stage. I acquired my acting skills in theater, not on film sets,” he elaborated. “Cinema is fundamentally a director’s medium. The scenes are filmed, the actor departs, and the director then assembles the footage, incorporating music and other elements. Conversely, theater is the actor’s domain. Once the curtain rises, the actor is solely responsible.”
From Off-Broadway to Film Acclaim
Washington’s career commenced in off-Broadway productions before his feature film debut in the 1981 comedy-drama “Carbon Copy.”
Subsequently, Washington has starred in numerous critically acclaimed films, securing Academy Awards for his performances in “Glory” (1990) and “Training Day” (2002).
He also received Academy Award nominations for his roles in “Cry Freedom,” “Malcolm X,” “The Hurricane,” “Flight,” “Fences,” “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” and “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”
Return to Broadway in “Othello”
Currently, Washington is performing on Broadway in a new revival of “Othello” at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, co-starring with Jake Gyllenhaal.
Discussing the reimagining of William Shakespeare’s renowned tragedy with CBS, Washington stated, “People often perceive it merely as ‘jealousy and betrayal.’ However, it is fundamentally about two soldiers bound by profound trust.”
Consistent Disregard for “Star” Titles
Washington had previously dismissed the label “big Hollywood star” in a 2012 interview with The Talks.
“I am an actor. I am labeled a star. That is not my essence,” he asserted. “Primarily, I am a human being; acting is my profession.”
The “Remember the Titans” actor continued, “Titles are externally imposed. One might be termed an ‘up and coming star,’ then simply a ‘star,’ and eventually a ‘washed-up star.’ I avoid becoming fixated on these labels. My vocation, my occupation, is acting.”
Focus on Profession, Not Titles
When probed about whether he dislikes the term “movie star,” Washington responded, “I am a trained actor. The label applied by others is inconsequential.”
He concluded, “I do not conduct myself as a ‘movie star.’ I perceive myself merely as an entertainer.”