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Denzel Washington to Pastor T.D. Jakes: 'I'm here to serve God, here to serve my family'

Actor Denzel Washington attends the premiere of 'FENCES' in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., December 19, 2016. | Reuters/Andrew Kelly

Denzel Washington, star and director of the new movie titled "Fences," told pastor T.D. Jakes that he is now focusing on being a servant of God.

In an interview with Jakes' daytime talk show last week, the two-time Academy award-winning actor explained that he has come to a point in his career when he does not need more material wealth.

"I'm in the service business now, I'm fine. I've done well," Washington told Jakes, as reported by The Christian Post. "I don't need any watches and all of that. So I'm here to serve God, here to serve my family," he added.

Jakes spoke about how he was amazed that Washington knew about him and his sermons. The actor mentioned that one of Jakes' sermons had a lasting impact on him.

"One of your sermons you talked about was the enemy is the inner me. And I've kept that," said Washington.

Washington's new movie, "Fences," is a film adaptation of August Wilson's play of the same name. He starred alongside Viola Davis in the Broadway revival of the play six years ago, and they have both returned to their roles as Troy and Rose Maxson for the big screen.

The play tells the story of a married couple living in 1950s Pittsburgh. Troy, a sanitation worker, is having an affair, while his wife, Rose, realizes over the course of the play what she has given up by staying with him.

"Fences" is part of a series of 10 plays known as the Pittsburgh Cycle, which explores the African-American experience in each decade of the 20th century, according to NPR.

Washington told Jakes that the movie is some form of tribute to Wilson. The actor said that the August Wilson Estate approached him to do the nine other films in the series. He revealed that he has already signed on with HBO to produce the rest of the films.

Washington and Davis both won Tony awards for their performances in the play, and they also received Golden Globe nominations for their part in the film.