Passing the Torch: Denzel Washington and Michael B. Jordan

As another reader stated, this was a beautiful interview and the only thing that could have made it better was a videoed companion. Reading their words and actions was wonderful, however this was a great opportunity to not only read about two generations coming together, but to also witness the differences and nuances that these to men have. Especially seeing that so many people have compared MBJ to a young DW. I was deeply moved by the piece and the camaraderie that was expressed. I was reminded of an older uncle coming back home to talk to his nephew about life. MBJ held his own in this conversation and I can only hope that his star continues to rise and shine brighter.

I've loved MBJ since "The Wire", but really fell for him in "Friday Night Lights". (How do you not mention his acting in one of the best TV series in recent history?) His character grew so much over those last seasons. But I truly could not move or speak after watching him in "Fruitvale Station." What a devastating story and he gave us such an insight into who Oscar Grant was. Denzel has two Oscars and I applaud that, but he was robbed of one. He should have won for "Philadelphia." Tom Hanks' character has way less of an arc than Denzel's. There is no movie without his character's homophobia, disgust and fear and watching it turn to understanding, love and respect. Denzel is the heart of that movie. Thank you for featuring two wonderful actors. Many of us look forward to watching them for many years to come.

I am going to read this, because I love the two actors. But this would have been so much better as a videotaped interview available online... NYT editors---help your reporters!

I will never forget MBJ in The Wire. His character and the character's death made it very hard to watch the rest of the show, and indeed, I never did finish it because I missed the sweetness of Wallace in the midst of all that unrelenting violence. I remember thinking. "Who IS that actor?" He made a character who has stayed with me. He has a still point inside that makes you look at him above others on the screen.

Both of these gentlemen are amazing actors. I really liked it that in 2001 Mr. Washington won the Oscar for playing a villain. Seldom happens (think Hopkins in "Silence/Lambs"). Can't wait to see "Iceman" and the remake of "451". Kudos to both...

“In truth, it would be hard for an actor to choose a better role model than Mr. Washington. In a career spanning more than 40 years and 50 films — and kicked off by the hit TV drama “St. Elsewhere” — Mr. Washington, 63, has been nominated for nine Academy Awards.“ “St Elsewhere” was anything but a hit. That it was a superb show is irrelevant; it survived year to year only by the skin of its teeth, thanks to the faith and steadfast patronage of NBC’s chairman, Grant Tinker. This piece is, unfortunately, full of poorly-researched hyperbole like that

My first recollection of Michael B Jordan was on the soap opera All My Children. You could see he had a presence even on that. I’m happy for his success.

A little surprised that it wasn't discussed as part of the formative impact on MBJ's character development, but his role and impact on Friday Night Lights should not be understated. Surrounded by outstanding actors and an excellent script that was very bold and innovative and non-judgmental in exploration of race relations, barriers to achievement, parenting, abuse, drug use in sports--even at the high school level--FNL, although not perfect, was a memorable achievement in television. For those who have a bit of time to binge, and to see MBJ and other actors literally "grow up" and also define and refine their craft, FNL get the highest recommendation.

Michael B. Jordan is quite an actor. I have accidentally seen all of his movies (meaning I did not seek them out) and in each one he captures your attention. His debut performance in "The Wire" was incredibly riveting and ultimately heartbreaking in its sincerity. Not sure how an actor extracts those emotions from the viewer without emoting himself but Jordan does. There is an undefinable quietness about his performances. Have not seen Black Panther yet but I bet his villain has that same understated intensity. His move into production makes sense. Truly a young man to watch on all fronts.

Wow! I am shocked at Denzel’s responses to Michael’s exuberance, consciousness, intelligence, and business oriented approach to the industry. I am so impressed with MBJ and I hope that he never gets discouraged by older generations downplaying his efforts and thinking it is funny. Kudos Michael B Jordan and I still love you Denzel but, if you say you are passing the torch, don’t drop it intentionally before the next runner can get it from you....

It doesn't really need saying among all these comments/accolades and the admirable sharing of these two wonderful actors... Still, as much as I loved Tom Hanks in Philadelphia, I felt that Denzel's playing--so believably and movingly-- the turnaround in character from gay dissing and prejudice to appreciation and loving care (often without words, culminating in his face, his eyes!) was the Oscar-winner that year. I'll never forget it. And I'm grateful for that God-given talent!

I know that this is just a personal weakness of mine, but even if the middle inital B. is always included when this young actor is mntioned, I continue to picture the immortal Michael Jordan flying through 3-second zones with the greatest of ease and asking for the ball when the clock is running down.

Mr. Washington is truly one of the greatest actors to graced the screen and stage with his formidable talent. I'm glad to see he has played such an aspirational role in the talented Mr. Jordan's life. I hope these two wonderful actors and Mr. Jordan's production company will do films illuminating the lives of historically significant but largely forgotten black Americans and the challenges they faced and may or may not have overcome. There are already fine bio-epic films about Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Nat Turner (his rebellion anyway), but none to my knowledge about Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, Sojouner Truth, Hiram Revels, Ned Cobb, Charles Houston, W.E.B. Du Bois, Harriette and Harry Moore, Fred Hampton and George Jackson. Depicting their and other forgotten black American lives would help educate all but the most hardcore race haters that the Civil War did not end racism in this country. In fact, if anything, racism worsened during and after Reconstruction. While the Civil Rights Movement resulted in limited remedial measures, they failed to end de facto segregation and racist abuse of black Americans. And now white supremacy is again rearing its ugly, ignorant head--led by the White House! I realize that these two great actors can only do so much and it's unreasonable to expect them to do more than they've already done, especially Denzel. Alas such is the unfairness of the moral burden of those possessing the power, influence and decency to do good.

As if I needed further reason to admire Mr. Washington...

As always, Mr. Galanes proves himself to be a master interviewer, insightful and bold. Thank you for setting the stage for his interview of Denzel Washington and Michael Jordan. I would pay to watch Mr. Washington read the phone book. If Mr. Jordan's career follows his trajectory, it will be a great one for sure.

Denzel Washington is both a great actor and a movie star of immense charisma, way up there in the pantheon. Wise to sexual politics, however, he is not. Interesting how Galanes tried to change the subject as both actors started in on the tired theme that men are now at risk because women lie on Twitter. And when Galanes asked why they thought some men "turn to ugly behavior," Washington actually said, "Nobody's perfect, man." So men will be men, it seems. Nobody's perfect.

Denzel Washington is not a great black actor. He's a great actor. Period. And a fine man.

How can any article on Mr. Washington fail to mention his outstanding performance in "Philadelphia"? I recently revisited https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/26/movies/watching-movies-with-denzel-wa... Maybe you could revive this series with some of the newer directors.

Can we please hear a loud round of applause for the truly GREAT Philip Galanes? Not only does he give great interviews for the NY Times (they could be featured weekly in my opinion, hint, hint editoral board!), but for his completely honest, open, direct, and always my "Friday FIRST" read on Social Q's each week. I felt deeply enough to write a personal note to him to express my appreciation, especially for his deep sense of humanity, grace, intelligence, and his humor doesn't hurt either! Very few people who I read in The NY Times, people who are not my friends or family, provoke such strong emotions in me that I feel they must be expressed directly. So, Philip, if you are reading these comments just know that your life in writing really makes a difference to those readers who hold you in such high regard. When I finish reading anything by you I always feel, WOW! There are so many beautiful souls in this world and I'm so glad that he shares his own with us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Philip! This former NYC woman knows exactly where you live. With heart!

I love how Denzel Washington sort of gently ribs Michael Jordan throughout the interview. He seems both funny and down to earth.

For decades I have felt that Mr. Washington is the greatest actor in the English-speaking world. I hope he does "King Lear". I hope he does "Richard III".

Thank you for highlighting these beautifully talented men. I appreciate their candor and their sense of collective responsibility. Michael B. Jordan is on his way to becoming a legend and Denzel Washington exemplifies that being a legend is not a destination but rather an ongoing quest for greatness in self and greatness in others.

I enjoyed reading Mr. Washington and Mr. Jordan's conversation immensely. I hope the Times will continue to produce articles such as this one that highlight all generations and circumstances of African Americans. As a white, female Millennial living in a prosperous, progressive, but essentially all-white town, articles such as these are sometimes the only exposure the majority race has to everyone else's reality. Keep educating, keep exposing.

An excellent read. Here's hoping for more conversations like this gracing the pages of NYT.

Excellent article/interview....thank you!

The one thing I took away from the conversation about success is we never get there by ourselves. There are so many people that help and mentor us along the way. Cheers to Denzel and Mike they are adding to our creative culture in a very positive way. Break a leg Denzel!

Two great men. Let's just set aside race and ethnicity for a moment. Although these two men are from totally different generations, they both came from similar humble obscure backgrounds as did Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant and Barack Obama. It is another infallible proof that men of character, integrity and honor come from that wonderful species - the Human Race.

I have adored Denzel Washington from the first time I saw him in “St. Elsewhere” where he played a very young Dr. Chandler at St. Eligius Hospital. He was awesome then and continues to be inspiring and breathtaking in each role thereafter. His acting is so moving, deep, and rich. I have walked away stunned after everything I saw him in. I didn’t think he could top his performance in “Glory”, yet he did. He was priceless in “Fences” and thought he was robbed of the Oscar. What I treasure the most about Mr. Washington is his discrete and under the radar generosity. There is no fanfare, media blitz, or attention drawn to his actions on any level because they are personal, private, and are genuine. He simply wants to help someone who is in need. I recall reading an article a number of years ago where he had been visiting someone in the hospital. He overheard a conversation where a family was having difficulty paying the hospital bill for their son’s illness. Mr. Washington took out his checkbook and wrote a check for $10,000 to cover any and all expenses and then simply walked out of the hospital. And this was not the only time he showed such class and altruism. Maybe these noble intentions which come from the heart is why he is so talented and diverse in every role he plays – he truly feels the character he portrays and is so generous in that portrayal. Frankly, I think he could win an academy award for simply reading the phone book (if those still exist).