Denzel Washington Shares Struggles with Speech Following Serious Tongue Injury

Denzel Washington is currently facing challenges with his speech due to a severe tongue injury he sustained months ago. During a recent appearance on The New York Times’ podcast, “The Interview,” the acclaimed actor opened up about how this incident has impacted his health and upcoming performance.

A Painful Condition

Washington, who is 70 years old, described the injury as significant, stating, “I bit my tongue almost half-off a few months ago.” This painful condition has not only affected his ability to speak but has also altered his daily routine.

“It’s affecting my speech,” Washington explained. “It forces me to slow down. I have to use it.” His determination to overcome this obstacle is evident as he prepares to portray the titular character in the Broadway revival of William Shakespeare’s renowned play, “Othello,” alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.

Preparation for a Challenging Role

The injury poses specific challenges for Washington as he memorizes lines for his upcoming role. “I have a line: ‘Whither will you that I go to answer this your charge?’ It’s hard because my tongue is swollen,” he said. “It has affected everything.”

Despite the adversity, Washington remains committed to delivering a powerful performance and pushing through the limitations posed by his injury. He did not delve into the specifics of how the injury occurred or the medical treatment he has since received.

Turning to Faith

In light of his struggles, Washington has been leaning on his faith to navigate this challenging period. “That’s why you pray every day,” he shared. “I’m like, ‘OK, Lord, I’m here, I think this is what you wanted me to do.’” While uncertain about the reasons behind his injury, Washington recognizes the necessity of spiritual strength during difficult times.

Recently, Washington was baptized by Bishop James Pullings Jr. in New York City at the Kelly Temple. The actor also revealed that he is taking steps to obtain his minister’s license, which highlights his commitment to his faith.

The Impact of Acting

When reflecting on his career and its potential impact on others, Washington stated that he seeks validation based on a higher moral compass, rather than external opinions. “At this point, everything I’m doing is through the lens of what God thinks, not what they think,” he emphasized. This perspective allows him to focus on his craft without getting lost in public perception.

Washington added, “When people say, ‘What do you want people to get from this movie?’ I always say, ‘It depends upon what they bring to it.’” He noted that “Othello” explores themes of jealousy, envy, pain, and death, and he feels these concepts resonate on various levels with different audiences.

A Modern Interpretation of Othello

Under the direction of Kenny Leon, Washington believes that the play will take on new significance in the context of today’s information age. “He’s putting it in what he calls the near future,” Washington explained, indicating an intriguing angle that could modernize the play’s themes.

Anticipation for the Broadway Premiere

Washington expressed strong confidence in Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Iago, Othello’s complex nemesis. “He’s nuts. I love him,” Washington commented about Gyllenhaal. The trusted approach to the character dynamics in this production illustrates the thoughtfulness behind the casting decisions.

“I’m not worried about that, because I don’t like to learn the lines too soon,” he continued. Washington shared insights with a young actor on his preparation techniques, emphasizing the significance of spontaneity in performance. He prefers to absorb cues from his co-stars during rehearsals, allowing for a more authentic delivery of his lines.

Mark Your Calendars

The highly anticipated production of “Othello” is set to premiere at New York City’s Ethel Barrymore Theatre on March 25, running through June 8. As Washington gears up for this theatrical event, his resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to many.

While coping with the challenges of recovery and preparation, Denzel Washington continues to embody the spirit of a dedicated artist who believes in the transformative power of storytelling and faith.