Denzel Washington is one of the most iconic actors of all time. His Academy Award winning performance in Training Day has sparked millions of monologue imitations and helped solidify his career in Hollywood.
Denzel Washington took the stage on September 17 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing arts to share personal stories from his career and his new 10 year deal with HBO. He discussed how proud he is to see his son on HBO’s Ballers, who he thinks is the best actress in Hollywood, and Matt Damon’s comments on diversity.
Denzel Washington also revealed the true ending of Training Day. In the original ending of Training Day Denzel Washington’s character was supposed to live so there could be a sequel. However, Denzel Washington wouldn’t allow it. “In the original script he did, but I was not having it,” said Washington.
It is interesting to point out that, Denzel Washington was not allowed to watch movies as a kid.
“My father was a minister in the Church of God and Christ,” said Washington. “My mother was a singer in church, so we weren’t allowed to watch movies.”
The actor was only allowed to watch certain Christian films. “King of Kings, Ten Commandmentsand that’s about it,” Washington added. “I never went to the movies as a child, ever.“
But, his earliest inspirations were James Earl Jones, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.
“Once I got into theater at Fordham University, I saw James Earl Jones do Oedipus the King at St. John the Divine Cathedral. I went backstage and he didn’t know me. I guess he sensed I was this young curious actor, and he let me hang out in the dressing room. I said, ‘I want to be him.’ I didn’t have that power or size that he had.”
“I wanted to get into [acting] like anybody’s last name that ends with an O: De Niro, Pacino.”
Denzel Washington also shared his preference of appearing on stage versus on film.
“I started on the stage. I prefer the stage. I’d never thought that what has happened would happen,” said Washington, who explained that he took a break from acting onstage after his kids were born. “Get on the stage,” he stressed. “You learn how to act onstage. Not in film, not in TV.”
You can watch the full interview below:
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