Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. was born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York. He is the son of Denzel Hayes Washington Sr., a Pentecostal minister, and Lennis Washington, a beautician and former gospel singer. He attended Pennington-Grimes Elementary School until 1968. Following his parents’ divorce at the age of fourteen, his mother enrolled him in Oakland Military Academy in New Windsor, New York, to instill discipline.
Later, he attended Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Florida. For higher education, he went to Fordham University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Journalism in 1977. Denzel briefly attended the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco before returning to New York to start his acting career.
Acting Career
Denzel Washington’s acting career began with television commercials and minor roles. In 1981, he made his feature film debut with the comedy “Carbon Copy.” His breakthrough role came in the medical drama series “St. Elsewhere” (1982-1988), where he played Dr. Philip Chandler.
He won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for portraying Private Silas Trip in the 1989 film “Glory.” Over the years, Denzel delivered stellar performances in films like “Malcolm X” (1992), “The Hurricane” (1999), and “Training Day” (2001), the latter earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Physical Attributes
Height
6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
Weight
Approximately 200 lbs (90.5 kg)
Eye Color
Dark Brown
Hair Color
Dark Brown
Shoe Size
11 (US)
Personal Life
In 1983, Denzel Washington married Pauletta Pearson, whom he met while working on the television film “Wilma.” The couple has four children: John David Washington, a former football player turned actor; Katia Washington, who earned a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University; and twins Olivia and Malcolm Washington, with Malcolm studying film at the University of Pennsylvania.
Accolades and Achievements
Throughout his career, Denzel Washington has received three Golden Globe Awards, a Tony Award, and two Academy Awards. He became the second African-American actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor and the first to win two Academy Awards. In 2016, he was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Globe Awards.
Net Worth and Assets
As of 2025, Denzel Washington’s estimated net worth is approximately $140 million. He owns a luxurious residence in Beverly Hills, California, worth around $4.5 million. His impressive car collection includes a Chrysler 300, Bentley Continental, Lamborghini, and Range Rover.
Philanthropy and Personal Interests
Apart from acting, Denzel Washington is well known for his philanthropic work. He donated $250,000 to Fordham University, his alma mater, and actively supports various charitable organizations. He enjoys basketball and has a passion for vintage cars.
