Gladiator II's Denzel Washington shares only time he was 'starstruck' by another actor

Denzel Washington recalls time he was 'starstruck'

Denzel Washington, hailed as one of cinema's finest talents, admitted even he's not immune to the dazzle of celebrity.

While discussing his latest role in Gladiator II playing the cunning Macrinus, Denzel stopped by The One Show this Tuesday, November 12, alongside Paul Mescal and Connie Nielsen to discuss the movie.

Resisting the description of his character as "scheming", Washington concurred with host Clara Amfo that Macrinus is better defined as "resourceful".

Reflecting on a distinguished career across film and theatre spanning six decades, the actor confessed that co-star celebrity rarely intimidates him, stating: "I don't think so, that I can remember,".

Nevertheless, recalling his first screen appearance in the 1981 hit Carbon Copy, Washington reminisced about acting with George Segal: "The first movie I ever did was with George Segal," he remembered.

Gladiator II's Denzel Washington candidly shares only time he was 'starstruck' (Image: PARAMOUNT)

"But, by the time I got onto the set I had done so many auditions with him", reports the Mirror.

However, it was his encounter with Sidney Poitier that truly left an impression, despite never sharing the screen. His respect for Poitier was palpable: "I didn't work with him, but meeting Sidney Poitier..." Washington mused.

"I definitely was starstruck."

He honoured Poitier, considering him an inspiration in his early years: "Because he was sort of the Northern Star for me as a young, Black actor. He was the only one that... if he made it, I maybe had a chance."

Denzel Washington made an appearance on The One Show (Image: BBC)

Hollywood legend Washington's appearance on the BBC talk show came shortly after he revealed his future plans in an interview with Today.

The acclaimed actor, known for his roles in Training Day and Malcolm X, admitted: "I don't know how many more films I'm going to make," adding, "Probably not that many. I want to do things I haven't done. I've played Othello at 22, I'm about to play Othello at 70. After that I'm playing Hannibal [the historical war general]."

"After that I've been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that Ryan Coogler's writing a part for me in the next Black Panther.

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Sidney Poitier is the only actor who made Washington feel starstruck (Image: GETTY)

Washington then outlined his acting swansong: "After that I'm going to do the film Othello.

"After that I'm going to do King Lear. After that I'm going to retire."

Despite the retirement news, fans can take solace in knowing he's set to star in Spike Lee's remake of Akira Kurosawa's High and Low, ensuring a slew of exciting performances before his final curtain call.

The One Show airs weekdays at 7:00pm on BBC One.

Gladiator II is in cinemas from Friday, December 15.

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Gladiator II's Denzel Washington shares only time he was 'starstruck' by another actor

Gladiator II's Denzel Washington shares only time he was 'starstruck' by another actor

Gladiator II's Denzel Washington shares only time he was 'starstruck' by another actor

Gladiator II's Denzel Washington shares only time he was 'starstruck' by another actor

Gladiator II's Denzel Washington shares only time he was 'starstruck' by another actor