Denzel Washington Clarifies ‘Retirement’ Wants To Start Directing

Denzel Washington – 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 Australia’s Today show. While the situation shocked fans, we all must understand how long Denzel has shared his gift with us.

“I’ve played Othello at 22. I’m about to play Othello at 70,” Washington stated. “After that, I’m playing Hannibal. After that, I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that, Ryan Coogler’s writing a part for me in the next Black Panther. After that, I’m gonna do the film Othello. After that, I’m gonna do King Lear. After that, I’m gonna retire.”

It’s 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.

“I have five or six great directors that are interested in working with me and I’m interested in,” said Washington. “And after that, I’m interested in getting behind the camera. But by the time I finish all of that, I’ll be like 76, 78 years old.”

Kimmel described the retirement plan as “less acting,” to which Washington confirmed, “That’s the plan,” 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 Denzel’s retirement won’t be anytime soon; he recently clarified to BuzzFeed that he was just announcing his future plans.

“I didn’t say I was going to go into retirement. I said that it has to be a level of interest for me. I’m more interested in getting behind the camera, so that’s about five years out,” Washington said.

“I’m not retiring,” he added. “It’s not like on June 5, that’s it. But to think that I’m going to run as far as they are or as far as you are, I’d be a fool.”

 

Washington is one of the busiest actors in Hollywood but always in tune with pop culture and what got everyone’s attention. Hopefully, we can all pack theaters to support his directing dreams soon.

You can watch Denzel chat with Jimmy Kimmel below.