Michael B. Jordan leaned on wisdom from Denzel Washington and support from Ryan Coogler to navigate Hollywood’s spotlight while staying grounded in his craft.
Jordan, 38, revealed that Washington once advised him to limit his social media presence to avoid diluting his value as an actor.
“(He said) ‘Why would they pay to see you on a weekend if they see you all week for free?'” Jordan told Vulture.
The two worked together on the 2021 drama A Journal for Jordan, which Washington directed and co-produced. The film marked a pivotal collaboration between the two actors, but the mentorship extended far beyond the set.
Jordan also credited Coogler, who directed him in Black Panther and the current box office hit Sinners, for helping him transition from television to leading man.
Reflecting on his early doubts, the Friday Night Lights alum said, “I was really, really, really unsure of what my career was going to be. ‘Am I a TV actor? Where am I going?'”
He continued, “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, Coogler’s 2013 directorial debut. Jordan recalled, “(Coogler) 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 (Fruitvale Station) with me.”
The film earned widespread acclaim and helped cement Jordan’s place in Hollywood as a serious talent.
His performance was hailed by critics as “a triumph,” and it marked the beginning of a long-running creative partnership with Coogler.