Denzel Washington Has Finally Found His Purpose - The Interview

Transcript

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David Marchese (0:32)

From the New York Times. This is the interview. I'm David Marchese. So many of Denzel Washington's greatest performances have been defined by a riveting sense of authority, an absence of any pandering or need to be liked. There's something deep down inside his characters that feels unassailable, a little enigmatic, and theirs alone, the same steely qualities that have helped Washington become a legend also, as I learned firsthand, make for an unusual and unusually complicated conversationalist. The first of our two discussions was done remotely. He was at a photo studio in Los Angeles as the fires were still raging there and I was home in New Jersey. This discussion felt as if it were being conducted entirely on his terms. Or let me put it like this, I didn't feel like we ever quite figured out how to connect. The second time we talked a little over a week later, things were different. I met him in person at a space in Manhattan where he was rehearsing for a rare Broadway appearance. He's playing Othello in a new production that co stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago and is directed by the Tony Award winner Kenny Leon. I can't really say why with any certainty, but things just felt easier with him this time. What I do know, though, is that after it was all over, I was left with an experience just as memorable as one of his performances. Here's my conversation with Denzel Washing Hello, I'm David.

Denzel Washington (2:03)

How are you? David Denzel, nice to meet you. Pleasure.

David Marchese (2:06)

Just to start, I saw that right at the end of last year you were baptized and earned your minister's license.

Denzel Washington (2:15)

I got baptized and I have to now take courses to obtain a license. But I did get baptized, but I'm not an ordained minister.

David Marchese (2:26)

Can you tell me about the decision to go through that process at this point in your life?

Denzel Washington (2:32)

I went for a ride one day and I decided to go up to Harlem. I was in Manhattan. I decided to get my car and drive up To Harlem and riding around, thinking of places where my mother lived. And I stopped in front of the church that my mother grew up in, and the door was cracked. So I went in, and they were celebrating the young students, members of the church that were going to college. And I got involved in that. And one thing led to another and whatever it was, weeks later, months later, I got baptized.

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Denzel Washington Has Finally Found His Purpose"

Podcast Information:

Title: The Interview
Host/Author: The New York Times
Description: Conversations with the world’s most fascinating people. Each week, hosts David Marchese and Lulu Garcia-Navarro engage with influential figures across various fields, exploring their motivations, identities, and impacts on the world. New episodes every Saturday.
Episode: Denzel Washington Has Finally Found His Purpose
Release Date: February 8, 2025

1. Introduction: Setting the Tone

The episode opens with host David Marchese reflecting on Denzel Washington's illustrious career, highlighting his authoritative performances and enigmatic characters that have cemented his status as a Hollywood legend. Marchese contrasts two conversations with Washington: the first conducted remotely during the Los Angeles fires, which felt disconnected, and the second in person at a Manhattan rehearsal space, where the dialogue flowed more naturally.

Notable Quote:

“There’s something deep down inside his characters that feels unassailable, a little enigmatic, and theirs alone.” — David Marchese [00:32]

2. Faith and Spiritual Journey

A significant portion of the conversation delves into Washington's recent baptism and pursuit of a minister's license. He shares a poignant moment driving through Harlem, leading him to a church his mother once attended, which ignited his renewed faith.

Notable Quotes:

“I went for a ride one day and I decided to go up to Harlem... and whatever it was, weeks later, months later, I got baptized.” — Denzel Washington [02:32]

“It was prophesied in my youth that I would travel the world and preach or speak to millions of people.” — Denzel Washington [03:22]

Washington discusses the prophecy from his youth, emphasizing how his acting career served as a platform for his spiritual mission, blending his faith with his work in the arts.

3. Acting, Theater, and the Role of Othello

Washington expresses his deep connection to theater, contrasting it with film. He reveals his excitement about reprising the role of Othello after 48 years, now collaborating with Jake Gyllenhaal and directed by Kenny Leon. He underscores the unique immediacy and communal experience of theater, stating that it offers him the greatest joy compared to acting in films.

Notable Quotes:

“Theater is an actor's medium. Once the curtain goes up, it's between us and the audience.” — Denzel Washington [07:14]

“It's been 48 years between I played Othello at 22, and I'm going back at 70.” — Denzel Washington [06:28]

4. Family and Personal Life

Washington opens up about his family life, particularly the impact of fatherhood on his perspective. He discusses the challenges of providing for his children, educating them, and maintaining a balance between his career and personal responsibilities. Additionally, he touches upon his wife Pauletta's artistic endeavors and how her discipline as a concert pianist has influenced his appreciation for the arts.

Notable Quotes:

“Having children changed my perspective. It changed everything.” — Denzel Washington [10:48]

“She's an artist. I never looked at myself that way, and I just learned a lot from her.” — Denzel Washington [14:15]

5. Navigating the Business of Acting

The conversation shifts to the business side of acting. Washington candidly discusses the financial realities actors face, highlighting how agents, lawyers, and managers significantly reduce an actor's earnings. He distinguishes between roles chosen for artistic merit versus those taken for monetary reasons, reflecting on his choices between films like "Malcolm X" and action movies like "Virtuosity."

Notable Quotes:

“A dollar is about 38 cents. And that's what it is.” — Denzel Washington [12:10]

“I've taken every job for money. There's no job where I went... I'm just so glad to be an actor.” — Denzel Washington [12:16]

6. Personal Insights and Reflections

Washington shares deep philosophical insights, often tying his faith into his worldview. He discusses the nature of evil, free will, and the importance of faith over mere understanding. These reflections are interspersed with humor and personal anecdotes, showcasing his multifaceted personality.

Notable Quotes:

“Believe in something greater than yourself. Sometimes you just have to have faith in things bigger than our ability to understand them.” — Denzel Washington [26:25]

“Evil is an opportunity for good to take advantage of it.” — Denzel Washington [25:33]

7. Challenges During the Interview

The interview itself presents a unique dynamic, with Washington playfully challenging Marchese's questions and encouraging a more expansive dialogue. This meta-conversation highlights Washington's comfort and authenticity, even in a potentially awkward interviewing scenario.

Notable Quotes:

“Maybe I should ask you a question.” — Denzel Washington [17:26]

“Don’t deflect. Ask me.” — Denzel Washington [22:29]

8. Conclusion and Future Prospects

As the episode wraps up, Washington offers words of wisdom about faith, understanding, and embracing the unknown. He reiterates the importance of believing in something beyond oneself and reflects on his ongoing journey of faith and artistry.

Notable Quote:

“Believe in something greater than yourself. Sometimes you just have to have faith in things bigger than our ability to understand them.” — Denzel Washington [26:25]

Final Thoughts

"Denzel Washington Has Finally Found His Purpose" provides an intimate glimpse into the actor's spiritual awakening, his enduring passion for theater, and his contemplative approach to life and art. Washington's candidness, combined with his philosophical musings, offers listeners a profound understanding of what drives one of Hollywood's most esteemed figures.

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