Breaking: Denzel Washington’s Secret to a 52-Year Marriage

A Hollywood Power Couple Like No Other

Staying married for 41 years is impressive in anyone’s book – let alone in Hollywood – but Denzel and Pauletta Washington make it look easy … not to mention fun. From doing red carpet after red carpet together, to going on Oprah, FaceTiming each other during live interviews and cracking jokes at one another’s expense, the secret to their relationship’s longevity seems to lie in not taking themselves too seriously.

Denzel Washington and Pauletta Washington have been married for 41 years. Photo: @denzelonly/Instagram

However, when asked in September last year why she thought she and her husband were still together, Pauletta offered a different reason: “We work at it,” she told People. “It’s work. There are a lot of prayers for strength, for staying in a forgiveness mode … mine and his. But it’s the basic love that we have for each other,” she added.

Pauletta Washington: The Woman Behind the Man

So who is the woman who’s been by the Training Day actor’s side since the beginning? Here’s what to know.

She was fearless from an early age

Pauletta Pearson was born in North Carolina in 1950. Growing up in the segregated South, she began to break racial barriers at a young age by performing in prestigious piano recital competitions, per Deadline, and by being the first Black contestant to compete for the title of Miss North Carolina.

Pauletta Washington and Denzel Washington at the premiere of American Gangster in 2007. Photo: @denzelonly/Instagram

“A lot of that classically trained [behaviour] came from my father and my mother in the house,” Pauletta told Perception Magazine in November 2022. “‘Cause they were both professors so we had to speak correctly, we had to be able to talk, to explain properly, so I think that was my beginning, and then school.”

She’s an actress and musician

Denzel Washington has staying power. He is all about taking traditions and making them his own. Case in point, his Oscar-nominated turn as MacBeth in The Tragedy of MacBeth. A role that has been played countless times through the centuries, but as ever, Washington turned the role into something singularly his own. How does he do it? By playing the long game. Just as he’s always done, both in Hollywood and in his family life.

So here’s everything you need to know about the actor’s loving wife, children, and family.

He met his wife Pauletta in 1977. Fellow actor Pauletta Pearson met Denzel Washington when they were both acting on the set of a TV movie called Wilma in 1977. The two began dating shortly after, and apparently things must have gone quite well. Until his proposal, that is. Before the couple eventually married in 1983, Washington proposed not once, not twice, but three times before Pearson said yes.

The two discussed it in an Access Hollywood interview in 2013, where Washington asked his wife, “Why was it twice? Why would I have to ask again?” Pearson replied, “Because I said no!” Clearly Washington was invested in marrying her. The third time was the charm, and the two married in June 1983.

He credits his wife Pauletta with giving their kids a “normal life.” Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

In an August 2020 with Reader’s Digest, Washington gave credit to Pauletta for giving their kids a “normal life.” “My wife’s done a great job. She’s been the consistent one,” he said. He also noted that they didn’t really have a parenting style as a couple, “If you have kids, you know there is no style! It’s a hybrid. It’s what my wife and I learned from our parents, and applying religious instruction, discipline, athletic activity and academic excellence whenever possible.”

Their children

Their son John David was born in 1984. Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

The couple welcomed their oldest child, John David Washington, in 1984. John David has grown up to be an actor in his own right, with roles in movies like BlackkKlansman, Tenet, and even co-starring alongside his dad in The Book Of Eli in 2010.

John David opened up about following in his parents’ footsteps to People, “I just wanted to prove to myself that I could do it,” the actor said. “I’ll never forget how he expressed how proud he was of me. That was a great moment for me.”

As for his mom, John David called her “the most consistent person in my life.”

Their daughter Katia works in cinematography. Tommaso Boddi/FilmMagic/Getty Images

In 1987, Denzel and Pauletta welcomed their first daughter Katia. Like her older brother, she works in the entertainment industry, although Katia prefers to work behind the scenes. She has been a production assistant for Quentin Tarantino, as well as working on two of her dad’s films, The Equalizer and Fences.

Their son Malcolm was a basketball player at the University of Pennsylvania. Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Pauletta and Denzel welcomed twins Malcolm and Olivia in 1991, instantly making them a family of six. After high school Malcolm went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in film studies and then the AFI Conservatory, a graduate film school. He also played basketball, because apparently the talent is endless in this family. Malcolm seems like another one to watch.

Their daughter Olivia is also an actor. Patrick McMullan/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images

Finally, youngest daughter Olivia Washington has also decided to go into acting. She has had some small parts in The Butler, The Little Things, and her dad’s most recent movie, The Tragedy of MacBeth. And her dad has no problem giving her a shoutout, as he did in a January 2021 interview when she said, “Watch out for his sister. His sister’s a great actor: Olivia Washington.”

It seems great actors are everywhere in the Washington family.

Washington Power Couple: Meet Denzel’s Actress Wife, Pauletta – Style

Staying married for 41 years is impressive in anyone’s book – let alone in Hollywood – but Denzel and Pauletta Washington make it look easy … not to mention fun. From doing red carpet after red carpet together, to going on Oprah, FaceTiming each other during live interviews and cracking jokes at one another’s expense, the secret to their relationship’s longevity seems to lie in not taking themselves too seriously.

Denzel Washington and Pauletta Washington have been married for 41 years. Photo: @denzelonly/Instagram

Fearless from an Early Age: Breaking Racial Barriers in the Segregated South

Pauletta Washington née Pearson hails from North Carolina. Photo: @wearelwd/Instagram Pauletta Pearson was born in North Carolina in 1950. Growing up in the segregated South, she began to break racial barriers at a young age by performing in prestigious piano recital competitions, per Unionjournalism, and by being the first Black contestant to compete for the title of Miss North Carolina.

Pretty much an accomplished pianist by age 10, Pauletta said she “wanted to be a singer” and that her parents told her to “stick to piano,” but her father, a professor at North Carolina Central University, supported her and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. “A lot of that classically trained [behaviour] came from my father and my mother in the house,” Pauletta told Unionjournalism in November 2022. “‘Cause they were both professors so we had to speak correctly, we had to be able to talk, to explain properly, so I think that was my beginning, and then school.”

Pretty much a natural, not just at performing but also at pursuing her goals. Pauletta was admitted to the prestigious Howard University’s music program and began her studies there, which she says helped her develop a strong sense of self-confidence and self-worth.

While working at Howard University, Pauletta began to perform in various musical productions, including a production of “Porgy and Bess,” which brought her to the attention of a talent scout for the television show “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” This exposure helped her gain national recognition and paved the way for her future in show business.

Pauletta’s fearlessness and determination have made her a true trailblazer in the entertainment industry. Her groundbreaking performances and bold style have inspired countless young artists and continue to make her a beloved figure in popular culture.

A Talented Actress and Musician in Her Own Right: Pauletta’s Early Beginnings and Accomplishments

Pauletta has been a talented actress and musician for several decades, appearing in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions. She began her acting career in the 1970s, landing small roles in films and TV shows, including the 1977 film “Wilma,” which starred Diana Ross and Sidney Poitier.

Pretty much a versatile performer, Pauletta has also made appearances on Broadway, starring in productions such as “The Lion King” and “A Raisin in the Sun.” Her stage presence and captivating performances have earned her numerous awards and nominations, including a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.

Pretty much a talented singer, Pauletta has released several albums, including “Come Sunday,” which features a mix of gospel, jazz, and pop music. Her soulful voice and captivating stage presence have made her a beloved figure in the music industry.

Pretty much a dedicated philanthropist, Pauletta has also used her platform to support various charitable causes, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the American Cancer Society. Her tireless efforts to give back to her community have earned her numerous awards and accolades.

A Family Affair: Denzel and Pauletta’s Children Follow in Their Footsteps

The Washington family is known for their close-knit bond and their shared passion for the arts. Denzel and Pauletta’s children have followed in their parents’ footsteps, pursuing careers in acting, music, and other creative fields.

John David Washington: The Actor Son Who’s Making a Name for Himself in Hollywood

John David Washington was born in 1984 and began his acting career in the early 2000s, landing small roles in films and TV shows. He gained recognition for his role as the protagonist in the 2018 film “BlacKkKlansman,” which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Pretty much a talented actor, John David has also appeared in films such as “10 Years” and “Moonlight,” and has worked with notable directors such as Spike Lee and Damien Chazelle. His dedication to his craft and his passion for storytelling have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Katia Washington: The Behind-the-Scenes Cinematography Talent

Katia Washington was born in 1987 and began her career in the film industry as a production assistant. She has worked on numerous films and TV shows, including the 2013 film “The Equalizer” and the 2016 film “Fences.”

Pretty much a skilled cinematographer, Katia has also worked on several music videos and commercials. Her attention to detail and her ability to bring a unique visual perspective to her work have earned her recognition in the industry.

Malcolm and Olivia Washington: The Twins Who Are Also Making Waves in the Entertainment Industry

Malcolm and Olivia Washington were born in 1991 and began their careers in the entertainment industry at a young age. Malcolm has worked as a production assistant and has also appeared in several films and TV shows, including the 2013 film “The Equalizer” and the 2016 film “Fences.”

Pretty much a talented actress, Olivia has also appeared in several films and TV shows, including the 2013 film “The Butler” and the 2016 film “Fences.” Her dedication to her craft and her passion for storytelling have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards.

The Washington family’s close-knit bond and their shared passion for the arts have made them a beloved and respected family in the entertainment industry. Their dedication to their craft and their commitment to giving back to their community have earned them numerous awards and accolades.