People Denzel Washington
Actor Denzel Washington makes remarks during the University of Pennsylvania's 255th Commencement Monday, May 16, 2011, in Philadelphia. Washington, w...
Actor Denzel Washington makes remarks during the University of Pennsylvania's 255th Commencement Monday, May 16, 2011, in Philadelphia. Washington, whose son Malcolm attends the Ivy League school, received an honorary degree at the ceremony. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
People Denzel Washington
Actor Denzel Washington gestures during his remarks at the University of Pennsylvania's 255th Commencement Monday, May 16, 2011, in Philadelphia. Was...
Actor Denzel Washington gestures during his remarks at the University of Pennsylvania's 255th Commencement Monday, May 16, 2011, in Philadelphia. Washington, whose son Malcolm attends the Ivy League school, received an honorary degree at the ceremony. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
People Denzel Washington
Actor Denzel Washington views graduates in an academic procession before at the University of Pennsylvania's 255th Commencement Monday, May 16, 2011,...
Actor Denzel Washington views graduates in an academic procession before at the University of Pennsylvania's 255th Commencement Monday, May 16, 2011, in Philadelphia. Washington whose son Malcolm attends the Ivy League school, received an honorary degree at the ceremony. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
People Denzel Washington
Actor Denzel Washington, right, Mo Ibrahim, Chairman of the Board, Mo Ibrahim Foundation and others are seen during an academic procession before at ...
Actor Denzel Washington, right, Mo Ibrahim, Chairman of the Board, Mo Ibrahim Foundation and others are seen during an academic procession before at the University of Pennsylvania's 255th Commencement Monday, May 16, 2011, in Philadelphia. Washington, whose son Malcolm attends the Ivy League school, received an honorary degree at the ceremony. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
People Denzel Washington
Actor Denzel Washington is seen at the University of Pennsylvania's 255th Commencement Monday, May 16, 2011, in Philadelphia. Washington, whose son M...
Actor Denzel Washington is seen at the University of Pennsylvania's 255th Commencement Monday, May 16, 2011, in Philadelphia. Washington, whose son Malcolm attends the Ivy League school, received an honorary degree at the ceremony. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Denzel Washington confessed to a bit of stage fright in his latest role: Commencement speaker at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Oscar- and Tony-winning actor addressed about 5,000 graduates Monday at the Ivy League school in Philadelphia. He also received an honorary degree.
Washington told the crowd at Franklin Field that he was scared to "make a fool of myself" by leaving his comfort zone and speaking at an academic ceremony.
But he made himself take that risk in order to overcome his fear.
The 56-year-old star of "Malcolm X" and "Philadelphia" then encouraged graduates to "have the guts to fail."
He says, "If you don't fail, you're not even trying."
