Denzel Washington never ambitious

Jan 17, 2010, 6:02 GMT

Denzel Washington never set out to be a movie star.

The American actor - who has been awarded three Golden Globes and two Academy Awards for his work - said he still has to remind himself everyday how lucky he is to have so much success at something he never thought he'd end up doing.

He said: "I remember when I was an actor in New York after growing up in Harlem, I was just hoping to make $300 a week. When I achieved that I thought I was on top of the world. I never set out to be a movie star."

The 55-year-old star - who starts rehearsals soon for the Broadway show 'Fences' - said he "can't wait" to act alongside Pauletta, his wife of 27-years once again in the New York stage production.

He said: "I couldn't go to sleep for a few nights just thinking about getting ready to start. I can't wait. And I'm looking forward to giving my wife Pauletta a chance to get back on stage too. She sort of gave up her acting career to raise the kids and now that they're out of the house she can do what she wants."

Despite loving his work, Denzel said he has to keep every role away from his home life, because he needs that chance to relax.

He said: "I'm not a leading man, I'm an actor. You get a part and you interpret the part. But the characters I play don't touch me after I'm finished. I just shake them off. Maybe when you step into other people's shoes a little piece of them stays with you because you've sort of lived their lives. But I don't take it home with me."