You may know him as Robert McCall, the no-nonsense vigilante with a troubled past in The Equalizer. Or maybe you’ve seen his quiet power in movies like Man on Fire, American Gangster and Safe House. Whether you’ve only seen a few of his works or cruised through dozens of his films, we can all agree on one thing: Denzel Washington is one of the greatest actors of all time. With over 60 films and two Academy Awards to his name, Washington paved the way for young Black actors in Hollywood and shattered false stereotypes about Black leads. Furthermore, he’s just two letters away from EGOT status, having earned two Oscars and a Tony Award.
In addition to winning fans over on the big screen, the trailblazing actor also worked behind the camera as a producer and director. After making his directorial debut with Antwone Fisher in 2002, he went on to direct The Great Debaters, Fences and A Journal for Jordan. He has also produced titles like The Book of Eli, Roman J. Israel, Esq. and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
Now, the actor shows no signs of slowing down. He has multiple upcoming projects, including his fifth collaboration with Spike Lee and a drama film that involves all four of his children. Keep reading for more details about our favorite leading man.
Fast Facts
Early Life & Rise to Fame
Denzel was raised in Mount Vernon, New York, born to beauty parlor owner Lennis “Lynne” Washington and Pentecostal minister Denzel Hayes Washington Sr. He’s one of three children, including his older sister, Lorice, and his younger brother, David. Following his parents’ divorce at just 14 years old, his mother sent him off to Oakland Military Academy—which he credits for “changing his life” and putting him on the path to success. He told Parade magazine, “I wouldn’t have survived in the direction I was going. The guys I was hanging out with at the time, my running buddies, have now done maybe 40 years combined in the penitentiary.”
Denzel went on to study drama and journalism at Fordham University, then made his acting debut in the television film, Wilma. He made his Hollywood debut in the 1981 comedy, Carbon Copy, but his big break didn’t come until he joined the cast of NBC’s television hospital drama St. Elsewhere in 1982. The series aired for six years, and Denzel was one of the few Black actors to appear on the show through its entire run.
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While working on the medical drama, Denzel appeared in films like A Soldier’s Story, Hard Lessons, Power and Cry Freedom, which earned him his first Oscar nomination. But it was during the ’90s when his career really took off, since he appeared in a number of successful thrillers, like Courage Under Fire, The Pelican Brief and Crimson Tide.
Top Movies & TV Shows
Although Denzel made his feature debut in a comedy film, the actor quickly proved his versatility by venturing into more dramatic roles. Following his first Oscar win for his portrayal of Silas Trip in Glory, he went on to cement his status as one of Hollywood’s best leading men and appeared in a series of crime and action thrillers, like Crimson Tide and The Equalizer. According to IMDb, Ridley Scott’s American Gangster is Denzel’s highest-grossing movie to date, having made over $266 million worldwide.
If you’ve seen several of Denzel’s movies, then chances are you’ve watched at least one of his collaborations with Spike Lee. The pair have worked together five times, and among their most popular movies are Malcolm X and Devil in a Blue Dress. Additionally, the veteran actor scored a total of 10 Oscar nominations and won two: one for Best Supporting Actor for Glory, and one for Best Actor for playing a corrupt cop in the crime thriller, Training Day.
Personal Life, Family & Children
Denzel Washington hasn’t had any public romantic ties before his relationship with Pauletta (born Pauletta Pearson). The actress, vocalist and pianist got her start on Broadway, then ventured into film. And get this—she made history in 1970 as the first Black contestant in the Miss North Carolina pageant. After meeting on the set of his TV film, Wilma, Denzel and Pauletta tied the knot in 1983 and welcomed four children: John David (40), Katia (36), Olivia (33) and Malcolm (33).
All of their kids have followed in their parents’ footsteps by pursuing careers in the film industry. John David is a Golden Globe-nominated actor who made waves after his breakthrough role in BlacKkKlansman. Katia is a Yale graduate who has produced films like Malcolm & Marie, Breaking and Sharp Stick. Malcolm studied film and has worked as an assistant director and producer on a few titles, like The Last Bookstore. And his twin sister, Olivia, studied drama at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, having appeared in films like The Little Things and Lee Daniels’ The Butler.
Denzel is currently a national spokesman and board member for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and he’s known for making substantial donations to charities and good causes, including Nelson Mandela’s Children’s Fund and the Fisher House Foundation. Also, Washington is a Pentecostal Evangelical Christian who, believe it or not, seriously considered becoming a preacher at one point.
Net Worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Denzel Washington is worth a cool $300 million, and he makes approximately $60 million per year. In fact, he earned a salary of $60 million for his work on The Little Things alone, and the success of American Gangster earned him a whopping $40 million. Meanwhile, Man on Fire and Out of Time earned him $20 million each.
With such a loaded bank account, it comes as no surprise that the star resides in a luxurious home. He currently owns a 30,000 square-foot Beverly Hills mansion in California, which he bought for $8 million during the ’90s. It includes nine rooms, fifteen bathrooms, a swimming pool and a tennis court. (NBD.) Also, the actor and his wife own a $10.9 million condo in Century City, Los Angeles, which was previously owned by Princess Reena bint Bandar Al Saud.
Career Achievements & Awards
Thanks to Denzel’s incredible talent and range, he has earned several accolades throughout his career. In addition to his two Academy Award wins, the actor has two Golden Globe Awards (one for Best Supporting Actor for Glory and one for Best Actor for The Hurricane), one Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role for Fences and a Tony Award for his role as Troy in Broadway’s revival of Fences. He also boasts a Critics’ Choice Movie Award and 20 NAACP Awards. Oh, and did we mention that he was nominated for two Emmys (one for Outstanding Informational Series or Special for Hank Aaron: Chasing the Dream, one for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special for Half Past Autumn) and a Grammy (for Best Spoken Word Album for Children for John Henry)?
In addition, Denzel has quite a few honorary awards, including the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, the AFI Life Achievement Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Businesses & Upcoming Projects
In 1997, Denzel launched his production company, Mundy Lane Entertainment. Among his biggest productions were Devil in a Blue Dress, The Preacher’s Wife and A Journal for Jordan—but the list won’t end there. Denzel and his kids are now collaborating on an upcoming drama film called The Piano Lesson, and he’s set to star in Gladiator II. Also, he’s teaming up with Spike Lee once again for the crime drama film, High and Low.
