Acting Tips | Denzel Washington on his acting career breakthrough

[@LBRai]

"The first 2, 3 or 4 films you do in this business will dictate how you're perceived in this business." ~ Sidney Poitier. Definitely the quote of the day. Thanks for the video!

[@TipsOnActing]

You bet!

[@AQuillaFearonMusic]

+TipsOnActing I would like to watch the whole interview, do you know what show this was please ?

[@mixboy79]

Yes most definitely. That is now forever engraved in my brain, it's a great quote and really makes a lot of sense.

[@MsShaw-uv8vy]

L.B Rai I hear you but I don’t like the sound of that. I hope it’s not like that for everyone.

[@guistmagik2506]

Thanks for that, it’s not like I watched the video or anything! 🤡!

[@TheDeekay92]

I couldn't agree more with Denzel Washington that one sets the precedent for movies in roles one plays in future, from the first couple of movies they act in. Way back when, when I was in Zimbabwe before emigrating to the USA, I was offered a leading role in in the movie "King Solomon's Mines," shot on location in Zimbabwe and featuring Richard Chamberlain and Sharon Stone; and it was a well-paying role. I read the script, read between the lines, and declined the role. When I drove my family to watch the movie at a local drive-in cinema (some lovely 'watch-movies-on-the-big-screen-while-in-your-car' concept of the time), I was so proud of myself for having turned it down. The role I had been offered was that of the leader of an African tribe, scantily dressed in skins, jumping around and dancing with his tribe around a huge 3-legged trestle pot, on a big fire, in celebration of the capture of the white people that they were about to cook and eat! How disgusting, I thought! Cook them, then eat them? I refused the part because, "What impression would I have given to my children and grandchildren if they ever watched that movie and saw me playing such a stupid role?" What did it imply? That African people were primitive cannibals who ate other human beings? No! After I had turned that down, I too was cast a few years later in Sir Richard Attenborough's award-winning "Cry Freedom," (the first time I met Denzel). I played Lesotho Border policeman in the scene when Donald Woods (Kevin Kline) fled from South Africa into Lesotho. Great minds think alike!

[@RamonaKing]

Dominic Kanaventi Congratulations, Dominic, on your work and integrity. We are storytellers of sorts. When accepting a role we stand in agreement with the director and the writer about the story. What we choose not only affects us but our viewers, our family, our children and generations to come. We are responsible for the stories we tell. Thank you so much for taking this to heart. Your role in storytelling on film will have an impact on generations to come

[@TheDeekay92]

Ramona King Thank you so kindly for the compliments Ramona. You words are important to me and are what inspires me to continue doing what I do - for the sake of our kids and especially our grand kids and future generations.

[@AireeaFifty1]

Wow Dominic... thank YOU for sharing. I would love to visit Africa, build, and take care of my African babies! Random I know... haha but I hope that God blesses you with many different roles. :)

[@donnabailey566]

I was in the audience when he told that story. I almost fell out of my chair from laughing. Denzel knows how to keep it real. Great actor and a marvelous human being.

[@diabloakland]

Do you remember the question after? I heard someone ij the video say they have a question

[@lexkanyima2195]

​@@diabloakland of what ?

[@153grover]

If he did the film for the money, his outcome may have been different like he said. One thing my ex wife always use to say, "not all money is good money" ; and that proves it in this interview.

[@bakingwithprincessrosalie]

This gives me comfort for turning down the past two roles I got offered because they weren't in the direction I wanted to go in for my career as an actor (even though they could have both set off my career with some credits). I have to keep doing what I feel is right for myself, even if it means waiting a little bit longer to reach my goal.

[@RamonaKing]

Ashley White Good luck Ashley... It's a journey...

[@RamonaKing]

Ramona King A friend of mine loves Einstein. He looks nothing like him and knew he would never get a role cast as him. So now he's a successful solo performer and film actor. He travels the country doing shows on Albert Einstein and develops special programs that highlight his life. Maybe you can develop the roles in an unconventional way and market your work to organizations that would benefit from your presentations. It's a thought.

[@cynthiawebb-manly1333]

Wow, Denzel has been one of my favorite male actors for a long time. It was good to hear him speak so candidly about his career and the choices he made. I'm sure turning down 600K was a difficult decision but it has probably been the strongest decision about his career that has been most impactful. Keep posting video like this. Thanks again Ms. Berman.

[@TipsOnActing]

Will do! Cynthia :)

[@lexkanyima2195]

Difficult ? They would destroy Denzel if he accepts the offers

[@Luvie1980]

Denzel was speaking some real truth about this. As a black actress trying to make a name for myself, I know some casting directors see me as what Denzel was describing in the video. And they try to make a joke. But the joke is really on them. Good video.

[@TipsOnActing]

Yes!

[@thomasbrown5417]

I really wish that I can become an real actor just to show y'all what I can do

[@kelishadaley]

@@thomasbrown5417 do it! jump in and try

[@diabloakland]

I just want to say i hope you are having an amazing career and success and doing your art! I’m an actress too (I’m afghan) and you deserve success for following your dream

[@diabloakland]

@@thomasbrown5417you can do it man!

[@louisastbartholomew-brownm1540]

Loved his advice. Never jump in feet first, never show desperation. Bide your time and a great script will come our way. Thank you, Denzel.

[@bruceapar398]

"Jumping in feet first" means it's the smarter, safer way to go. "Jumping in head first" is the riskier way to go.

[@barbarakerrc]

One the best actors in Hollywood, and more importantly, one of the nicest men you will ever meet.

[@Aleu]

Great video Amy Jo. As an actress of color I'm always very hyper aware of the projects I submit to for this very reason.

[@kaylopez4190]

Thank You for sharing this, I have turned down endless roles because of the same reasons Denzel stated, and lately I was second guessing myself a lot, being Latina and a struggling actress sometimes makes it hard to turn down the "maid" roles or the "thug" roles I am often stereotyped as, but now I see that I have made the right decision when I turn such roles down.

[@TipsOnActing]

Stay true to yourself Kay!

[@kaylopez4190]

Thank You Amy!

[@25McDermott]

Stay true, but I only have question. Just to think about ima actor my self. But say you accept the role and get the money, start creating your own shows where you control the dynamic.. I’m saying this because Ice cube used to be viewed as this gangster rapper who could only play such roles, but now he can play both, and people agree he can play both. Right? Correct me if I’m wrong.

[@UPxYOURs2]

He dropped a HUGE gem in this one

[@HaleyMary]

Denzel has always been one of my favorite actors! I thought that was great advice where he said that the first two or three films that you do is how you're perceived. I believe that's true. While we are not technically the roles we play, our roles are who people perceive us to be as performers.

[@BruceL33Roy]

Hes exactly right when he says " The first few movies that you do , dictate how your perceived for the rest of your career". Alot of actors even if there good, will not be taken seriously if they sacrifice the art and the quality for a paycheck. Because they(studio execs) come to the conclusion that you dont really care about the ART just the MONEY. But if you go after quality parts in quality projects, even if you dont make alot. The money will come eventually through you raising your stock. SO PLEASE ALL UP AND COMING ACTORS DONT TAKE THE BAIT ITS ALL A TEST!

[@lexkanyima2195]

You're right

[@dnds4]

This will never get old to watch.

[@gailjohnson2324]

This is an excellent example of someone choosing integrity over money lust. Grateful I chose to watch. Thanks for sharing.

[@domdomlaf]

I love this, I just saw this a few days ago and have been watching it incessantly. It so correlates with what I just went through recently. I went to an audition in February and got the call back in July it was between me and this other girl that worked for the studio. Needless to say the part went to her but they just informed me at the beginning of November that I was due on set for a role that was supposed to be last week and when I finally conversed with the director about the role he said it was as an extra to be a woman in a brothel. Needless to say I turned it down. I may not be a Kerry Washington, yet, but I do know my worth as an actor. If I was good enough to be brought in as one of two potentials for a main character then I should be good enough for another speaking role or significant character. At this point in my career I don't want to be the pretty girl extra in the club or the pretty girl extra half naked in a brothel scene or the pretty girl extra period. I know my worth and I am going after what I want. Period.

[@WickedBandzz]

Are u in anything now?🤔

[@steveispeter]

This is great. His reaction to the situation was perfect. By shutting one door , another opened.

[@RamonaKing]

Steven ! Hi Steven! I think sometimes there is the temptation to take on roles that go against our personal morals...or tells a story that doesn't truly honor the past. I think it's in those times we are in the cross roads ... a place of choosing a path that determines our destinies. Most of us forget we have that power because we've lost track of our purpose and have an eye on $$. Actually it's a blessing that those moments of challenge comes. I wonder if anyone had ever challenged the producers/directors in the room this way. If they never hire him he's given them an experience they will not likely forget. Encounters like this leave room for both actor and story creators to grow.

[@thomassodomizer764]

Great video. Just goes to show going for the big payday does not always pay off in the long run.

[@craighensley120]

Fantastic insight from one of the best artists ever. Thank you!

[@keithdouglas9757]

I have great respect for Denzel as an actor and as a man. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@TheCLDavidson]

I love these kinds of videos. It truly helps to understand what the business can be like. One decision can change virtually everything.

[@RussFerri]

I've seen this before, great video! I think I've watched every Denzel video there is, as a matter of fact. One of the best :D

[@jameshinton7900]

RIP Sidney...left us with gold.

[@Patrick-k6d4q]

This is amazing!! Thanks for sharing. I am super grateful that my first couple independent films have been horror and medieval so I'm right where I desire to be. What does the Universe have in store next!!!!!!!!! Bring it to me!

[@matthewrobison5351]

that's a great tip. I'm going to keep that jewel in my back pocket from now on.

[@octavusgylze9480]

Thank you Amy for suggesting that i watch this wonderful video on Denzel. He's definitely one of my favorite actor's. And i totally agree with what Sidney Poitier shared with him. The roles that we accept early on in our career's as actor's. Will definitely define the future of the success that we'll have. Being firm with having an unshakable foundation as an actor and person. In my opinion is priceless in the industry. No amount of money is worth your integrity. Great video and information to be shared.

[@MicheleNichols2]

This was awesome & makes me feel better about turning down a part. So many ppl tell you to just take anything you can get cuz this industry is hard, but I had a gut instinct that the part wasn't right for me and wouldn't be good for my career. I'm glad my agent backed me up.

[@juliab.simpson8023]

Point received!!! He is real and funny!

[@cannarosaloungeking1082]

I love Denzel . I used the scene where he's talking to his fellow prisoners in FLIGHT. I booked my first & last agent . Havent worked in a while and ready to get busy again. Too bad i cant call someone like Poitier like Denzel did. At least i have Amy Jo !!! LETS GET IT !!

[@GaraNlandu]

So much wisdom in just few minutes! A great lesson learned and shared! Thank you so much for the love and for sharing yours and other people's knowledge and experiences Ms. Amy Jo Berman. (Can't wait for the webinar!) Much Love!

[@eapdap]

What a short but very insightful "1st lesson" in your series. It's really given me something to think a lot about...thanks for bringing it to my attention Amy, [and also thanks to Denzel for sharing it].

[@laydeetee9594]

Thank you Amy! The message was received loud and clear! Great video! Can’t wait for the webinar!

[@TipsOnActing]

You are welcome Laydee :)

[@alfonsoachiyahburneyisrael742]

Thank you Mr Washington for that very explosive and truly powerful piece that you conveyed. What takes usually two years and possibly $30,000 or so, you summed up in mere seconds.

[@TipsOnActing]

Yes!

[@MondoProducer]

So wise! Greatness is not an accident.

[@thee_morpheus]

Always loved how he exposed the hypocrisy of people in this one.

[@lexkanyima2195]

What do you mean by that ? It was about the integrity

[@mouniraboulasri]

True! stay yourself and believe it!

[@TipsOnActing]

Exactly.

[@ericmays3513]

TipsOnActing Great advice from a leading man (Actor)

[@Adyjetu]

I wish I could stand next to you and kiss your hands.. for your performance in cry freedom.. I respect you so much sir.... We love you..

[@strackattack]

What he is saying is true for other occupations. Once I was an entrepreneur who built a company, all my clients saw me as an entrepreneur for life.

[@lexkanyima2195]

You sure ?

[@Amtran727]

Amy, I've just subscribed to your videos/website. I am a Chicago actor, I have done short films, a featured extra role in Chicago Fire and some theater and have representation. I kind of think of my acting career in stages. I am an older actor who didn't start until I was 50. I don't believe it's ever "too late". My next goal is to get a small speaking role in one of the 5 network shows that are currently filming in Chicago. Thank you for the tremendous support and advice that you provide!

[@sarahguinee7502]

Many of my college professors always said “take any job that comes along” without even considering our personal boundaries and what we were comfortable with. This is the perfect example of how wrong that kind of thinking is. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@lexkanyima2195]

But it depends on the timing

[@seanwisnervowizard499]

Very cool, speaking of great actors that's Viola Davis sitting next to him she's fantastic!

[@nikkibrown13]

This was great-and very inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

[@THEATTKID]

Thank you for showing me this Amy Jo Berman.

[@GregMoorethehumanevalutionist]

Wow, Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@RandomTvv]

I AM TAKING ALL THESE TIPS PERSONAL MY HERO RIGHT HERE^I LOVE HIM AND EVERY ROLE HE PLAYS IS GOOD TRAINING DAY WAS GREAT AND FLIGHT WAS AWESOME

[@ajvisual]

Good job Denzel. You always keep it real. I remember meeting in the boxing gym with Heavy D and Lamon Brewster. Such a down to earth brotha.

[@TipsOnActing]

That's awesome.

[@jokesterr119]

Thanks for sharing this video! I would love to see the entire interview if its online!

[@TipsOnActing]

You're welcome!

[@dawanaspeights]

Thanks for sharing this Amy! Great video and very inspiring.

[@keiloibutterfly]

Great, Insightful video. Thank you Amy Jo for leading me here.

[@JessyNycole]

All I can say is woooowww!! And thank you for this.

[@TipsOnActing]

Had to share!

[@alvinromero1511]

Al Romero, I did enjoy the video, very interesting. Explaining how the Big Pay Day doesn't always work says a lot. Thank You.

[@presspforpreslav6630]

Denzel Washington - just a titanium in the movie industry. Also Sidney Poitier - just perfectly said !!!

[@MaestroRobinson922]

This is incredible. Thank you TipsOnActing for sharing this! What great advice for aspiring actors such as ourselves.

[@michaelsolo2923]

Words of wisdom to say the very least.

[@GeoffreyJDPayne]

So true. Truth in choice. Aspiring reminder.

[@RicoGio75]

One of my all-time favorites. Inspiring.

[@21missbee]

Thank you TipsOnActing for this video. Great tip from Denzel.

[@CherylBryantBruceMD]

Thank you for this. I sent to the Ford Modeling Agency by my friend, who was the Coppertone Tan girl back in the 80's. The agent told me that they could get me a lot of work if I would just get that little turned up nose that was so popular for White woman. When I challenged her and asked her if my nose was too ethnic, she told me that I could call it what I wanted, but I would never have success in the industry and would never get an agent with "that nose." I walked out and kept the nose my momma gave me. I have never had an agent. They all tell me that they don't need my type. Interestingly, when I am able to get into an audition, I usually book. No regrets. I was also once offered a leading role in a movie that required extreme sexually explicit scenes. Halle Barry had just won the Oscar for Monster Ball and the director wanted a scene that would top her nude scene. He felt it could shoot me to the top in my first major role. It was so sexually explicit however that I felt it would type-cast me as an actress that was one step away from a porn star. I have nothing against porn stars, but that was not how I was trying to define my acting career. The story was actually very deep. The role was very meaty, but I had to make a choice. Even though the contract included starring roles in two other movies, I made a choice to pass. As far as I know, the movie was never made. I have not had even one major film role offered since then, but I walked away with my integrity and again, I do not regret the decision that I made.

[@WalkerMara]

Wow! Thats excellent advice. I will remember that forever

[@Daniel-wv7lj]

WOW this ended at the perfect time 😂😂😂😂

[@lexkanyima2195]

What do you mean by that ?

[@Daniel-wv7lj]

@lexkanyima2195 I had 0 interest in whatever that woman in the end was about to ask

[@lexkanyima2195]

​@@Daniel-wv7lj 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@itsgleneaton4883]

Great advice from Sidney. Being steortyped. Is out there, so an actor has to sell themself and only the actor knows how to do that best. If they don’t then they have to get to know themself first. Or else your like a salesman who doesn’t know what their selling.

[@TotallyEvelyn]

Great video thanks

[@stevenmurray8984]

I loved this video Amy thank you for sharing it

[@katherinemarsh7429]

I've seen this video before a long time ago Ms Berman He's a good actor. People say I'm good too. :) As actresses & actors we do have to be selective in the film work we accept. :) I hope you have a good night :) Kate

[@rose-artbyme-newbery]

I liked it and so funny. So thank you for this video because I can relate to what my type to be in a role. I don't want to be killed every time. And I'm still taking classes at the moment. I don't have an agent yet, and I don't know if I'm doing it by myself or getting one.

[@tsushanchambers8988]

YES! Stay true to who you are - ALWAYS! Keep aligned with what you are about and the universe will provide. Thank you for sharing this Amy.

[@debbiestarkman8319]

WOW Amy, this is so important. Thank you.

[@klbelle29]

That's an amazing insight!

[@evajones5035]

Hi I’m Eva Jones!!! Just putting my energy into your world! You will be seeing a lot of me in this acting world! Starting summer 2019! 🙏🏽❤️

[@ambrosechaney]

I always say this and some "actors" just don't get it! They see that money and lose sight of their art and their story they really want to tell.

[@DOMINICKMANCINO]

CHOICES..ITS ALL ABOUT THE CHOICES WE MAKE... GOOD STUFF :) THANKS FOR SHARING

[@TipsOnActing]

Isn't it great!

[@DOMINICKMANCINO]

TipsOnActing YES ABSOFREAKINLUTLY... ;) LUV THE STUFF YOU POST, ITS VERY HELPFUL, THANKS AMY...

[@mimihighlands4115]

That was really top notch thank you

[@jguinn99]

Amy Jo Berman, Many thanks for the insight, and direction. John Guinn

[@marcusharris5493]

Nice watch... Very informative!

[@jorgedeleon477]

Wow thank you. Information i did not have a clue about.

[@pradyoth5]

This just shows how important dignity is in the show business.

[@samm6179]

Words of wisdom in there.

[@DinoWells]

I love this segment.

[@fashank22]

Thank you, Amy Jo!

[@robertsmith8727]

yes i never star in a movie unless i think it shows my good side

[@mueenjahanahmad]

love this. and it is so tricky sometimes because when you're about to be evicted from your home and there is only a slice of bread in the fridge and an incredible financial situation comes along for the worst project that you do not even want to be associated with and don't even want to put on your resume?( and after 911 this happened a lot because of my middle eastern backround) turn it down and find another way because if you're looking for a long term career instead of quick fix, a year or more after that quick fix you're back to where you were before the quick fix. Not working because of choosing the money. I think that may also be why after thirty years in the business i'm still in a mediocre place in my career working every now and than begging for work. i've just wanted to get my bills paid when no other opportunities were around. NO MORE. thanks for sharing Amy

[@SavvyMama]

Thank you. Great advice from a great actor.

[@MsDHasty1]

Whoa!! Go in for a job and you teach the interviewer.(Roughly put) Life never works out how you think. Cool!

[@116fletch]

LEGEND

[@actornj1]

Excellent advice to decide where you want your career it go. :-)

[@SauceBoss127]

"Anyways, to make a long story long..." lol

[@melissaphelan3906]

This came to me at the exact moment I decided to turn down something that was a paying job/ acting... I wanted anything... so I thought. I passed it up--- I have offers and I am following the advice from Amy Jo & following my instincts~ I am just shocked this is what I see the same DAY I said NO WAY!!! Denzel is a class ACT !!!! I couldn't be taken seriously if I took some of the rolls offered to me now! GR8 vid!!!

[@TheArtstarz]

Thanks AmyJo!

[@a.carter3674]

Wow! Great lesson in the video! All roles aren't good roles . wait for it..

[@powerfit111]

AMAZING!!

[@GilDarnell]

brilliant!

[@wendybowerman8031]

Thank you, that would be a extremely difficult decision to make, WOW!

[@dimb13]

Well he kept it real Thank you

[@Atem_S.]

nice insight!

[@WizardsPath-if5oq]

Whats the best cities for Black people to become Actors or work in the Film industry?

[@lexkanyima2195]

L.A. and New York you get way more opportunities, instead of Philly, Chicago, Texas.

[@WizardsPath-if5oq]

@lexkanyima2195 But isn't that way more competition?

[@lexkanyima2195]

@WizardsPath-if5oq no, in L.A. and New York you will get way more opportunities and have a shot to become a actor, i don't see any other way.

[@daquitasolomon782]

Good interview:-)

[@jewell2352]

Thanks amy

[@TipsOnActing]

You're welcome Jewel :)

[@susguzman]

The BUSINESS of Show. We have to put on different thinking caps at every stage. Good info, THANKS:)

[@SauceBoss127]

Amy, as a young actor, can you just explain EXACTLY what he means? Did he not accept a role because he thought that it wouldn't give him a successful career moving forward?