‘Beyond Beginner’ Jake Gyllenhaal Shares ‘One Of The Million Things’ He Learned From Denzel Washington During Their Time Onstage

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Jake Gyllenhaal, who made his screen debut in 1991 with a minor role in the western comedy City Slickers, has spent decades establishing himself as one of the most remarkable and gifted actors working in cinema and television. It’s evident that he’s very comfortable in front of the camera – but his latest experience performing Othello on Broadway alongside Denzel Washington has been a completely new challenge for him, and he’s been genuinely impressed watching his co-star excel on stage.

In 2015, Gyllenhaal stepped onto Broadway for the first time in the one-act play “Constellations,” acting alongside Ruth Wilson. However, when speaking with Broadway veteran Audra McDonald during an interview for Variety, he humbly admitted that he felt more like a “newcomer among newcomers” while preparing to play Iago in “Othello.” This role led him to deviate from his usual method by watching numerous performances of previous actors portraying the same character. In the beginning, Gyllenhaal was hesitant about accepting the part… but eventually he couldn’t resist it.

For approximately one year, I dedicated my efforts to this project. One day, Kenny [Leon] and Denzel approached me with a challenge that initially seemed overwhelming. I hesitated, saying ‘I don’t think I can.’ But then I reconsidered, realizing ‘I can’t afford not to,’ which left me feeling quite anxious.

Previously, Kenny Leon received a Tony Award for the 2014 revival of “A Raisin In the Sun,” which starred Denzel Washington, who has been active on Broadway since 1988 and has another Shakespeare adaptation, “Julius Caesar” from 2005, under his belt. Given that Iago is a character known for his complexity, it’s not surprising that Jake Gyllenhaal might feel apprehensive, but it’s also clear why he would be drawn to take on the role in “Othello.

I recently had the pleasure of attending a play that made its grand entrance last month, now running at the captivating Ethel Barrymore Theatre. As a die-hard fan, I must say, Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance in “Nightcrawler” prepared me for nothing compared to the agility and skill demonstrated by the actor portraying Washington on stage.

What sets him apart is his unique approach to acting – a stark contrast to my co-star’s methods. But what truly left me in awe was his ability to swiftly adapt when things didn’t unfold as scripted, adding an unexpected layer of realism to the performance. It was a mesmerizing display that had me on the edge of my seat!

One valuable lesson I’ve gleaned from Denzel is his ability to embody freedom on stage. He gracefully adapts when things shift or when he forgets lines, demonstrating a fluidity that I strive to emulate. Whereas I establish boundaries for myself, he consistently pushes those limits. This has resulted in me becoming more composed and adaptable during performances.

It’s no wonder that Jake Gyllenhaal acknowledged Denzel Washington’s exceptional acting skills, considering his status as one of the greatest actors ever. What stands out, though, is that this recognition left a significant impact on him. Moreover, it shows their mutual admiration.

If you’re intending to visit New York in the next few weeks, you have the opportunity to buy tickets for the play “Othello“, as performances are running until early June. For those who can’t make it, you can still enjoy Jake Gyllenhaal’s latest work by streaming “Road House” on Amazon Prime Video, or watching the series “Presumed Innocent” on Apple TV+. As for Denzel Washington, his recent role as Macrinus in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” is now available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription.

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2025-05-01 03:55