Early in his career, Denzel Washington, star of 'Gladiator II,' remembers stockpiling food cans.

Despite being a Hollywood royalty with two Academy Awards, Denzel Washington still remembers the fear of his acting career slipping away from him.

During an interview with British Vogue while promoting "Gladiator II," Washington and costar Paul Mescal were queried about when they felt they had "achieved success" in their careers.

Mescal felt he had achieved success for the first time when he was paid to act in a play, while Washington was brought back to reality when he realized he had to restock his pantry at the beginning of his career.

"When I stopped hoarding cans of food, I knew I made it," he says. "I remember keeping cans of food."

"Training Day" star, who is now 69 years old, revealed that he was extremely focused on his work and others' expectations when he was younger. However, he is now able to enjoy a more fulfilling life away from the big screen.

""After 50 years of experience, I've learned to prioritize my happiness and not rely on external validation," Washington stated."

Washington stated in an interview with The Times that he doesn't enjoy revisiting his work and doesn't watch the movies he's acted in.

"I haven't watched any film from my past from start to finish, not even 'Malcolm X'," he said. "You only see what you did wrong and why would you do it anyway?"

Washington advised Mescal to trust his instincts and make decisions based on his own intuition rather than seeking advice from others.

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