Balance August 2018 - 17

BA LA N C I N G AC T

but as my life began to change, I thought more and more
about what she said.
"It was a process, not an overnight thing. The initial
process was finding what it is I like to do and love, which
was acting."
More than 40 years later, Denzel is one of the most
universally adored actors of all time. The 63-year-old is
funny, wise and inspiring company, even taking his status
as beloved leading man in his stride. "It only inspires me to
keep growing as an actor and a human being," he says.
On always being so gloriously positive, he adds: "One day
at a time. You wake up in the morning with your bucket of
self-esteem and everyone is waiting with their ladles to dip
into it. You have to work at it every day. You've got to restart
every day and be thankful to get through the day."
Was he born that way? He unleashes his big, beautiful,
booming laugh - it's a life-affirming guffaw that we
get to hear a few times during our chat - and hits back:
"Absolutely not! You start to figure things out and, as you
get wiser, you simplify things. You start figuring out what
you don't need in your life."
The fact he's been married to the same woman - Pauletta
- for 35 years also helps. "I'm married. That alone will keep
your head level," he says. "No matter what I get through
in the day - and it doesn't matter how great I am out
there - I've still got to come home at night. I take my work
seriously, but don't take myself seriously."

THE LONG GAME
Denzel's new film, The Equalizer 2, is a scorcher. It's his
first-ever sequel, with ex-military man Robert McCall
back to right wrongs and dish out justice. As the title
suggests, it's about restoring balance and equilibrium.
McCall also takes on the role of mentor, scrubbing
out graffiti in one scene while explaining to his protégé
Miles Whittaker (Ashton Sanders): "Anybody could do
it, but nobody does." It's Denzel and the filmmakers'
way of addressing the audience, to say we can all make
a difference. "We do have an impact," Denzel adds.
"And sometimes it's in small ways... You never know
who you influence."
Most superstars tend to fade when they reach a
certain age, but Denzel gets bigger and better. The
Equalizer 2 proved yet another No1 hit when it opened
in the US last month. So, how is it possible for his star to
shine brighter than ever? "Real simple," he says. "I'm
still trying to get better. I'm still working at it. I haven't
arrived yet.
"Just over a month ago, I closed a [theatre] production
of Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh. Four-plus hours.
It was a beast. I love the theatre, and I started out in the
theatre; it challenges you. It doesn't care how famous you
are!" He guffaws once more.
"That's my way of getting back to the basics, back
to the gym, the drawing board. And I enjoy it. It's that

17



Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Balance August 2018

Balance August 2018 - 1
Balance August 2018 - 2
Balance August 2018 - 3
Balance August 2018 - 4
Balance August 2018 - 5
Balance August 2018 - 6
Balance August 2018 - 7
Balance August 2018 - 8
Balance August 2018 - 9
Balance August 2018 - 10
Balance August 2018 - 11
Balance August 2018 - 12
Balance August 2018 - 13
Balance August 2018 - 14
Balance August 2018 - 15
Balance August 2018 - 16
Balance August 2018 - 17
Balance August 2018 - 18
Balance August 2018 - 19
Balance August 2018 - 20
Balance August 2018 - 21
Balance August 2018 - 22
Balance August 2018 - 23
Balance August 2018 - 24
Balance August 2018 - 25
Balance August 2018 - 26
Balance August 2018 - 27
Balance August 2018 - 28
Balance August 2018 - 29
Balance August 2018 - 30
Balance August 2018 - 31
Balance August 2018 - 32
Balance August 2018 - 33
Balance August 2018 - 34
Balance August 2018 - 35
Balance August 2018 - 36
Balance August 2018 - 37
Balance August 2018 - 38
Balance August 2018 - 39
Balance August 2018 - 40
Balance August 2018 - 41
Balance August 2018 - 42
Balance August 2018 - 43
Balance August 2018 - 44
Balance August 2018 - 45
Balance August 2018 - 46
Balance August 2018 - 47
Balance August 2018 - 48
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