Denzel Washington, currently starring in the Broadway revival of Othello, doesn’t consider himself a “Hollywood actor.” In a recent interview with CBS News’ Sunday Morning, the 70-year-old actor reflected on his career, explaining that he sees himself more as a stage actor who works in film.
“I’m from Mt. Vernon, so I’m a ‘Mt. Vernon actor,'” Washington said, referencing his hometown in New York. “I don’t know what ‘Hollywood’ means.” He emphasized that he began his acting career on stage, not in film, and that theater is “an actor’s medium” while movies are “a filmmaker’s medium.”
Washington’s comments come as he takes on the iconic role of Othello in the new Broadway production, which opened on March 23. This marks the first Broadway revival of Othello in over 40 years. The production also stars Jake Gyllenhaal as the villainous Iago.
Washington shared his admiration for James Earl Jones, his hero and the previous Othello on Broadway, saying he was inspired by Jones during his college years. “He was who I wanted to be,” Washington said, expressing the significance of stepping into the role himself.
The production is being directed by Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon and is set to run for a limited 15-week engagement at the Barrymore Theatre through June 8. Washington has called the project the most excited he’s been about anything this century.