Josh Brolin reveals he ‘almost got into a fight’ with Denzel Washington on set of American Gangster

Josh Brolin reveals he 'almost got into a fight' with Denzel Washington on set of American Gangster

As an ardent movie buff who has grown up idolizing the silver screen legends, I find myself utterly captivated by Josh Brolin’s latest anecdote about his near-altercation with Denzel Washington on the set of American Gangster. It’s not every day that we get a glimpse into the heated moments that unfolded behind the scenes of our favorite films, and this tale only serves to enhance my admiration for these talented artists.


In an interview, it was disclosed that on the filming of American Gangster in 2007, Josh Brolin came close to having a physical altercation with Denzel Washington.

The acclaimed crime drama was directed by Ridley Scott, who has reunited with Denzel on their buzzy new movie Gladiator II.

American Gangster is a story, loosely based on real events, that depicts the journey and downfall of Frank Lucas, a notorious gangster operating during the 1960s and 1970s in the United States.

In this production, Denzel Washington took on the lead role, while Josh Brolin embodied a crooked detective who was receiving bribes from him. Notable stars like Russell Crowe and Ruby Dee also graced the screen in a distinguished ensemble cast.

Josh, who’s now 56, has revealed that the intense arguments portrayed on-screen actually stemmed from a production process filled with genuine off-screen tension.

He explained that he and Denzel ‘get along very well now,’ but told the story of the remark that nearly brought them to blows to Deadline.

Josh Brolin reveals he 'almost got into a fight' with Denzel Washington on set of American Gangster

The heartthrob from No Country for Old Men, Denzel, arrived a bit behind schedule and there was quite a situation unfolding. Later, he displayed the script to me; he didn’t alter any of my lines but subtly rearranged the structure of it.

In a casual manner, Josh explained, “He mentioned that he was planning to place this item here and the other one there. Yet, he didn’t seem to give me much attention during our conversation.

Josh explained, “I was trying to recall the arrangement, and after that, we practiced. He mentioned that there weren’t too many lines, primarily his own.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it as: “Even I, being Denzel Washington, find it challenging to always exude unwavering confidence. After all, I’m just an actor under scrutiny, being tested to prove my authenticity. And in that moment, I regrettably slipped up and forgot a line.

Josh recalled the incident where he had patted his friend’s shoulder and asked, “Where’s the limit?”, to which the friend reacted by pushing away Josh’s hand and saying, “Never touch me like that again.

Confronted by Denzel’s aggression, Josh privately pondered: ‘Wow, I’m about to have a confrontation with Denzel Washington. This is utterly insane.’

At that moment, it felt as though Josh no longer saw Denzel as an actor, but rather someone simply performing their duties in Josh’s mind.

In my experience as a lifestyle advisor, I’ve come to realize that sometimes, the apparent demeanor of someone like Denzel might seem prickly or aloof. However, upon closer observation, I’ve learned to understand it’s often just him immersed in his role.

Josh Brolin reveals he 'almost got into a fight' with Denzel Washington on set of American Gangster
Josh Brolin reveals he 'almost got into a fight' with Denzel Washington on set of American Gangster

In simpler terms, the actor from Dune stated, “He was the specific person; he was Frank Lucas, full stop. However, I wasn’t aware at the time. We managed to move past that situation.

Initially, I asked, “Are you alright?” To which he responded affirmatively, saying “Yeah, and you?” I reciprocated with a similar response, then asked, “Can I have my turn now?” He granted permission by saying, “Go ahead.” It felt as if he had communicated everything he intended to say.

Josh is sharing details about his latest book release titled “From Under The Truck,” which chronicles his personal journey through his acting career and growing up in Hollywood with actor James Brolin as his father.

Additionally, he openly discussed his struggles with alcohol addiction that eventually led him to quit consumption permanently in the year 2013.

On one particular instance, Josh mentioned that he had asked for a glass of wine, but was scolded for it by none other than his stepmother, Barbra Streisand.

On The Howard Stern Show, Josh commented, “She essentially told me, ‘Why would you consume alcohol? You have a problem with it,'” and he also mentioned, “She was quite the stereotypical Jewish mother, saying things like, ‘You shouldn’t do that because it could harm you. Remember, you need to eat more. You look too thin.’

In his autobiography, he revealed that it was after a brawl at a drive-thru in Santa Monica and finding himself on the street the next morning, that he chose to give up drinking.

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2024-11-24 08:50

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