Denzel Washington: “I’m A Stage Actor Who Does Film”

Denzel Washington is back on Broadway, and he’s never been more excited. The legendary actor, now 70, is stepping into the iconic role of Othello in a new production of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal as the scheming Iago, Denzel describes this as a dream come true, calling it “the most excited I’ve been this century.”

For Denzel, theater has always been his first love. Despite his fame in Hollywood, the Oscar-winning actor insists, “I’m a stage actor who does film; it’s not the other way around.” He first honed his craft on stage before transitioning to the screen, where he delivered unforgettable performances in films like Glory and Training Day. Still, his heart belongs to the theater. “Movies are a filmmaker’s medium,” he explained. “Theater is an actor’s medium. The curtain goes up, nobody can help you.”

The new Othello production, which officially opened on March 23, marks the first time the play has been staged on Broadway in over 40 years. The last major revival, in 1982, featured James Earl Jones as Othello and Christopher Plummer as Iago.

For Denzel, following in the footsteps of Jones — a personal hero — is both thrilling and humbling. “James Earl Jones was my northern star when I was in college,” he shared. “He was who I wanted to be.” 

Reflecting on his younger self’s interpretation of the role, Denzel admitted, “I thought I knew everything then. I didn’t really like the part, ’cause I wasn’t wise enough to understand it. Now I understand it’s really about a bond, you know, that these characters have. He loves not wisely, but too well.”

Directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, this limited 15-week engagement is produced by Brian Anthony Moreland, with co-producers including Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss and her husband Todd Tucker. The play is running at Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre and will close on June 8.

Denzel, who grew up in Mt. Vernon, New York, chuckled at the idea of being labeled a Hollywood actor. “Myself, I’m from Mt. Vernon, so I’m a ‘Mt. Vernon actor,’” he said. “I don’t know what ‘Hollywood’ means.”