Love Lessons - JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON

The actor and former pro-athlete - star of Tenet, The Creator, and now The Piano Lesson, in select theaters November 8 - talks about facing his fears, being ghosted, and meeting one actual ghost.

- Devin Gordon

ELLE: You just turned 40 in June! So complete this sentence: I can't believe I'm 40 and I still haven't....

JDW: Skydived. I had a huge phobia of heights, but since I filmed Tenet, I've gotten more comfortable with it. I've also been in the season these last four-plus years of just conquering my fears. When I'm filming, I don't have as much fear of trying stuff because I believe in the art. But in my real life, I guess I'm way too sensitive and precious. So I'm trying to apply some of the fearlessness I have attacking a role to everyday life.

ELLE: Your brother directed The Piano Lesson, your sister Olivia and your mother Pauletta are in the cast, your other sister Katia and your father Denzel are among the producers, and this is your father's third August Wilson adaptation. I have this fantasy of the Washington family all reading August Wilson around the dinner table. Please don't spoil it.