John David Washington Says He’s Still In His Father Denzel Washington’s Shadow: I’m Always His Son

John David Washington, Denzel Washington

John David Washington Says He’s Still In His Father Denzel Washington’s Shadow: I’m Always His Son

John David Washington has made a name for himself with roles like Malcolm & Marie and BlacKkKlansman, but he still believes people see him as “Denzel Washington’s son.”

He told Rolling Stone,

“I don’t even know if [people] see me as John David yet. I’m still Denzel’s son. I’m always his son.”

He continued,

“So it’s like, the day that they start seeing just me is the day that I can maybe better answer that question about celebrity. ‘Cause I’m still not out of his shadow.”

While he played professional football before getting injured, he said acting was always a dream of his.

“Acting, I knew I always wanted to do. But I literally wanted to get some aggression out. The growing pains of being a teenager, the stuff I’ve experienced, being the son of someone. I could get that out here. I wanted to be productive with my anger. And I could use it as part of something positive.”

His father is certainly proud of him. Denzel Washington got emotional after hearing John David Washington sing his praises.

The Ballers star reacted to The New York Times naming Denzel Washington the best actor of the 21st century and said,

“I think he is one of the greatest to ever do it so it was a very proud moment for our entire family.”

Denzel Washington, on the verge of tears, said he was “speechless” that his son thought so highly of him.

What are your thoughts on John David Washington feeling like he’s still in Denzel Washington’s shadow? Comment and let us know.