Denzel Washington has clarified his stance on how he perceives his career, stating that he does not consider himself a ‘Hollywood actor.’ Despite an illustrious career spanning decades, with two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, and three Golden Globe wins, Washington maintains a different perspective on his professional identity.
Table of Contents
A ‘Mount Vernon Actor’
Speaking on CBS Sunday Morning, Washington dismissed the label of ‘Hollywood actor.’
“What’s the definition of a Hollywood actor? Myself, I’m from Mount Vernon, so I’m a ‘Mount Vernon actor,'” he remarked, referring to his New York hometown. “I don’t know what ‘Hollywood’ means.”
He questioned the term further, pondering whether it refers to someone famous on film or an actor with great success in cinema.
Theatre at the Core of His Craft
Currently preparing for his role in a Broadway production of Othello, Washington, now 70, describes himself as a “stage actor who does film, not the other way around.”
“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 it together, add music, and do all of that. Theatre is an actor’s medium. The curtain goes up, and nobody can help you.”
Washington trained at the American Conservatory Theater and initially built his career in theatre, performing in off-Broadway productions before gaining recognition in the television drama St. Elsewhere (1982). His success in television paved the way for his celebrated film career.
An Acclaimed Film Career
Washington has starred in numerous critically acclaimed films, including:
| Film | Year | Award Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Malcolm X | 1992 | Academy Award Nominee |
| Training Day | 2001 | Academy Award Winner |
| Fences | 2016 | Academy Award Winner |
| The Book of Eli | 2010 | Box Office Hit |
| Cry Freedom | 1987 | BAFTA Nominee |
Faith and Hollywood
Recently, Washington became a minister and was baptised by Bishop James Pullings Jr. at the Kelly Temple in New York City in December. A video circulated online showed Washington declaring:
“It took a while, but I’m finally here… If [God] can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is the limit.”
His wife, Esther Renee Burns Pullings, celebrated the event on social media, sharing images from the baptism ceremony.
Criticism of Hollywood and Religious Expression
Washington has openly criticised Hollywood, claiming that discussing faith is often discouraged in the industry. Writing for Esquire, he stated:
“When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my Lord and Saviour. I’m unafraid.”
He elaborated that openly expressing religious beliefs could impact an actor’s career in Hollywood.
“You can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town. I’m free now.”
Washington further downplayed the significance of Hollywood, stating that it is merely a location:
“There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That to me means a street called Hollywood Boulevard.”
A Legacy Beyond Hollywood
While Washington’s comments challenge the conventional notion of a ‘Hollywood actor,’ his influence in the industry remains undeniable. Whether on stage or on screen, his performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide. His upcoming role in Othello marks yet another chapter in his distinguished career, reinforcing his commitment to the craft of acting over the glamour of Hollywood.