Denzel Washington, a distinguished 70-year-old actor, is currently captivating audiences as Othello on Broadway, reaffirming his dedication to theater. In an interview with CBS’ Sunday Morning, Washington expressed, “I’m a stage actor who does film, it’s not the other way around. I did stage first. I learned how to act on stage, not on film.” This statement sheds light on his perspective amid a trend of movie stars transitioning to Broadway.
Despite his success in numerous blockbuster movies, Washington rejects the “Hollywood actor” label, proclaiming his roots as a “Mt. Vernon actor.” He humorously remarked, “I don’t know what ‘Hollywood’ means. That’s something — I know it’s a place,” emphasizing his connection to his hometown in New York.
Washington elaborated on the contrasts between stage and screen acting, declaring, “Movies are filmmakers’ medium. You shoot it and then you’re gone, and they cut together and add music and do all of that. Theater is an actor’s medium. The curtain goes up, and you’re on and nobody can help you.” This insight highlights his appreciation for the raw, immediate nature of theater.
His Broadway journey began in 1988 with Checkmates, earning him a Tony Award in 2010 for Fences. His impressive stage repertoire also includes roles in Julius Caesar, A Raisin in the Sun, and The Iceman Cometh.
As Othello fills theaters, its director recently addressed the high ticket prices, illustrating the demand for performances led by prominent actors like Washington. This return to Broadway not only reinforces Washington’s foundational ties to stage acting but also influences rising interest in theater, hinting at a possible resurgence in stage productions.
