Michael B. Jordan has cemented his status as a movie star, with his latest film, Sinners, directed by frequent collaborator Ryan Coogler, grossing over $350 million worldwide. But behind Jordan’s rising success lies a deliberate strategy to stay out of the spotlight — a move inspired by legendary actor Denzel Washington.
In a recent New York Magazine cover story, Jordan revealed that Washington once cautioned him against overexposure. “Why would they pay to see you on a weekend if they see you all week for free?” Washington asked, urging Jordan to maintain a level of mystery by limiting his public presence.
Jordan has followed that advice closely. He avoids posting about his personal life and keeps a low profile on social media, using his Instagram account sparingly despite having 25 million followers. He stays off platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok altogether.
“My choice to not constantly post or talk about my life is intentional,” Jordan told the magazine. “I want to create a demand — give people a reason to come see me on screen.”
His calculated approach appears to be working. Sinners, a vampire thriller, has been a major box office hit and marks another successful collaboration with Coogler, following Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther.
Jordan’s path to film stardom wasn’t always clear. Although he had early roles in films like Hardball, it was his performances on TV series such as The Wire and Friday Night Lights that first brought him recognition. Even then, he had doubts.
“I was really unsure of what my career was going to be 12 years ago,” he said. “I wondered if I was just a TV actor. I just wanted to prove I could lead a film.”
That opportunity came with Fruitvale Station. After receiving the script, Jordan met with Coogler, who told him, “I think you’re a movie star. I want to make this film with you and show the world.”
The film earned critical acclaim and launched both Jordan’s and Coogler’s film careers. They’ve since built one of Hollywood’s most successful actor-director partnerships.
“Mike deserves to be a leading man, period,” Jordan’s manager Phillip Sun said. “He happens to be a Black leading man — but we never chased roles based only on color. We chased everything.”
Jordan’s reserved public presence and selective project choices reflect Washington’s influence, which also extended to their professional collaboration. Washington directed Jordan in the 2021 romantic drama A Journal for Jordan, further cementing a bond rooted in mentorship and mutual respect.
As Jordan continues to rise in Hollywood, he does so on his own terms — quietly building a legacy that balances star power with intention.
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