Denzel Washington drops huge retirement hint after 47 years as Hollywood heavyweight-Laura Harman-Entertainment – Metro

Denzel said he’ll be appearing ‘less and less’ on screen (Picture: Matt Baron/BEI/REX/Shutterstock)

Denzel Washington appeared at the American Black Film Festival in Miami Beach, Florida and hinted that he may be ready to step back from acting while chatting on a panel.

The 69-year-old actor has been acting since 1977 and has appeared in blockbusters over the years including Glory, Training Day, Man on Fire, and The Equalizer.

This actor is also still giving fans incredible performances as he nears 70 and will appear in a huge blockbuster, Gladiator II with Paul Mescal – set to be released later this year.

The two-time Oscar winner appeared at a film festival this weekend and chatted about his plans for the future – which sadly may mean ‘less and less’ time in front of the camera.

The actor revealed: ‘The things that are going on for me professionally behind the camera are as important to me now as in front of the camera. 

‘I think there’s less and less time I’ll be spending in front of the camera.’

Denzel is nearing 70-years-old (Picture: JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images)

During the talk, the actor spoke about producing and working with his children on Netflix’s The Piano Lesson.

The upcoming film is a family collaboration and was co-written and directed by Denzel’s son Malcolm Washington, stars his other son John David Washington and was produced by his daughter Katia Washington.

Denzel joked: ‘After about two weeks [on set], I went home. I was like, there’s really nothing for me to do here, I’m just in the way.’

He complimented his director’s son in the talk too, telling the audience: ‘I’m not saying this because he’s my son, but he’s very talented. He went to the American Film Institute. He graduated number one in his class.’

‘They all got it from their mother’s side. As long as I’ve known her, she’s been a movie buff, she got those kids to watch movies,’ he said, giving the credit to his wife since 1983, Pauletta Pearson.

The actor has been working since he was in his early twenties (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

The actor has spoken about stepping back from being in front of the camera before. In April 2023, Denzel told ET that he wasn’t going to be returning to the Equalizer franchise.

‘This is the end for me. It may not be the end, they may do another one, but it’s the end for me,” he told ET, adding that even a ‘massive cheque’ wouldn’t sway him. ‘Never say never, but you never know…’

 He also previously told ET he is keen to pursue other jobs in the film industry, specifically directing.

‘I’m in the yellow leaf of my career. To be quite honest, looking to do other things. So as far as acting, it’s gonna have to be an extreme challenge for me to be interested. 

‘I’ve been talking to one or two of the top directors in the business, and we’re talking about maybe doing something. There’s not that much left for me to do as an actor. Maybe Lear,’ he said.

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