Michael B. Jordan Reveals Denzel Washington Taught Him How to Avoid Overexposure

Michael B. Jordan has revealed some sage advice he received from Denzel Washington on navigating the intense spotlight that comes with fame.

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In a recent New York Magazine cover story, Jordan expressed how he doesn’t have much of a social media presence. But, for good reason. The actor revealed that he doesn’t share his personal life or posts much to create demand for himself.

This approach came from advice the ‘Sinners’ actor received from Washington, one of his biggest influences, about staying offline and not sharing so much.

This advice, as stated by the screen legend, was:

“Why would they pay to see you on a weekend if they see you all week for free?”

So, the ‘Creed’ actor adhered to the suggestion and preserved his movie star appeal via two practices: mystery and exclusivity.  Beyond not pushing for popularity on X and TikTok, he fesses to only amplifying his social activity on Instagram around the release of a new film.

As we know, the actor’s rise to leading man took some time with roles in ‘Hardball,’ ‘The Wire,’ and ‘Friday Night Lights.’ But, at one point, he wasn’t sure where his career was heading. He says:

“I was really, really, really unsure of what my career was going to be [12 years ago]. Am I a TV actor? Where am I going? And I was like, ‘Man, I just want an independent film.’ I can show what I can do, and I just need to know if I could carry a film or not, if I could be a lead.”

That opportunity came with ‘Fruitvale Station,’ which saw him meet his future collaborator Ryan Coogler. He shared:

“[Ryan] told me he thought I was a movie star. He thought I was a great actor, and he wanted to show the rest of the world that, and he wanted to make the movie with me.”

The rest, as they say, was history.