Denzel Washington has hinted that he won't ever quit his job because he doesn't think actors need to retire.

The Oscar-winning Hollywood star, who turns 60 this December, said his industry is one in which it's fine to carry on.

He said: "For me, nothing's changed. I think it's sad when you hear about people who say, 'I'm going to retire and do nothing', and then they die two years later. You need to stay active and have a passion for living. Don't put me out to pasture!

"Besides, actors don't have to retire. Look at someone like Clint Eastwood in his 80s, Betty White's in her 90s. I don't know if I want to go that long, but we'll see."

Denzel revealed that despite the milestone, a mammoth party is unlikely to be in the pipeline for him.

He explained: "My birthday comes three days after Christmas, so it was never a big deal in my house. It was like, 'Here's a cake, see you later'. Everybody's tired and broke, so it never was a big deal, and it's not that big a deal to me now."

The actor looks to be in his prime in his latest movie The Equalizer, which takes its title from the 80s TV series and sees him play the mysterious Robert McCall, who sets about despatching Russian gangsters after meeting a young girl (Chloe Grace Moretz) who's being abused by a sex traffic ring.

As well as action scenes, Denzel had to show off his moves as McCall also proves to be a nifty dancer.

"I just went online and YouTube'd The Pips and tried to steal some moves. Then I added a bit of my own flair to it," he said.

:: The Equalizer is released on Friday, September 26.