Jan 18, 2008, 7:30 GMT
Denzel Washington bullies his daughters' boyfriends.
10/29/2007 - Denzel Washington - Los Angeles Premiere of "American Gangster" - ArcLight Theater - Hollywood, California. USA © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos
The 'Training Day' actor is so protective of 20-year-old Katia and 16-year-old Olivia he does anything he can to deter prospective suitors.
He said: "My oldest girl has got a boyfriend, who is at the school where she is. He is obviously very bright, but has too many earrings for my liking. I told him, 'I'm not going be that friendly with you.'
"I put my oldest boy on him - to put the fear of God into him. I said, 'Kick him around a bit. Tenderise him. I'll finish him off.' "
Denzel also admits he struggles to be as strict with his sons, 24-year-old John and 16-year-old Malcolm, as he is with is daughters.
He added to US TV chat show host David Letterman: "It is difficult, and it is a double standard, because with my sons, I'm like, 'That's my boy!' "
Denzel isn't the only actor to use his on-screen persona to intimidate his children's suitors.
'Die Hard' star Bruce Willis previously revealed he used his 'hard guy' stare to ward off any unsuitable lovers.
He said: "I just tell the boys I want to meet them - that's the only thing I ask for. I just give them that look, that little look.
"Also, I always put one of them in charge. I just say, 'Dude, what's your name?' and he says, 'Uh, Brad.'
"I say, 'Brad, you're in charge. If anything happens to one of my daughters, I'm coming to you first, and then I'm going to kill all your friends right in front of you, and you'll be last."
(C) BANG Media International
Your Talkback on this Story