Denzel Washington doesn’t see himself as a “Hollywood actor.” Despite being one of the most recognizable faces in cinema with more than four decades in the industry, the star maintains a distinctly humble perspective about his career.
The 70-year-old star has enjoyed a hugely successful career in the film business, but Washington insists that he remains more closely connected to his roots in Mount Vernon than to Hollywood. His connection to his hometown has remained strong throughout his journey to becoming one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation.
“What’s the definition of a Hollywood actor? Myself, I’m from Mount Vernon, so I’m a ‘Mount Vernon actor.’ I don’t know what ‘Hollywood’ means,” Denzel said on “CBS Sunday Morning.” His comments reflect his well-known authenticity that has endeared him to fans and colleagues throughout his illustrious career.
Washington also revealed that he sees himself as “a stage actor who does film.” This perspective highlights his classical training and dedication to the craft of acting beyond the glamour of Hollywood productions.
“It’s not the other way around. I did stage first. I learned how to act on stage, not on film,” the veteran star explained. “Movies are a filmmaker’s medium. You shoot it, and then you’re gone and they cut together and add music and do all of that. Theatre is an actor’s medium. The curtain goes up, nobody can help you.” Washington‘s theatrical background includes acclaimed performances in productions like “Fences” and “A Raisin in the Sun,” demonstrating his versatility across performance mediums.
Meanwhile, Washington previously admitted that he doesn’t watch any of his old films “from start to finish.” This surprising revelation comes despite his impressive filmography that has earned him two Academy Awards and numerous nominations throughout his career.
The acclaimed actor has starred in a host of big-budget movies during his career, including Gladiator II and Training Day – but Washington doesn’t enjoy seeing himself on the big screen. His reluctance to revisit his own performances speaks to his forward-looking approach to his craft and continuous pursuit of growth as an actor.
“I watch it so I know what I’m talking about. But I haven’t watched any film from my past from start to finish, not even Malcolm X. All you see is what you did wrong. Also why would you do it anyway?” he told The Times newspaper. His portrayal of Malcolm X is widely considered one of the greatest biographical performances in cinema history, making his admission even more remarkable.
Denzel starred in Malcolm X in 1992, but he confessed to making “some real clunkers” in the subsequent years. This candid acknowledgment demonstrates his refreshing honesty about the inevitable ups and downs of a long-standing career in the entertainment industry.
“In life, you learn, earn and then you return — as in give back. So if your life is 90 years long, up until 30 you learn and from 30 to 60 you earn,” he said. “So in that era I was earning. With a great agent, my career built into making money and so the earning kicked in and then life also kicked in, with bills, four kids and a house … After Malcolm X, I made some real clunkers. Look them up. I won’t say their names.” Washington’s philosophy reflects his well-documented commitment to philanthropy and mentorship of younger actors in the industry.
The actor’s perspective on his identity as a “Mount Vernon actor” rather than a “Hollywood actor” offers insight into how he has maintained his groundedness throughout decades of fame. Industry insiders have often noted Washington‘s reputation for professionalism and lack of pretense despite his status as one of cinema’s most respected figures.
Cultural critics point out that Washington’s career trajectory differs from many of his contemporaries, with a body of work that includes a thoughtful balance of commercial projects and more challenging dramatic roles. This deliberate approach to his career choices has enabled him to maintain both critical respect and commercial viability well into his seventh decade.
As Washington continues to take on new challenges, including his recent role in Ridley Scott’s epic Gladiator II, his comments serve as a reminder that even at the pinnacle of success, he remains connected to his foundations both geographically and artistically. His perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint to Hollywood’s reputation for excess and disconnection from reality.
