During a red carpet interview, Hollywood legend Denzel Washington admitted that he didn’t know who Snowfall’s Damson Idris was.
Idris became a rising star after his breakout role as Franklin Saint on the FX show. The actor has been compared to Washington on several occasions and auditioned to play his son in the 2016 film, Fences, The Grio reported.
Idris also went viral earlier this month for posting a hilarious impersonation of him acting like the Training Day actor.
Damson Idris plays too much! 😭 Can y’all guess which actor he’s channeling? 👀 pic.twitter.com/gacK164vQQ
— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) December 2, 2021
When asked about the comparisons and Idris’ open admiration for him during the premiere of his new film, A Journal for Jordan, that he directed, Washington responded with a puzzling look on his face.
“Who are you talking about,” said the 66-year-old in the video. “I don’t know who that is.”
pic.twitter.com/YyAIYYFFgY https://t.co/cQHJUEzStw
— Daniel Kaluuya If You Are Reading This I Swallow (@WrittenByHanna) December 11, 2021
Seemingly surprised, the interviewer pressed Washington saying, “You got to know who he is.”
Washington turned to a man behind him, asking about Idris. Some fans said it sounded as though Washington called him “Dancin'” Idris when asking the question.
“No disrespect Damson, no disrespect,” Washington said as the interviewer moved forward.
After the viral exchange circulated on social media, many fans laughed at Washington’s complete disregard for Idris.
“Not Denzel Washington not knowing who Damson Idris is,” said one Twitter user about the exchange.
Not Denzel Washington not knowing who Damson Idris is 😭😭
— Daniel Kaluuya If You Are Reading This I Swallow (@WrittenByHanna) December 11, 2021
Another user posted that the exchange was innocent, writing, “Denzel Washington having no clue who Damson Idris is, is so innocently cute! But when he called him “dancing” I truly lost it!!!”
Denzel Washington having no clue who Damson Idris is, is so innocently cute! But when he called him “dancing” I truly lost it!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
— Laura Living Life (@living_laura) December 11, 2021
After Idris reportedly watched the video, he amusingly changed his name on Twitter to “Dancin Address,” and tweeted, “Call me Dancin Address from now on. I won’t answer to anything else.”
Call me Dancin Address from now on. I won’t answer to anything else 😂
— Dancin Address (@DamsonIdris) December 12, 2021
Although many fans thought the exchange was light-hearted, others voiced their opinions on Idris’s comparison to the legendary actor early in his career.
One user tweeted, “Damson has had like four roles that have made it to television, and you saying he better than Denzel Washington. Let’s calm down.”
Damson has had like four roles that have made it to television and you saying he better than Denzel Washington. Let’s calm down
— hermione danger (@clarkconquers) December 11, 2021
Another Twitter user said, “Denzel Washington is an absolute OG. You cannot compare Damson Idris to him, as good as he is. Ridiculous question to ask.”
Denzel Washington is an absolute OG. You cannot compare Damson Idris to him, as good as he is. Ridiculous question to ask. https://t.co/2hnPKAnW66
— Constantly Improving (@dru10000) December 11, 2021
Other users defended Washington, stating that he doesn’t know about Idris because he is not on social media.
“Snowfall is a show that’s gained most if not all its traction thru social media, but y’all are confused why Denzel f-ckin Washington doesn’t know who Damson Idris is LOL,” said one user.
Snowfall is a show thats gained most if not all its traction thru social media but yall are confused why Denzel fuckin Washington doesnt know who Damson Idris is LOL
— The Heehee Ni**a Screaming (@TheDiorHomie) December 11, 2021
