Denzel Washington Credits Wife’s Prayers For Boosting His Career After Early Financial Struggles, Leading Them To A Comfy Life In Mansion

Aug 03, 2023

Finding long-lasting love in Hollywood is often a challenge. While many of our favorite actors and actresses often go through multiple marriages and divorces, not everyone in showbiz follows this norm. In fact, those such as Denzel Washington have found ways to make their marriages successful despite Hollywood pressures. 

Denzel 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 his wife, Pauletta Washington. A talented entertainer herself, Pauletta and Denzel make quite the celebrity couple.

Pauletta Washington was born on Sept. 28, 1950, in North Carolina. Pauletta turned 72 years old in 2022 and 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.

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.

Read on to learn more about the key to success for Denzel and Pauletta's four-decade-long marriage.

According to The Oprah Magazine, Denzel first saw Pauletta in 1977 on the set of a television film called “Wilma.” However, their romance only began years later. Denzel opened up on "Live with Kelly and Ryan" in 2018, about that moment. First, the actor revealed that while he'd met Pauletta on the set of "Wilma," they didn't really "meet" until later. As he so succinctly put it, "she set me up" when they first worked together. He went on:

"About a year later, there was a party I was invited to, she invited me to — or somebody invited me and she was there. At that party I had talked about going to see a play. I went to see the play and at intermission the lights came up and she was sitting (there). She said she just happened to go see the play, but …” the actor said with a big grin on his face.

He then jokingly said teasing his wife more would get him in trouble, as he and the hosts had a giggle about their adorable love story.

Denzel and Pauletta tied the knot on June 25, 1983, but only after a bit of a haggle. Pauletta told Access Hollywood she turned down two marriage proposals before saying finally saying “yes.” However, Denzel interjected, “Twice! … It was three times?” Pauletta responded, “It was three times. I know with age sometimes things (go), the mind.” Denzel then said:

“You heard it here first. She turned me down, she said no. And since it was three times, that means she turned me down twice.”

Despite the bumpy start, their love continued to bloom, and on a trip to South Africa in 1995, they had the chance to renew their vows, with the celebrated Archbishop Desmond Tutu officiating. 

Denzel and Pauletta have four children, John David, Katia, and twins Olivia and Malcolm Washington. Apart from Malcolm, all of their children pursued acting, with John David having climbed up the ranks furthest, having acted in acclaimed films such as Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman” and Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet.”

According to Denzel, his wife played the most pivotal role in raising their children and making their house a home. In an interview with Reader's Digest, Denzel said:

"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. My wife’s done a great job. She’s been the consistent one, just trying to give them a normal life." 

When quizzed about the secret to his long-lasting marriage, he said in another interview:

"What pops into my head: security, food, a beautiful home. … my wife has made our house a home, and raised these beautiful kids and protected them and sacrificed for them, she did the heavy-lifting.”

He added jokingly that two other factors behind their strong marriage is for him to “do what I’m told and “keep my mouth shut.”

The Washington family has called their ultra-luxe Beverly Park estate home since Denzel first made it big in Hollywood. Sitting on more than two acres, the palatial property boasts eight bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, a guest house by the pool, a water fountain, a tennis court and 28,887 square feet of living space. Not too shabby for the property Denzel managed to snag from then Walt Disney CEO Michael Eisner in 1992 for only $2.6 million!

The couple is also quite vocal about how much their faith keeps their relationship strong. In an interview with The Root, Pauletta described their marriage as “all spiritual, it’s all based on God.” 

Meanwhile, in a conversation with pastor A.R. Bernard, Denzel revealed that he credits much of his professional and personal success to the power of prayer from his loved ones.

“I have been prayed for and supported by many people, but specifically my mother and my wife now and for a long time," he said. "I've been protected. There's been a hedge around me and a legion of prayer."

The power of prayer likely got Denzel and Pauletta through their first rough years together as Denzel struggled to make a career out of acting. The pair recalled that, on their first date, Denzel had kept a close eye on the meter of a cab they were taking home as he was afraid he wouldn’t have enough money to pay for the ride. Pauletta revealed she was the one who eventually ended up paying.

“You didn’t pay for the date, though!” Denzel exclaimed. “(But) we went to a party; there was nothing to pay after we got there,” his wife responded. Denzel then attempted to set the record straight.

“So we took a cab and I’m paying for the cab ride but then I’m watching the meter and I’m running out of money,” he said before Pauletta added, “He turns to me and says, ‘I have no money.’... I paid for it.” Denzel then hilariously responded, “You paid the whole thing?” 

It’s clear from the cute way the pair bicker and banter that their so comfortable and enamored with one another. Others could definitely borrow some pointers from these love birds!

What are your thoughts on Denzel and Pauletta Washington’s relationship? Do you agree with Denzel’s secrets to a long and happy marriage? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your loved ones.