Renowned actor Denzel Washington, who shares four children with his wife Pauletta Washington, has opened up about the guidance he offered his kids regarding the acting profession.
Known for his iconic performances and a career spanning decades, Denzel’s advice reflects his deep understanding of the craft. In an interview with the UK’s Sunday Times, the two-time Academy Award winner shared a pivotal piece of wisdom he gave his children: “I told them they have to get on the stage because that’s where you learn to act.” He elaborated, “You don’t learn to act on TV. You don’t learn to act in movies. You learn to act on stage.”
Denzel, whose two children—John David Washington and Olivia Washington—have pursued acting careers, emphasized the stage's foundational role in developing an actor’s skills. He explained that while television and film are often seen as pinnacles of the industry, they are fundamentally different from the live, unfiltered nature of stage acting. “TV and films are a director's medium—where they are in control. Everyone thinks they can do it, but there's only so many LeBrons,” he remarked, likening exceptional talent in acting to the rarity of a superstar athlete like LeBron James.
Reflecting further, Denzel acknowledged the varying paths actors take, noting, “I’m not knocking actors that never got the opportunity because maybe that wasn’t their track, but I can tell you about my own kids.” His advice highlights the importance of discipline, experience, and humility in an industry often marked by superficiality.
Beyond his children, the 69-year-old actor also shared personal insights about his approach to his own career and body of work. Surprisingly, Denzel admitted he has never watched any of his films in full, including the critically acclaimed Malcolm X. “All you see is what you did wrong,” he said candidly. “Also, why would you do it anyway?” His perspective underscores his focus on the process of acting rather than dwelling on past accomplishments.
In recent news, Denzel received high praise from acclaimed director Ridley Scott for his performance in the upcoming Gladiator II. During an interview with The New York Times, Scott offered a glimpse into Denzel’s character, Macrinus. “Macrinus has a twinkle of bisexuality. There’s a twinkle. Also, he’s a gangster,” Scott said, highlighting the character’s complex and multifaceted nature.
The director detailed Macrinus’ backstory, describing him as a former prisoner of war who fought his way to freedom, later working in a bread factory supplying the Roman army. “He maybe eventually took that over, then goes to munitions, so he’s an arms dealer. I thought that was his evolution,” Scott shared. According to the director, Denzel enthusiastically embraced the role, saying, “Oh, I like that. I’m a gangster.”
With his enduring talent and commitment to excellence, Denzel Washington continues to inspire not only his children but also the next generation of actors, proving that the foundation of greatness lies in dedication, experience, and an unrelenting passion for the craft.
