‘The Look Denzel Gives Him’: Denzel Washington Puts Talk Show Host In His Place Over Insulting Claims He Was an Alcoholic In Resurfaced Clip

Hollywood legend Denzel Washington has long been known for his dignified presence, both on and off-screen. In a resurfaced 2004 interview on “The Parkinson Show,” the Academy Award winner handled deprecating questions with grace and humor, despite the host’s line of questioning appearing to reinforce stereotypes about Black men. The interview, meant to promote Washigton’s film at the time, “Man on Fire,” took a turn when the host, Sir Michael Parkinson, insinuated that Washington had struggled with alcoholism and possible gang involvement in his youth. A 2004 interview resurfaces showing Academy Award winner Denzel Washington politely checking the host for alleging research his staff conducted found that he was an “alcoholic.” (Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images) The exchange began with Parkinson’s claim that Washington didn’t need to “research” his character’s alcoholic aspects because of his own supposed experience. He played the role of a man named John W. Creasy, who is struggling with alcoholism. He attempts to take his own life, grappling with his past actions as a former CIA operative and Force Recon Marine. [At] one point in your life, you were in danger of becoming an alcoholic. Weren’t you?” “Me? Right now, as we speak!” Washington responded, surprised...