Denzel Washington Considers Marriage With Wife Pauletta His Greatest Success — Details About The Star

Mar 23, 2021

Denzel Washington has had great success throughout his lifetime. He is an award-winning actor, and has dabbled in the field of directing. His career has not only garnered him praise from peers, critics, and fans alike, but has led him to his happy-ever-after with wife Pauletta Washington. A talented entertainer herself, Pauletta and Denzel make quite the celebrity couple.

The Love Story

Denzel and Pauletta have been married for 37 years. They first met on the set of the TV movie “Wilma”. During an interview on Live with Kelly and Ryan, Denzel said the couple didn’t truly meet until a year later when they were both at the same party. He explained how the next day they both ended up at the same play.

During an appearance on the Oprah Show, Pauletta gave her side of the sweet story. “I got there late, so I snuck in and just sat down. I didn’t know who was around me. Then, at intermission, the lights came up and we were sitting next to each other,” Pauletta said about meeting Denzel again at the play. Pauletta attests that this is when she realized Denzel was the one she was meant to be with.

Denzel joked about their first date during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel. “I actually paid, but watch what she says,” Denzel said. “She says she paid.”

Denzel explained how he wanted to pay for dinner then “splurge” on a cab, which was viewed as a luxury then. The tab kept climbing, and he realized he didn’t have enough cash on him, resulting in Pauletta paying the fare.

While the first date may not have gone entirely to plan, the marriage proposal didn’t either. Neither the second one. Pauletta turned down Denzel’s proposal twice before finally saying yes the third time she was asked.

The pair dated for six years before tying the knot on June 25, 1983. At their wedding, they spent so long talking with friends and family that they didn’t get a chance to eat. “We were shaking so many hands, taking pictures, that they ran out of food,” Denzel explained to Kimmel about the reception. Afterward, they went to a diner for food and ate eggs together. Yet another atypical chapter to add to this love story.

Quick Facts About Pauletta

Pauletta Washington was born on Sept. 28, 1950, in North Carolina. According to IMDB, she was born with the surname Pearson. Pauletta is a libra who is turning 71-years-old later in 2021. She is five years older than her husband. Pauletta is very tall, standing at 6 ft and 1 inch. She attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, as well as the prestigious Juilliard School.

Lights, Camera, Action

Pauletta has completely immersed herself in the acting world by not only working as an actress herself but by marrying an actor and being the sister of actress Rita Pearson.

She made her acting debut in “Wilma” in 1977, starring alongside now-husband Denzel. She went on to work on more TV movies and series throughout her career, including “The Parkers” and “The Watsons Go to Birmingham.” She also landed roles on the silver screen starting in 1998 with “Beloved.” Her more recent works showcase her talent in a more limited space with the actress starring in multiple short features.

Yet another way Pauletta has showcased her talent through film and television is by simply being herself. Her presence has captivated audiences at multiple award shows, including the BET Awards and the Golden Globe Awards. The star has also contributed to many documentaries throughout the years, as well as making day-time and late-night appearances on entertainment shows.

Acting isn’t the only way Pauletta has showcased her talents on the silver screen. According to IMDB, she has musical credits with two different movies so far. She is credited as the performer of the song “It’s In Your Eyes” from the movie “Philadelphia.” Pauletta lent her musical abilities to the movie “Antwone Fisher,” being credited as a pianist.

Denzel spoke highly of his acclaimed wife in an interview with People in January 2021, saying, “My wife was a child prodigy -- concert pianist, Van Cliburn competitor and singer and actress.”

Life As A Mother

Denzel and Pauletta have four children together -- two boys and two girls. According to Closer Weekly, their family is what will help carry on their legacy. 

Their first and eldest son John David Washington was born July 28, 1984, just a month after their first wedding anniversary. He began his career in sports, playing at Morehouse College and later on in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams. He changed his career path and entered the entertainment industry as an actor. According to Closer Weekly, John David wanted to be like his parents, but feared he would fail, which is why he first chose to pursue football.

In an interview with TODAY, John David described how his mother was the breadwinner when his parents got married. He discussed her many skills and accomplishments both as an entertainer and a mother. “My father taught me how to hunt. My mother taught me how to love,” John David said.

Katia Washington is the couple’s eldest daughter. She received a law degree from Yale University, according to Closer Weekly. She followed in her family’s footsteps in show business. She has worked as a producer and in the editorial department for multiple films.

Twins Olivia Rashelle Washington and Malcolm Washington are the youngest in the family. They both focused on their education and later on began working in the entertainment industry. Olivia graduated from New York University before becoming a model and actress. Malcolm attended the University of Pennsylvania and played basketball. After receiving his degree, he began working as both a director and producer

“It’s a team sport in our house,” Denzel revealed to People when talking about how the family is so involved with the arts.

“My children are good people,” Denzel said in an interview with The Guardian. “They are not perfect, but they are generous and humble and kind. My wife did that.”

Philanthropy

Both Denzel and Pauletta are involved in philanthropy. They founded the Pauletta and Denzel Washington Gifted Scholars Program in Neuroscience, which helps students interested in the sciences work on research projects at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Cedars Sinai).

According to the Harvard Gazette, Pauletta was honored with the Harvard Foundation Humanitarian Medal for her work with the Pauletta and Denzel Washington Gifted Scholars Program in Neuroscience in 2007.

Pauletta was honored with the Humanitarian Award at the Women in Film Crystals Awards in 2000. She was also awarded the BET Humanitarian Award in 2005. She shares both of these accolades with her husband. Today, Pauletta continues to support major causes and charities, such as the Princess Grace Foundation, which supports creative pursuits, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. 

The Brain Trust

According to Cedars Sinai, Pauletta became interested in learning more about how to help others with brain injuries and illnesses after her mother died from experiencing a stroke. She wondered if it was possible to prevent what happened to her mother. She joined the Brain Trust, which was founded in 1988. The group is composed of five other African-American women who volunteer their time and money to help. The Brain Trust devotes itself to raising funds and awareness for neurosurgeon Keith Black, M.D.’s work. Black works to find treatments, cures, and preventative measures for brain tumors and other central nervous system disorders.

The Brain Trust has other celebrity spokespeople, including Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker. The goal of the philanthropists is to spread awareness whenever possible, through fundraising events, luncheons, and everything in between.

“It’s an efficient effort and everybody works beautifully together,” Pauletta said about how well the group works together, according to Cedars Sinai. She also explained how the group has access to great resources and is able to have fun while promoting awareness.

The other members of the Brain Trust group work as philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and other leadership roles. Three of the women are also in the entertainment industry, working as models, actresses, or as part of the music industry. 

Long-lasting Marriage

The famous couple renewed their vows in South Africa in 1995, where Desmund Tutu conducted the beautiful ceremony. Denzel has explained how the couple has worked to make their marriage last so long in the past. “Everybody has their ups and downs; we’ve had ours. It’s hard work, you know. But we made a commitment. A spiritual foundation helps everything -- marriage, work, peace of mind,” Denzel said, as per The Guardian. 

Something that may be keeping the couple happy is their shared love for food. In an interview with People, Denzel revealed that his wife is a great cook, saying, “She has some [specialities]. I’ve been eating her curry chicken since I’ve known her.”

Pauletta’s way around the kitchen is just one of the many reasons why Denzel loves her so much. “What pops into my head: food, security, a beautiful home,” Denzel told People. “...My wife has made our house a home, and raised these beautiful kids.”

The love story here is yet another check the Washingtons can add to their list of successes. Their fondness for one another can be heard through the stories of how they have and have grown together. It’s evident that their love for entertainment, philanthropy, and, of course, each other is what has kept them together so long.

In an industry that is faced with continued break-ups and divorces, a 37-year marriage is almost unbelievable in Hollywood. It is amazing to see that Denzel and Pauletta have managed to keep their relationship strong and full of love. 

How do you think the couple will celebrate their 38th anniversary this June? Leave your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to ask your friends and family their thoughts, too!