Rising star Paul Mescal, known for his breakout role in Normal People, has been making waves in Hollywood. But working alongside a legend like Denzel Washington has brought him a whole new level of inspiration and understanding about acting and life itself.
Mescal recently opened up about his experience while filming their latest project, sharing how Denzel’s wisdom left a lasting impression. In an exclusive interview, Paul admitted he was initially intimidated by the thought of working with someone as iconic as Washington. “I was nervous, of course,” he said. “He’s someone you grow up watching, and you think, ‘How can I ever measure up?’”
But instead of intimidation, Paul found mentorship. “Denzel has this calm yet commanding presence. On set, he taught me the importance of being present in every moment—not just for the camera, but in life too,” Mescal shared. “He said something that stuck with me: ‘The best performances come from listening.’ It sounds simple, but it’s something I’ve carried with me ever since.”
Mescal also praised Washington’s work ethic. “He never stops preparing. Even in moments where you think the scene is good enough, Denzel pushes for more—not in a demanding way, but because he genuinely cares about the story we’re telling.”
The two actors reportedly developed a great rapport during the shoot, with Mescal describing Denzel as both a mentor and a friend. “He’s as humble as he is talented, and that’s rare in this industry,” Paul added.
As fans eagerly await the release of their collaboration, Mescal’s words have only heightened the buzz. Working with Denzel Washington has left him not only a better actor but also with valuable lessons for life.
With his career skyrocketing, Paul Mescal’s future looks brighter than ever—and it seems Denzel Washington has played a key role in shaping that journey.