Laurence Fishburne has opened up about a surprising revelation from the set of the iconic film "Apocalypse Now." The actor recounted that legendary director Francis Ford Coppola was "disappointed" by his youthful inexperience during a challenging scene in the 1979 film.

In the new Apple TV+ documentary "Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood," Fishburne, now a celebrated actor renowned for his roles in "The Matrix" and "Black-ish," shared a story that reflects the challenges young actors face. He recalled his difficulty in performing a scene about sex at the tender age of 14, as he had no sexual experience to draw from at that time.

"There’s a scene in 'Apocalypse Now' that got cut from the original film but was added back in the redux version," Fishburne explained. "I was trying to perform in a scene that required a level of intimacy and experience that I simply didn't have. Francis couldn’t figure out how to get me to be any more experienced than I was; he kept asking me to do it over and over again. I think I did about 40 takes."

His vulnerability resonated with the director, and Fishburne sensed Coppola’s disappointment. “I could tell he was disappointed, which made me feel really down and dejected,” he admitted.

However, amidst this challenging experience, Fishburne found solace in Martin Sheen's encouraging words. “I remember hearing Martin whisper in my ear, ‘Did anyone ever tell you you were a really good actor?’” Fishburne recalled with gratitude. “I said no, and he reassured me, ‘You’re a really good actor.'” Sheen’s support turned out to be a pivotal moment in Fishburne's young career and illustrates the power of mentorship in Hollywood.

"Apocalypse Now," which garnered two Academy Awards, vividly portrays the harrowing experiences of a U.S. Army officer during the Vietnam War and his mission to assassinate a rogue Special Forces Colonel. Despite the earlier pressures and insecurities, Fishburne’s challenging beginning did not hinder his enduring relationship with Coppola; over the years, they have collaborated on several projects, including "Rumble Fish," "The Cotton Club," "Gardens of Stone," and the upcoming "Megalopolis."

Fishburne’s story highlights not just the struggles young actors face but also the importance of resilience and support from peers in the competitive world of film. With his career still going strong, Fishburne serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors, reminding them that every challenging experience is part of the journey to success.