Denzel Washington Discloses Secret To Keeping 35-Year Marriage Strong

Jun 11, 2020

For many people, celebrities are not considered the best people to go to for marriage advice. This belief is not valid for Denzel Washington and his wife, Pauletta.

They have been married for one of the longest duration in comparison to other Hollywood stars. 

According to The Oprah Magazine, the love birds met in 1977 as they both took part in the making of a television show called ‘Wilma.’ Their acquaintance quickly turned into a strong friendship, something they both attribute to the longevity of their relationship. They were friends before they fell in love!

Denzel and Pauletta tied the knot on 25th June 1983, since when they have lived in marriage and honored the vows, they made to each other. On a trip to South Africa in 1995, they had the chance to renew their vows, and the well-known Archbishop Desmond Tutu officiated the renewal. Denzel once commented in one interview a while back:

"I don't know if it's show business that has a monopoly on divorce, it's just that you hear about it." He proceeded with, "I just think that you have to work at it. Not give up on each other. It's a commitment. It's not all the honeymoon, it doesn't last forever, so you work at it. And hopefully, you're good friends first, that might help!"

Marriage has not been perfect for the couple, as they have had their dark days in marriage. They and their four children, John David, Katia, and twins Olivia and Malcolm, have always managed to go through the hard times as a team.

Denzel’s marriage has survived due to several things, and he recently joked that he has learned how to shut up and always do what his wife asks of him.

“What pops into my head: security, food, a beautiful home. The difference between a house and a home, it’s a big difference.”

He added on the same interview. He also stated how much his wife has been pivotal in raising their children and making their house a home.

During a snippet in the TD Jakes show featuring the movie Equalizer 2, when asked about his marriage, Denzel is never shy to admit how his wife has been the family’s primary support system. He went ahead to comment on Pauletta, "She has been the consistent one when it came to taking care of him and the kids. She has given daily religious instruction. She was the one taking them to school while I was out providing."

Having come from a broken family, Denzel did not have all the basics as a child. He never got the kind of love that his wife got from her family.

They say the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and for the many years they have been married, Denzel has enjoyed Pauletta’s Chicken curry.

The couple has also publicly based their marriage on a deep-rooted faith. Pauletta, in an interview, admitted that their marriage is all spiritual, and based on God. She has continuously sought spiritual counseling whenever situations got out of hand. She also added something about their friends, “My inner circle is also like-minded, so we strengthen each other.”

In an interview with Ebony Magazine, Pauletta described how she knows both sides when it comes to her husband. She is happily the platform he can use to elevate, giving him the strength to move forward.

More and more young rising stars need to borrow a leaf from Denzel Washington and his wife, Pauletta. Not only are they incredible actors, but they also have one of the longest-lasting drama-free marriages in Hollywood! Feel free to spread these insightful tips from this delightful couple with your family and friends. Who knows? This might just be your relationship’s life savior.