# The 1988 role Denzel Washington wanted to play forever: “They’re going to have to kick me out”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-1988-role-denzel-washington-wanted-to-play-forever-theyre-going-to-have-to-kick-me-out/
- Published: 2026-07-16T18:45:21+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-25T15:16:04+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/role-denzel-washington-wanted-to-play-forever/
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- St Elsewhere gave Washington a vital early-career platform.
- He said producers would have to “kick” him out.
- The series ended naturally after 137 episodes.

## Summary

Denzel Washington said he wanted to remain on the medical drama St Elsewhere indefinitely, despite seeking greater creative opportunities. The role helped establish him as a serious actor while giving him the stability to begin building a film career.

Washington played Dr Philip Chandler from the show’s 1982 debut until its conclusion in 1988, appearing in more than 100 episodes; its 137th episode was the final one. During that period, he also made four films, including Cry Freedom, which brought Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations, before concentrating on becoming a major film star.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.