Oscar winner, 70, reveals he’s struggling to act after almost biting off his tongue

Oscar-winning movie star Denzel Washington has revealed a gruesome injury that is impacting his craft. The 70-year-old Hollywood veteran’s next role is Othello on Broadway, where he’ll star opposite Jake Gyllenhaal. However, running lines has proven rather difficult after Denzel almost bit his tongue off. Consequently, his ability to enunciate has been stifled. ‘I have a line, “Whither will you that I go to answer this your charge?” It’s hard because my tongue is swollen,’ he told the New York Times.

‘It has affected everything.’. The stage and screen drama actor also found a spiritual lesson in his tongue incident, as it forced him to reflect on his relationship with God. ‘That’s why you pray every day,’ he said. ‘I’m like, “OK, Lord, I’m here; I think this is what you wanted me to do.”. ‘Now I’m not sure why [I bit my tongue], but one can say coincidence and serendipity and all those things.’.

Denzel didn’t divulge any further details on how he hurt his tongue or whether it’s healed somewhat, so fans will be left to wonder about that one for the time being. Also in the interview, Denzel continued down the religious avenue, explaining that ‘everything [he’s] doing is through the lens of what God thinks’, not anyone else. ‘You go down that hole, you’ll never come out of that. When people say, “What do you want people to get from this movie?” or “What do you want them to get from this play?” I always say, “It depends upon what they bring to it”.’.

Denzel stars in Gladiator II, playing Macrinus in the Ridley Scott-directed blockbuster sequel. Alas, he was snubbed from this year’s Academy Awards, despite swirling predictions that he would make the best supporting actor shortlist. Denzel, who has won two Academy Awards and been nominated 10 times throughout his career, was a notable omission, while films including Wicked, Anora, and Emilia Perez were present across the board.

He insists he’s not bitter about it, though, saying that he’s ‘been around too long’ to take what fans have branded a ‘robbery’ to heart. Declaring that he’s most content with his career trajectory and personal life, Denzel, who appears alongside Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal in Gladiator II, said: ‘I was sitting there smiling, going, “Look at you. On the day you didn’t get a nomination for an Oscar, you’re working on Othello on Broadway.” Are you kidding me?’.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. He then quipped sarcastically: ‘Awww. Oh, I’m so upset.’. Denzel continued: ‘Listen, I’ve been around too long. I’m getting wiser, working on talking less and learning to understand more—and that’s exciting.’. He takes to the stage in Othello next month, heaping praise on his co-actor Jake for his ‘nuts’ and ‘complicated’ nature.

Kenny Leon directs the adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play, which has been advertised as an experience ‘like never before’. Got a story?. If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you. Cineworld is going all out for the release of Wicked, and we couldn’t be more excited.