Michael B. Jordan embraces Denzel Washington's advice, limiting his public presence to enhance his movie stardom strategy.
Michael B. Jordanmovie stardom strategy and Denzel Washington advice have proven effective, with Jordan reaffirming his box office appeal through the recent release of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, which has surpassed $350 million globally. Rather than sharing personal updates online or engaging in frequent interviews, Jordan has chosen a more reserved approach, deliberately keeping aspects of his private life out of the public eye to build intrigue around his film roles.
Influence from Denzel Washington
Jordan has often named Denzel Washington as one of his greatest inspirations, revealing that Washington’s guidance has shaped his public persona. According to a recent feature in New York Magazine, Washington once challenged Jordan’s need for social media visibility by asking,
“Why would they pay to see you on a weekend if they see you all week for free?”
—Denzel Washington, Actor/Director. This advice encouraged Jordan to avoid digital overexposure and focus on meaningful projects.
Transition from Television to Film
Long before his blockbuster status, Jordan was recognized for his roles on acclaimed TV series like The Wire and Friday Night Lights, having first entered cinema as a child in Hardball. His ambitions, however, extended beyond television, as he wanted to discover his potential as a leading film actor. Reflecting on his early struggles, Jordan expressed,
“I was really, really, really unsure of what my career was going to be [12 years ago],”
—Michael B. Jordan, Actor. He continued,
“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.”
—Michael B. Jordan, Actor.
Career Breakthrough with Fruitvale Station
Jordan’s opportunity arrived with the script for Fruitvale Station. After a pivotal meeting with director Ryan Coogler, the trajectory of his career shifted noticeably. Recalling their conversation, Jordan shared,
Image of: Michael B. Jordan
“[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.”
—Michael B. Jordan, Actor. The film received high critical acclaim and spurred further collaborations between Jordan and Coogler, resulting in major hits like Creed, Black Panther, and the recent success of Sinners.
Challenging Stereotypes and Setting Priorities
Jordan’s manager, Phillip Sun, emphasized the broader vision guiding Jordan’s film choices, noting,
“Mike deserves to be a leading man, period,”
—Phillip Sun, Manager. Sun added,
“He happens to be a Black leading man. But we weren’t chasing roles just based on color. We chased everything.”
—Phillip Sun, Manager. This focus allowed Jordan to pursue diverse roles based on fit and talent rather than typecasting.
Minimizing Social Media Presence
Staying true to Washington’s philosophy, Michael B. Jordan avoids maintaining accounts on major social networks such as X or TikTok. Although he has a substantial following on Instagram—boasting 25 million followers—he limits posts to promotional activities surrounding upcoming film projects or press tours. The two actors even collaborated on A Journal for Jordan in 2021, with Washington serving as director.
Ongoing Legacy and Industry Impact
Michael B. Jordan’s career continues to demonstrate the enduring power of strategic privacy and selectiveness in the age of constant online sharing. By following Denzel Washington’s guidance, he has cultivated both curiosity and respect among audiences, possibly setting a new example for the next generation of actors. As Sinners maintains its impressive performance and partnership with Ryan Coogler endures, Jordan’s approach may continue to influence how rising stars manage their visibility and shape their own Hollywood journeys.
