Denzel Washington at the 2008 National Board of Review Awards at Cipriani. New York City, USA - 15.01.08

The dad of four is a proud and protective father and dreaded meeting Yale University student Katia's first love.

He reveals, "My oldest girl has got a boyfriend, who is at the school where she is. He is obviously very bright, but has too many earrings for my liking. "I told him, `I'm not gonna be that friendly with you.'

"I put my oldest boy on him - to put the fear of God into him. I said, `Kick him around a bit. Tenderise him. I'll finish him off.'"

But Washington admits his theory is flawed - because he praises his sons when they start dating.

He adds, "It is a double standard because, with my boys, I'm like, `That's my boy.'"

Source: WENN