London, July 28 : Oscar-winner Denzel Washington credits his acting career for saving him from becoming a criminal, as he had fallen in with a bad crowd as a teenager.

The actor is playing the role of a man who takes a bribe from a hijacker, played by John Travolta, in his upcoming movie `The Taking of Pelham 123'.

And the legendary actor says that he could connect with the character because he took part in petty crimes while growing up in a tough New York neighbourhood.

"I believe I have been that guy. Not recently, but you don''t forget. I''ll never forget what it feels like not to eat, no matter how much food you get. I agree that it''s not quite the same situation, because he (character) has taken money and I haven''t done anything like that. But the humiliation, that''s happened in the boxing ring when you are getting beaten up. And we''ve all done a small crime... Oh, I''ve been very bad," the Daily Star quoted him as saying. (ANI)