Denzel Washington's son John David reflects on why he was forced to 'protect' himself amid dad's fame

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: John David Washington, son of Denzel Washington, recently opened up about the challenges of growing up in the shadow of his father’s rising fame.

Speaking on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast, the 40-year-old actor revealed how his father’s stardom, particularly after the release of 'Malcolm X' in 1992, reshaped his life and relationships.

John David Washington on dad Denzel Washington's fame

Speaking about his father's fame, John David Washington said, “You know, my dad got really popular, man. Like, he’s the man."

He reminisced about watching his father prepare for roles, from practicing trumpet for 'Mo’ Better Blues' to reciting lines from 'Richard III'.

However, as Denzel’s fame grew, John felt the need to protect himself and carve out his own identity, according to Newsweek​.

“People changed how they were treating me. So I felt this need to protect myself and find my identity,” he explained.

John David Washington's career from football to acting

Before stepping into the limelight, John David Washington found solace in sports, playing professional football as a running back for the Sacramento Mountain Lions.

He described sports as a way to define himself beyond his family’s legacy.

“I thought maybe I’d take a back seat to acting because I wanted them to know me for something else. I didn’t realize you can know me through the work,” he said.

After retiring from football, Washington transitioned to acting, making his debut in HBO’s 'Ballers' that aired for five seasons from 2015-2019.

He later gained critical acclaim for his role in Spike Lee’s 2018 film 'BlacKkKlansman'.

John David Washington opens up on mom Pauletta Washington’s influence

While Denzel Washington’s career loomed large, John David Washington leaned on his mother, Pauletta Washington, for guidance when he decided to pursue acting.

Pauletta, an accomplished actor and artist, became his first confidante when he chose to transition into the arts.

“I definitely told her first,” he shared, noting that he did not inform his father until he booked 'Ballers'.

His mother’s support came with a coach-like intensity, offering critiques and running lines with him for every project.

“She’s like an acting coach in a way,” he said, recalling her notes during his Broadway debut in 'The Piano Lesson' and its 2024 film adaptation.

“She saw the play five times in a week and would still say, ‘So, thoughts, John David?’” he shared.

Despite his initial hesitation, John feels deeply fulfilled in his acting career.

“I love football. I needed football, for sure,” he said. “But... I never felt more alive [acting],” he added.