Denzel Washington โ Source: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty
After shocking the world with retirement talk, Denzel Washington explains he wants to step on the other side of the camera in the future.
Last week, the world was stunned as iconic actor Denzel Washington dropped the dreaded R-word: retirement. Washington casually announced his retirement plan on Australiaโs Today show. While the situation shocked fans, we all must understand how long Denzel has shared his gift with us.
โIโve played Othello at 22. Iโm about to play Othello at 70,โ Washington stated. โAfter that, Iโm playing Hannibal. After that, Iโve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that, Ryan Cooglerโs writing a part for me in the next Black Panther. After that, Iโm gonna do the film Othello. After that, Iโm gonna do King Lear. After that, Iโm gonna retire.โ
Itโs hard to argue with his decision, even if it initially brought sadness. However, during a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Washington revealed he has big plans before eventually calling it quits in Hollywood.
โI have five or six great directors that are interested in working with me and Iโm interested in,โ said Washington. โAnd after that, Iโm interested in getting behind the camera. But by the time I finish all of that, Iโll be like 76, 78 years old.โ
Kimmel described the retirement plan as โless acting,โ to which Washington confirmed, โThatโs the plan,โ providing relief to all of us. After decades of amazing films, if Denzel wants to direct, he has earned that opportunity.
It should be noted, however, that Denzelโs retirement wonโt be anytime soon; he recently clarified to BuzzFeed that he was just announcing his future plans.
โI didnโt say I was going to go into retirement. I said that it has to be a level of interest for me. Iโm more interested in getting behind the camera, so thatโs about five years out,โ Washington said.
โIโm not retiring,โ he added. โItโs not like on June 5, thatโs it. But to think that Iโm going to run as far as they are or as far as you are, Iโd be a fool.โ
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Washington is one of the busiest actors in Hollywood but always in tune with pop culture and what got everyoneโs attention. Hopefully, we can all pack theaters to support his directing dreams soon.
You can watch Denzel chat with Jimmy Kimmel below.
