Denzel Washington's Days Are Numbered in Hollywood. The Star Plans to Retire After a Few More Superior Roles, Including 'Black Panther,' 'Othello,' 'Hannibal,' 'Gladiator,' and a 'King Leer' Movie

Denzel Washington/Shutterstock

Denzel Washington's Hollywood career is coming to an end. The seasoned actor told Today, "I don't know how many more films I'm gonna make; it's probably not that many." The Hollywood veteran explained, "I wanna do things I haven't done. I played Othello at 22, and I'm about to play Othello at 70. After that, I'm playing Hannibal...I've been talking with Steve McQueen about a film...After that, Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me in the next Black Panther. Washington said he will retire after acting in the upcoming King Leer movie. 

Denzel Washington/'Gladiator 2'/IMDb

True Denzel Washington fans can't imagine entertainment without him, yet he'll leave behind such a powerful brand. The Oscar Award-winning star has been a Hollywood powerhouse since his breakthrough role on St. Elsewhere in the '80s, where the young Washington played a doctor. He had a hot streak in the '90s after championing roles like Spike Lee's Malcolm X, The Pelican Brief, Philadelphia, Richochet, Mo Better Blues, The Hurricane, He Got Game, and Devil in a Blue Dress.

The Mount Vernon, New York native's career took another full tilt after the '90s when he took on roles such as The Great Debaters, American Gangster, The Book of Eli, and Fences. After partnering with director Antoine Fuqua for The Equalizer installments, Washington added another tier to his unlimited on-screen talents.

Although Washington told Today he'd soon be retiring from acting, he didn't say he'd be closing the door on directing. The Golden Globe award winner has directed five productions, including Fences, The Great Debaters, Antwone Fisher, A Journal for Jordan, and an episode of Grey's Anatomy, and has several producer credits.

Washington stars as Macrinus in Gladiator II on November 22.

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