It’s no exaggeration when I say that there is truly no actor, dead or alive, who is like Denzel Washington.
Whether he’s instilling fear into folks as a crooked cop or an “American Gangster”—or inspiring courage to a team of high school footballers—the roles Washington has taken on over the course of his nearly 50-year-long career have undoubtedly been etched into the hearts and minds of the culture and Hollywood at-large.
So the mere suggestion that he could be potentially nearing the end of his career is something that I definitely don’t want to imagine, let alone entertain outright. But, in a new interview with “The Great Debaters” star, it seems like that may be something he’s toying with as he shared that there aren’t that many “films left” that pique his curiosity or quench his creative thirst enough to want to explore.
“There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in,” he told Variety in promotion for his new film, “Gladiator 2.”
“I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley [Scott, director for “Gladiator 2"]. We had a great go-round the first go-round and here we are. He’s engaged. He’s excited about life and his next film. He’s an inspiration. We should all want to feel like that at 86,” the “Glory” star explained.
While I can understand his sentiments about the lack of projects, I can’t emphasize this next statement enough: DENZEL, PLEASE DON’T RETIRE. I know you’ve given us so much and we are all eternally grateful, but in the words of a Wisconsin-born R&B singer: PLEASE DON’T GO.
I’m sure between your two sons John David and Malcolm, they can help find you some projects that speak to your inner thespian again. Tell those boys to get to work, tap into this up-and-coming crop of Black writers and filmmakers, or something! You can’t stop just yet, but I will ultimately respect whatever decision you decide.
But please for the love of all that is Blackness, please keep acting for just a little while longer. There’s no one doing it like you, Unc.