Denzel Washington: Why He Calls Himself a Theater Actor First
Washington [US], March 24 (ANI): The Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington is presently featured in a fresh Broadway production of Shakespeare's 'Othello', co-starring with Jake Gyllenhaal.
In a recent conversation with People magazine, Washington discussed his perspective on his acting journey and emphasized that he views himself primarily as a theater performer.
When questioned about serving as a " Hollywood Actor, Washington replied, "Could you please tell me what the definition of a Hollywood Actor? As for me, I hail from Mount Vernon, making me a 'Mount Vernon actor.' I’m not sure about the term you mentioned. Hollywood ' means."
Washington, an Oscar winner for his performances in movies such as 'Glory' and 'Training Day,' stressed that acting on stage remains his true passion.
“I am primarily a theater actor who also works in film; the reverse isn’t true,” he clarified, further stating, “I started with theater where I honed my acting skills, rather than learning them through filmmaking.”
The actor playing the lead part in 'Othello' remarked that theater serves as an actor's platform, while cinema belongs more to filmmakers.
"As the curtain rises, no one can assist you," he stated, as reported by People magazine.
The production of 'Othello' in Washington is an aspiration fulfilled for the actor, who has long looked up to the late James Earl Jones' interpretation of the role.
James Earl Jones served as my guiding light during my college years," Washington stated, further mentioning, "He was the person I aspired to become.
Collaborating with Gyllenhaal and director Kenny Leon on this project has been an exhilarating experience for Washington.
"Now, I understand much less," he admitted, contemplating his previous view of the part.
"He mentioned that back then, he believed himself to be all-knowing. However, he genuinely disliked that segment because he lacked the wisdom to comprehend it at the time," he explained.
The short 15-week run of 'Othello' is presently underway at Broadway's Barrymore Theatre. (ANI)