From sold-out tours and numerous television and radio appearances, Burruss wasn't uncomfortable being on camera, nor was she intimidated by suddenly being thrust into the spotlight. She was born and bred for bright lights and spent her youth rubbing elbows with Hollywood's best, but her broadway endeavors would offer an opportunity to work with Tinseltown's brightest star, Denzel Washington. Burruss's latest project allowed her to produce for arguably the best actor of the last century, Washington. Being a part of the 'Othello' Broadway production team with Washington and Jake Gyllenhal has allowed Burruss to cash in on a HUGE payday and to make history.
Kandi Burruss is Producing Othello Starring Denzel Washington
One of the differences between Burruss and others is that she reimagined setbacks as an opportunity to regroup and come back stronger in real time. After attempting to do a tour with a stageplay, she had poor ticket sales and had to back out of the project. Instead of licking her wounds and giving in to the naysayers, she took a break with plays to restructure and came back even stronger. Her first Broadway play was 'Thoughts of a Colored Man' released in 2021. The powerful piece received critical acclaim, but because audiences were still hesitant to embrace Broadway fully, the project ended before she intended.
Denzel Washington Says Othello is His Best Project in Decades
Talking about the film's success, he teased his excitement at returning to Broadway to take on the lead role in Othello, almost 50 years after playing the role as an acting student at Fordham University in New York City. "I know a lot less now. I thought I knew everything then! "I didn't really like the part, 'cause I wasn't wise enough to understand it,"he laughed with reporters. 'Othello' tickets immediately began selling out and, according to CBS, the play is the highest-grossing Broadway play in history. It also is the passion project that Denzel needed at this point in his career. "Othello" just became the highest-grossing Broadway play ever, pulling in $2.8 million in a single week. Washington said, "It's the most excited I've been this century. Seriously. "I haven't been this excited about anything I've done as I am about this." Washington shares with CBS News.
Considering the two-time Oscar winner's legendary career, this acknowledgment is worth its weight in gold. Denzel is known for being extremely strategic in the roles he accepts and the circles he patronizes. By Burruss moving into this circle, her access to the Hollywood greats is guaranteed. It also allows her to work on her own acting chops in preparation for her next role.
