Hollywood legend Denzel Washington has long been known for his dignified presence, each on and off the screen.

In a 2004 aired interview on “The Parkinson Show,” the Oscar winner answered demeaning questions with grace and humor, though the host’s line of questioning seemed to reinforce stereotypes about black men.

The interview, intended to promote Washington’s then-film “Man on Fire,” took a turn when host Sir Michael Parkinson suggested that Washington had struggled with alcoholism and possible gang involvement in his youth.

The exchange began with Parkinson stating that Washington didn’t need to “explore” the alcohol facets of his character due to his own alleged experience. He played the role of a person named John W. Creasy who struggles with alcoholism. He attempts to take his own life while battling his past actions as a former CIA agent and Force Recon Marine.

(At) some point in your life you were in danger of becoming an alcoholic. Isn’t it?”

“Me? Right now as we speak!” Washington responded, surprised by this assumption.

Parkinson then explained by asking about Washington’s younger years.

Washington, remaining calm, replied, “When I was younger? Well, I think we were all in danger, but we didn’t know it. When Parkinson pressed on, citing “research” and articles about Washington’s past, the daddy of 4 laughed, replying: “Really? I higher read them.

The British broadcaster continued by suggesting that after his parents’ divorce, Washington “went off the track” by drinking and hanging out with the flawed crowd. The actor responded by admitting that he was offended and acting like a young man, but it surely wasn’t about drinking.

“I was already hanging out with the wrong crowd before they got divorced,” he said, adding: “I believe it had more to do with not a lot drinking, but just getting offended about it, attacking — entering into fights, things like that. Just a bit of kid who didn’t understand what was happening and was taking it out on whoever was nearby.

When Parkinson asked if he was in a gang, the New York native revealed the reality about his difficult background, sharing that the majority of his friends from his youth “were killed or went to jail.”

He praised his mother for having “the common sense to get me out of it” and sending him to a personal school, which, satirically, was “where all of the alcoholics and drug addicts really were. Little did she know.

“The rich kids had all the drugs,” Washington added. Later he laughed and said, “Mom, I never smoked a cigarette until you sent me to school.”

Many individuals who saw the 20-yr-old’s interview commented on Washington’s handling of the interview.

“Denzel was classy, ​​he could get angry with Micheal’s questions about alcoholics and his parents, but he’s too cool for that,” one person wrote, and one other commented. “The interviewer was just rude and he knew it, and Denzel knew it. Yes, Denzel was very witty and fashionable in the top.

A 3rd comment clearly stated, “Denzel is the boss.”

It just wasn’t concerning the comments about drinking and gangs, other parts of the interview seemed to piss off the actor and viewers.

“The look Denzel gives him 9:08 was like, “Oh, you f—,” one commenter said, a nod to his role as crooked detective Alonzo Harris in 2001’s “Training Day.”

#DenzelWashington the most effective to ever do it!! pic.twitter.com/pIYdYbH3D3

— Degen Dude (@DegenDude_) November 12, 2024

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Someone else said: “The subtle art of ridiculing an interlocutor who asks stupid and false questions. Tastefully presented here by Denzel.”

One fan was clear: “I’ve never heard of him being an alcoholic.”

Although Washington didn’t talk about drinking excessively, he often talked about his journey, the challenges of his youth, and the support systems that guided him, including his involvement with the Boys and Girls Club of America.

He also credited Sidney Poitier as a mentor, teaching him about privacy and self-respect. In a 2012 interview with GQ, Washington recalled Poitier’s advice: “If they see you without spending a dime all week, they will not pay to see you on the weekend. … If you walk past the magazine section in the supermarket they usually’ve known you all of your life, there is not any mystery about it.”

This wisdom shaped Washington’s approach to fame and public life, emphasizing the importance of secrecy and honesty.

The “Malcolm X” star’s down-to-earth approach to life was also evident in other public interactions.

After Will Smith’s controversial slapping incident on the 2022 Oscars, he was seen advising the West Philly native and telling him, “Be careful at the best of times, that’s when the devil comes for you.” This message reflected Washington’s belief in remaining calm and honest even under pressure.

He also allegedly uttered words of reproach to Sean “Diddy” Combs while he and his wife attended one in all his exclusive parties. The “Training Day” actor saw something he didn’t like and reportedly snapped at Bad Boy’s director, “You don’t respect anyone,” before storming out.

Known for embodying dignity, Washington rarely allows his temper to surface, but he isn’t afraid to express himself when mandatory.

When paparazzi accosted him outside the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Washington turned and said calmly but firmly, “You’re talking to a man right now. … How about… respecting me?” He let the person know that respect was crucial thing and even offered a smile to relieve any tension.

Throughout his profession, Washington managed to balance humility with strength, demonstrating that respect, humor and honesty were the cornerstones of his personality.

Parkinson can have wanted to get some juicy or controversial commentary from the actor, possibly comparing him to other stereotypes about black men. Still, Washington’s measured responses only reinforced his status as a real gentleman in Hollywood… one who is not easily fooled by intrusive questions.