In a recent documentary Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood, Laurence Fishburne recalled a memorable moment from the 1979 film Apocalypse Now, which left director Francis Ford Coppola “disappointed.” The actor opened up about how his lack of “sexual experience” as a teenager affected a scene in the epic American war film, revealing how it impacted his performance and his relationship with the legendary director.

Fishburne, who was just 14 or 15 years old at the time, discussed a specific scene in Apocalypse Now that was initially cut from the original film but later reinstated in the redux version. According to Fishburne, the scene involved a sexual element that he struggled to portray due to his lack of experience. “There was a scene in Apocalypse Now that got cut from the original movie, then put back in the redux,” Fishburne explained. “I was 14, 15 years old, trying to do this scene about sex, and I didn’t have any sexual experience. Like, none at all.”

Fishburne went on to explain how Coppola, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, repeatedly asked him to redo the scene. “He couldn’t figure out how to make me more experienced than I was, but he just kept asking me to do it again and again. I did it about 40 times. It was terrible. And I could see he was disappointed. So, I felt really, really discouraged, really sad.”

Despite the frustration of that experience on set, Fishburne remembered a moment of encouragement from Apocalypse Now star Martin Sheen that he believes “saved” him. Fishburne shared that Sheen whispered words of affirmation into his ear, which helped him regain confidence. “I heard Martin whisper in my ear, he said, ‘Has anyone ever told you that you’re a really good actor?’” Fishburne recalled. “And I said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘You’re a really good actor.’”

This simple but powerful moment from Sheen marked a turning point for Fishburne. “That’s what being number one on the call sheet means to me,” Fishburne added, reflecting on how the words from a seasoned actor had a lasting impact on his career.

Apocalypse Now, which won two Academy Awards, tells the story of a U.S. Army officer serving in Vietnam who is tasked with assassinating a Special Forces colonel who is believed to have gone mad. The film, directed by Coppola, remains one of the most influential war films ever made and is known for its intense and groundbreaking performances.

Although Fishburne’s experience on the set of Apocalypse Now wasn’t the most positive memory of one of his first major film roles, it doesn’t seem to have affected his relationship with Coppola. The actor has worked with the renowned director on multiple projects throughout his career, including Rumble Fish, The Cotton Club, Gardens of Stone, and more recently, Megalopolis.

Fishburne’s candid reflection on his early career challenges offers a glimpse into the emotional and mental hurdles actors often face, especially when dealing with difficult scenes and high expectations. While he acknowledges the struggles, he also emphasizes how the support and mentorship of experienced colleagues like Martin Sheen helped him grow as an actor and shaped his path to success.

This insight into Fishburne’s time on Apocalypse Now not only adds a personal layer to the iconic film’s history but also sheds light on the behind-the-scenes experiences that shaped his career in Hollywood. It serves as a reminder of the perseverance, resilience, and growth that come with being part of such a groundbreaking project. As Fishburne continues to build his impressive career, it’s clear that the lessons learned during those early days have stayed with him, making him the legendary actor he is today.

Fans of Apocalypse Now and Laurence Fishburne can look back at this pivotal moment as a testament to the actor’s dedication to his craft, his ability to overcome challenges, and his journey from a young, inexperienced actor to one of Hollywood’s most respected stars. As Fishburne’s career continues to evolve, his legacy in the film industry remains an inspiration to aspiring actors everywhere.