Denzel Washington Calls Himself Stage Actor, Stars in Broadway's Othello

In a recent interview on CBS Sunday Morning, Denzel Washington expressed that he doesn't identify as a 'Hollywood actor,' instead referring to himself as a 'Mt. Vernon actor' from his hometown in New York. He emphasized that his foundation is in theater, stating, 'I'm a stage actor who does film; it's not the other way around.' Currently starring in a revival of Shakespeare's Othello alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Washington described the play's reimagined context, focusing on the bond between soldiers rather than solely on jealousy and betrayal. He reflected on his growth as an actor, noting, 'I know a lot less now' compared to his earlier performances. This production represents a significant moment for Washington, who has long admired James Earl Jones’s portrayal of Othello. The limited engagement runs at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, marking Washington's return to Broadway after several years.