Biography

Denzel Washington

by rojinat,

Denzel Hayes Washington, an American actor/director, is one of the leading faces in Hollywood. He has appeared in countless critically acclaimed films and TV series including Malcolm X, Fallen, The Hurricane, and Inside Man.

Washington has won three Golden Globe awards, a Tony Award, and two Oscars: Best Supporting Actor for the historical film Glory and Best Actor for his role as a corrupt in the crime thriller film Training Day (2001). In 2016, his third directorial film, Fences, featuring himself and Viola Davis, also became most successful.  

Mount Vernon Born

Denzel Hayes Washington, Jr. was born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York. Denzel is the middle of three children of his parents.

His father was a Pentecostal minister and had influenced him in the art of performing, while his mother was a beautician in a beauty parlor. 

Fordham University Graduate

She often took him to her workplace and exposed him to the interesting conversation that eventually taught him the art of storytelling.

After graduating from high school, Denzel enrolled at Fordham University, intent on a career in journalism. However, he caught the acting bug while appearing in student drama productions. Upon graduation, he moved to San Francisco and enrolled at the American Conservatory Theater.

Early Career 

After appearing in some television commercials and programs, Denzel made his feature film debut in 1981 with the comedy movie Carbon Copy. It was followed by a 1982 television movie, License to Kill.

Over the 1980s he appeared in many films like A Soldier's Story in 1984, Power in 1986, and The Mighty Quinn in 1989.

Career Break Through

He climbed to the peak of success in 1989 with the release of the drama War film Glory in which he played Private Silas Trip. He was honored with many awards for this role.

Denzel played the title role in Malcolm X (1992). This movie provides tremendous success as he received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of the Muslim African-American human rights activist. The decade of 1990 was a very productive period for the talented actor.

Danzel in Philadelphia

He played the lawyer Joe Miller in the 1993 drama film Philadelphia which was one of the first Hollywood movies to deal with issues like h 0sexuality, AIDS, and h 0phobia.

In 1995, Denzel was seen as Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter in Crimson Tide. The movie was set in post-Soviet Russia during a period of political turmoil.

Danzel in The Hurricane

The Hurricane in 1999 was a successful film of him in which he played Rubin Carter, a boxer arrested for triple homicide. Denzel's performance was highly appreciated, and he won many awards.

He has given the most memorable performances as Detective Alonzo Harris in the 2001 crime drama, Training Day. His 2000s movies include Antwone Fisher in 2002, Inside Man in 2006, and The Great Debaters in 2007.

Film Flight in 2012

Denzel's most recent film Flight in 2012, revolves around the story of a complicated character, William Whitaker, who is an airline pilot struggling with alcoholism. Denzel was nominated for an Academy Award for this role.

In 2017, he appeared in the film Roman J. Israel, Esq, and received nominations for several awards for the film. Best Actor at the 90th Oscar Awards, Best Actor-Motion Picture Drama at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards, and Outstanding Performance by a Male Role in a Leading Role at the 24th Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. 

Wife of Danzel

Denzel Washington is a married man. He tied the knot with his spouse Pauletta Pearson, on June 25, 1983, in an intimate wedding ceremony.

The couple met for the first time in 1997 when they were playing small roles in the TV film Wilma. Paulett and her future husband became friends for a few years and slowly their relationship sprouted into romance. The couple got married after many years of dating.

How Many Do They Have Children? 

They have four children; John David, Katia Washington, Olivia Washington, and Malcolm. In 1995, they renewed their married in South Africa with Archbishop Desmond Tutu officiating.

Their oldest son, John David, was drafted in 2006 by the NFL's St. Louis Rams. He now plays for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League.

His eldest daughter, Katia is a Yale graduate student. Another daughter, Olivia is also an actress and Malcolm holds a BA in film studies.

How Their Married Life Is Going On?

The couple has been together for already about 37 years and is considered one of the longest-run couples in Hollywood. They currently reside in Los Angeles. 

He follows the Christian religion and donates $2.5 million to help build the new West Angeles Church of God Christ facility in Los Angeles. 

Net Worth And Salary 

Denzel Washington's current net worth is $280 million. He earns annually over $60 million. He is one of the richest actors in Hollywood. According to Forbes, his films have grossed over $3.7 billion at the Box Office, as of 2017.

His estimated salary per film is $40 million. In 2007, he earned a $40 million salary from the film American Gangster. His salary has been rapid growth over the last 2 decades. In 1995, his salary was $7.5 million for the film Virtuosity. Following year, he took a $10 million salary from the movie Courage Under Fire.

His salary hiked up to $20 million in 2003 when he worked in the film Out of Time. Similarly, he received the same amount from Man of Fire (2004).

Houses And  Cars 

His salary was double in 2007 when he took $40 million from the film American Gangster. In 2016, he produced/directed, and starred in the period drama film Fences which collected $64.4 million at the Box Office. He received his huge salary plus a share of the profit from this film.

Denzel owns a very beautiful mansion in Beverly Hills which covers a large area of around 2.3 acres. The lavish home costs $4.75 million. He also owns several lavish cars. 

Charity

Denzel has also been involved in several charitable works for a long time. He has raised and donated millions to these movements and foundations.

He donated $1 million to Wiley College to re-establish its debate team. Denzel Washington is a lifetime founder member of the Nelsen Mandela Children's Fund.

Besides, he has been supporting several charities including, Artists for a New South Africa, Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, Farm Sanctuary and Stand Up to Cancer.