Denzel Washington fights to live "a simple life".
The 61-year-old actor – who is currently directing his own version of August Wilson’s play ‘Fences’, in which he stars as Troy Maxson, a dustman who failed as a baseball player – has insisted he is a normal guy who does not crave the attention of a "professional celebrity".
He shared: "The older I’ve gotten, the more I fight for a simple life. I used to say ‘normal’ life, but it’s simplicity: do your job, raise your kids drive your car.
"I’m not a professional celebrity; I don’t need my picture taken at clubs. I’m an ordinary guy."
‘Fences’ is set in the suburbs of 1950s Pittsburgh, where Troy lives with his wife of 18 years and their teenage sons Cory, Troy and Rose. However, their life together is shattered by an act of betrayal.
Denzel, who stars opposite Viola Davis in the movie, explained how his character’s behaviour tears the family apart.
He said: "When Troy comes into what used to be his home after what he’s done, it’s a house – not a home. There’s no love."
Denzel explained that the story resembles part of his own life as he built his house with his real-life wife Paulette, after making a promise to her late father to take care of her.
He told the Daily Mail newspaper: "We were having a house built and I said: ‘Dad, you going up to the house?’ And he said: ‘You’re making a home. It’s not a house. You promise me you’re making it a home."
Denzel is joined in ‘Fences’ by Stephen Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson and Saniyya Sidney.
Denzel Washington fights to live a simple life
