Denzel Washington recently went viral after he offered a candid response to a young reporter who asked how to be ‘gangster’ like him.
Back in September, the 69-year-old actor attended the premiere of ‘The Piano Lesson’ to support his sons, who both starred in and directed the film.
Although Washington seemed to be in a hurry to reach the screening, he did stop to have a little chat with eight-year-old Liam, a kid reporter for Virgin Radio’s ‘Daryn & Deepa’ show, as per a Daily Mail report.
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The conversation was later posted on Instagram, as the Oscar winner gave Liam the chance to ask his question on the day. The young reporter did not hold back and asked: “Hi, I’m Liam. I’ve heard ‘American Gangster’ is a good movie. How can I be a Canadian gangster?”
Washington then quickly replied, : “You shouldn’t be a gangster. You’re too smart to be a gangster. What’s your favorite [school] subject?”
Washington had guessed Liam’s favorite subjects as math and science, and then went on to ask the boy if he wanted to be a doctor.
Interestingly, Liam then confirmed that he had an interest in the medical field, which led Washington to give him this response, : “It’s better to be a doctor than a gangster. Okay? Never want to be a gangster.”
Liam, the brilliant kid reporter has been featured on the social media of the ‘Daryn & Deepa’ show, which airs on Virgin Radio in Toronto and across Canada on iHeartRadio.
Show host Deepa Prashad also left her thoughts on the heartwarming viral video and said, : “What a moment. Made me emotional seeing all the press supporting little Liam.”
Many fans were also moved by the interaction, particularly with Washington’s thoughtful response.
One fan wrote, : “He will remember that interaction for the rest of his life.”
However, some other commenters poked fun at Washington’s initial assumption that the boy, who is of Asian descent, liked math and science, and deemed it as stereotyping.
One user said, : “What’s your favorite subject… math and science? I see you, Denzel (two rolling on the floor laughing emojis).”
Another said, “Why did my guy Denzel assume the Asian kid’s favorite subject was math? [thinking face emoji] But luv him and gonna let Unc slide on this one.”
Washington’s role as Frank Lucas, a New York drug kingpin in the 2007 film ‘American Gangster’, is one of his most iconic, as he perfectly embodied the role, leaving many viewers intrigued.
Directed by Ridley Scott, the film was both a critical and box office success, grossing $269 million worldwide and earning two Academy Award nominations, including a nod for the late Ruby Dee as Best Supporting Actress.
At the premiere where Washington interacted with Liam, the ‘Training Day’ actor made a rare red carpet appearance with nearly his entire immediate family.
He attended the event with his 73-year-old wife, Pauletta and their children – John David, 40, Malcolm, 33, and also 37-year-old Katia, and the family gathered in support of Malcolm’s directorial debut, ‘The Piano Lesson’, which stars John David in a lead role.
The film, which was based on August Wilson’s 1987 play, was produced by Denzel Washington, who has a long history of bringing Wilson’s works to the screen.
‘The Piano Lesson’ tells the story of a Black family in Pittsburgh during the Great Depression, and is centered on a conflict over a piano carved with their ancestors’ history.
Samuel L. Jackson plays the father, with John David Washington as his son and ‘Till’ actress Danielle Deadwyler as the daughter.
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Missing from the red carpet was Malcolm’s twin sister, Olivia. Nonetheless, for Denzel and Pauletta, who celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last year, its one of the best times of their lives as they look strong as ever, attending the event in style.
