Ben Kingsley says two of his sons have inherited his passion for acting

Oscar-winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley says he is proud that two of his sons have followed him into acting.

Speaking to People, the 82-year-old Young Washington star said he realized sons Edmund and Ferdinand had a true understanding of the craft after watching them perform in Shakespeare's Henry IV. Edmund played Prince Hal, while Ferdinand portrayed Falstaff's page.

Kingsley said seeing them on stage convinced him they were focused on the work itself rather than outside motivations. He added that actors should understand the importance of storytelling in society if they want to succeed.

Edmund Kingsley, 43, has appeared in The Witcher, Slow Horses and Industry. Ferdinand Kingsley, 38, has starred in Mank, Victoria, The Sandman and Reacher. Kingsley also has two other children, Thomas and Jasmin Bhanji.

The actor, who has been married to actress and filmmaker Daniela Lavender since 2007, said they are developing six projects together through their production company, Lavender Pictures, as he expands into producing.

Kingsley recently appeared in the thriller Deep Water and will return as Trevor Slattery in Marvel's Wonder Man. His upcoming projects include Fortitude, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 and season four of HBO's The White Lotus. He currently stars as Robert Dinwiddie in the historical film Young Washington, now playing in theaters.