Denzel Washington rejects being labeled ‘Hollywood actor’ who does Broadway: ‘Don’t know what it means’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Denzel Washington is making waves on Broadway with Jake Gyllenhaal, but he is also addressing how he views his career.

The acclaimed actor made it clear that he does not consider himself a 'Hollywood actor' who occasionally appears on stage.

Denzel Washington says he's a 'stage actor who does film'

Denzel Washington, who is starring in the Shakespearean tragedy 'Othello,' pushed back against the notion that Hollywood stars are taking over Broadway.

He explained that his roots in acting began on stage, not in film.

During an interview with 'CBS News Sunday Morning' host Bill Whitaker, Washington clarified his position.

"I'm a stage actor who does film, it’s not the other way around. I did stage first. I learned how to act on stage, not on film," Washington said.

Whitaker had pointed out the number of Hollywood actors performing on Broadway this season.

Washington further questioned the term "Hollywood actor" and its meaning. "Myself, I’m from Mt Vernon, so I’m a Mt Vernon actor. I don’t know what ‘Hollywood’ means. That’s something — I know it’s a place," Washington added.

Denzel Washington draws comparison between filmmaking and acting 

When Bill Whitaker attempted to define a Hollywood actor, Denzel Washington took the opportunity to distinguish between stage and film acting.

"Movies are filmmakers’ medium," Washington said, adding "You shoot it and then you’re gone, and they cut together and add music and do all of that."

"Theater is an actor’s medium. The curtain goes up, and you’re on and nobody can help you," he added.

Washington, who won a Tony Award winner, credited his training at the American Conservatory Theater for preparing him for both stage and screen.

His acting career started in Off Broadway productions before making his Broadway debut in Ron Milner’s 'Checkmates,' as per The Wrap.

James Earl Jones 'was my northern star,' says Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington shared that he had long dreamed of playing 'Othello,' following in the footsteps of James Earl Jones.

"James Earl Jones was my northern star when I was in college. He was who I wanted to be when I was in college," Washington said.

"You know, he had done ‘The Emperor Jones’ just like me, he did ‘Othello.’ It was his ‘Othello, but of course, it was my ‘Othello,’" he continued.

He added that although he never saw Jones' performance, he believed in his own interpretation.

"I didn’t get to see his ‘Othello,’ but I know it wasn’t as good as my 22-year-old interpretation — but, you know, it’s my turn now," he said.