In ‘Piano Lessons’, John David Washington faces his fears

Piano lessons star Denzel Washingtonson of John David and directed by his other son, Malcolm. But the film is more than just an adventure in nepotism. John David, who plays the same role in this adaptation as he did in the recent Broadway remake of August Wilson’s play, is a fierce storm in the film, with his father as a translator another sharp take on Wilson’s kinetic poetry.

Vanity fair‘S Little golden boys podcast recently caught up with John David during the film’s extensive press tour, sitting down with the actor during a special live event at New York City’s Perelman Center for the Performing Arts—a space recently opened multi-purpose event facility located next door VFOne World Trade Center offices in Manhattan’s financial district. Washington et LGM was there as part of PAC’s Cultural Icons Festival, an inaugural event honoring influential artists of all stripes.

John David WashingtonPeter Cooper’s photo.

John David is truly a disciplined artist, still in the process of honing his craft as part of a remarkably professional second act. He began his working life as a professional soccer player, playing in Europe and in the UFL, the former minor league. Although his acting career has had some highlights, he says that work Piano lessons on Broadway felt like a real defining moment.

“That’s what the play did for me,” he said. LGM. “I can face my fears, because this is the scariest thing that ever happened – standing on stage, saying the words of August Wilson to a group of people who came to pay their big money to see you Is it human? Good. And I feel like my career is coming to an end, and I’m not being exaggerated or dramatic. I thought, if this doesn’t work, I’ll have to find another job.”

David Canfield, Richard Lawson and John David WashingtonPeter Cooper’s photo.

Ultimately it worked out, leading to most of the cast signing on to make a film version of the work — this time directed by John David’s younger brother. But that family connection doesn’t mean the actor takes the project any more seriously. “I was ready to go through a brick wall for my director,” he said of his commitment to the work, which matched his siblings. “What I learned about my brother in that experience was how in control he was, how he was truly born to do this.”

Judging by the film, many scions of the Washington family were born that way — yet all remain refreshingly modest despite the success of the rocket ship and, of course, the hereditary legacy. That is an extremely rare quality these days.

You can listen to the whole thing LGM‘s conversation with John David Washington above or wherever you listen to podcasts.