Denzel Washington’s frank response to a young fan’s question on how to be a “gangster” like him went viral.

Supporting his sons, who both featured and directed in the movie, the 69-year-old acting icon went to the premiere of The Last Piano last month.In an Instagram video, he seemed to have been rushing to the screening, but he took a moment to talk with eight-year-old Liam, the Kid Reporter for Virgin Radio’s Daryn & Deepa show.

Denzel Washington went viral for his very candid response when a young fan asked him how to be ‘gangster’ like him

The Oscar winner allowed the child to ask a question, and the toddler said, “Hello, my name is Liam.” I’ve heard wonderful things about American Gangster. How can I be a gangster from Canada?

In response, Denzel said, “You shouldn’t be a gangster.” You’re too intelligent to be a criminal. Which [school] subject is your favorite?

The talented thespian then guessed that his favorite subjects were math and science before asking the child if he wanted to be a doctor.

Though he was seemingly in a rush to get to the screening he stopped to have a chat with eight-year-old Liam the Kid Reporter for Virgin Radio’s Daryn & Deepa show in a video posted onto Instagram

When the young reporter confirmed he wanted to be in the medical field Denzel responded: ‘It’s better to be a doctor than a gangster. Okay? Never want to be a gangster.’

Liam has been featured on the social media of radio show Daryn & Deepa which airs on Virgin Radio on 99.9FM in the greater Toronto area, and across Canada on iHeartRadio.ca and the iHeartRadio Canada app.

Host Deepa Prashad commented on the clip: ‘What a moment. Made me emotional seeing all the press supporting little Liam.’

Many fans were touched by the interaction and how Denzel responded as one wrote: ‘He will remember that interaction for the rest of his life.’

However, a lot of responses poked fun at how Denzel assumed the child – who is of Asian decent – liked math and science which is seen as a stereotype.

One commenter replied: ‘What’s your favorite subject… math and science? I see you Denzel [two rolling on the floor emojis]’

Another said: ‘Why did my guy Denzel assume the Asian kid’s favorite subject was math? [thinking face emoji] But luv him and gonna let Unc slide on this one.’

The Oscar-winner gave the child the opportunity to ask a question as the youngster queried: ‘Hi, I’m Liam. I’ve heard American Gangster is a good movie. How can I be a Canadian gangster?’

Denzel quickly answered: ‘You shouldn’t be a gangster. You’re too smart to be a gangster. What’s your favorite [school] subject?’

Denzel starred as New York City drug kingpin Frank Lucas in the 2007 biographical crime drama American Gangster which was directed by Ridley Scott.

The A-lister costarred in the movie with Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ruby Dee, Cuba Gooding Jr., Idris Elba, Common, Tip ‘T.I.’ Harris, Russell Crowe, and others. With $269 million at the worldwide box office and two Academy Award nominations in 2008—Best Achievement in Art Direction and Best Supporting Actress for the late Ruby Dee—it was a critical and commercial success.

In the meantime, the Training Day actor made a rare appearance on the red carpet at TIFF with nearly his whole immediate family at the premiere where Denzel had the encounter with Liam.

Denzel attended the ceremony with his wife, Pauletta Pauletta, 73, their daughter, Katia, 37, their sons, John David, 40, and Malcolm, 33.

Host Deepa Prashad commented on the clip: ‘What a moment. Made me emotional seeing all the press supporting little Liam’

Many fans were touched by the interaction and how Denzel responded as one wrote: ‘He will remember that interaction for the rest of his life.’

However, a lot of responses poked fun at how Denzel assumed the child – who is of Asian decent – liked math and science which is seen as a stereotype as onecommenter replied: ‘What’s your favorite subject… math and science? I see you Denzel [two rolling on the floor emojis]’

Another said: ‘Why did my guy Denzel assume the Asian kid’s favorite subject was math? [thinking face emoji] But luv him and gonna let Unc slide on this one’

Denzel starred as New York City drug kingpin Frank Lucas in the 2007 biographical crime drama American Gangster which was directed by Ridley Scott

All of them were there at the premiere of The Piano Lesson, Malcolm’s first feature film as director and one in which John David plays a significant part. Denzel, who has a long history of interpreting the playwright’s work, produced the film, which was based on a 1987 stage production by August Wilson.

The only member of Malcolm’s immediate family not photographed on the red carpet that day was Olivia, his twin sister. The drama centers on the lives of a black family in Pittsburgh during the final stages of the Great Depression, as well as the conflict that breaks out inside the family.

Denzel (left) posed with his wife Pauletta (center) and three of their children, (from left) John David, Katia, and Malcolm at the Toronto International Film Festival back on September 11

They were all attending the premiere of Malcolm’s directorial debut The Piano Lesson, which also features John David in a major role

Denzel and Pauletta, who celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last year, still looked the image of marital bliss on the red carpet

John David has a significant part in Malcolm’s directing debut, The Piano Lesson, which they were all at the premiere of. The film was produced by Denzel, who has a long history of interpreting the playwright’s work, and was based on a 1987 stage production by August Wilson.

That day, the only member of Malcolm’s immediate family not photographed on the red carpet was his twin sister Olivia. A black family’s life in Pittsburgh during the final stages of the Great Depression is the main subject of the play, as is the conflict that breaks out inside the family.