Denzel Washington recently shared his thoughts on his career and his role in the record-breaking Broadway production of “Othello.” Despite being a two-time Oscar winner, Washington doesn’t see himself as a typical “Hollywood actor.

Audiences worldwide know Denzel Washington because of his Oscar-worthy performances in Malcolm X, A Soldier’s Story, Fences and more. But the Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient actually got his roots on stage, which he explained was another reason why you can’t call him a “Hollywood actor:”

In response, Whitaker said that his understanding of a “Hollywood actor” is someone who’s had “great success on film.” However, this only prompted Denzel to further dispute the claim, setting the record straight about his career journey.