DENZEL Washington has made it clear that while he’s not stepping away from his career, he’s embracing a new phase of life—one where he is more selective about his projects and increasingly focused on passing the baton to the next generation.
In a recent interview while on a press tour for Gladiator II, in which he stars, the 69-year-old explained that his priorities are shifting.
“It has to be a level of interest to me,” he told Seasoned, noting that he’s more inclined to take on roles behind the camera. "I’m more interested in getting behind the camera."
Washington also addressed his previous comments about retiring after fulfilling current commitments, which had sparked speculation. “I didn’t say I was going to go into retirement,” he clarified. “I may have used the word retire, but I look at life in three sections. You learn, you earn, and you return. I’m in the return part of life.”
The actor’s decision to focus on the “return” phase has been influenced by a recent experience: going on a three-week tour with his children, John David, Malcolm, Katia, and Olivia. Reflecting on the tour, Washington said, “They’re taking over. I’m not retiring, but to think I’m going to run as far as they are, I would be a fool.”
Washington, whose career spans decades and includes iconic roles in films like Training Day and Fences, added that his perspective has evolved as he watches his children step into their own careers. “That’s the ego that thinks ‘oh yeah, I can do it.’ No, you can’t. Your stunt man is doing it now. I’m less interested in running and jumping. You let John David run and jump.”
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