✦ Celebrity stories, facts and career updates. Explore F4U now →

Home › Biography › Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington photo for featured biography, wiki and celebrities profileFeatured Biography

Image source: StarsUnfolded

Celebrities

Denzel Washington Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated October 22, 2026 • 3 min read

Request CorrectionClaim Profile

Quick Info

Date of birth28 December 1954

Age62 (as of 2016)

BirthplaceMount Vernon, New York, U.S.

ProfessionActor; Film-maker

NationalityAmerican

Marital statusMarried

SpousePauletta Pearson (m. 1983)

FamilyChildren: John David, Katia, Olivia, Malcolm

Net worth$140 million

Denzel Washington Biography

Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. is an American actor and filmmaker whose career spans stage, television and film. Known for powerful lead performances and a sm

Early life and background

Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. was born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York. He spent his early years in Mount Vernon until his parents’ divorce when he was 14, after which he moved with his mother to New Windsor, New York. He attended Pennington-Grimes Elementary School in Mount Vernon, Oakland Military Academy in New Windsor and later Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Florida. Washington graduated from Fordham University with a B.A. in 1977.

Growing up, Washington played basketball at the collegiate level as a guard under coach P.J. Carlesimo. For a time he worked outside of school, including a stint as a creative director at a summer camp, where a colleague encouraged him to pursue acting. He later trained at Lincoln Center and earned title stage roles in productions such as The Emperor Jones and Othello.

Career

Washington began his screen career in television, appearing in the TV film Wilma in 1977 and becoming one of the few African-American actors to sustain a multi-year presence on network television with his role as Dr. Phillip Chandler on the NBC drama St. Elsewhere. His feature film debut came in Carbon Copy (1981), and he steadily built a reputation for intense, committed performances in both supporting and leading roles.

Over the years Washington has been associated with a string of acclaimed films. Early recognition came for his supporting role in Glory, and he solidified his status as a leading actor with portrayals in Malcolm X and Cry Freedom. He won Academy Awards for his work, including Best Supporting Actor for Glory and Best Actor for Training Day. His filmography also includes notable performances in The Hurricane, The Great Debaters and roles that led to awards and festival recognition.

In addition to acting, Washington has worked behind the camera as a director, including Antwone Fisher. He has also been active in reviving and championing stage work: his portrayal of Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s Fences earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play, and he later received a Tony for Best Revival of a Play for his involvement with A Raisin in the Sun.

Public profile

Washington is widely recognized for both his screen and stage achievements. He has received multiple Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards across his career, and in 2016 he was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Globes. He has also been honored with honorary doctorates from Fordham University, the University of Pennsylvania and Morehouse College.

He is known for his public faith and for philanthropic contributions. Washington has supported educational and community causes, including significant donations to church facilities and funds benefiting children and college programs. His public image balances a commitment to craft, a presence in high-profile award ceremonies, and involvement in charitable giving.

Personal life

Washington married Pauletta Pearson in 1983; the couple met on the set of his first acting project, Wilma. They have four children: John David, Katia, Olivia and Malcolm. His family life has been part of his public story alongside a long-standing marriage and collaborative projects with the theater and film communities.

Physical profile

Washington’s listed height is 185 cm (about 6 feet 1 inch) and his weight is approximately 90 kg (about 198 lbs). He has dark brown hair and dark brown eyes.

Latest updates

Among recent highlights noted across his career are continued recognition from major award bodies and ongoing involvement in stage and screen projects as an actor and director. He remains a visible figure in Hollywood and on Broadway, known for work that spans decades and genres.

Editorial Review and Sources

This F4U profile is written from publicly available career and profile information, then reviewed for clarity before publication. If you spot an outdated detail about Denzel Washington, send the page URL and a reliable correction source to f4udotin@gmail.com.

Reference context: StarsUnfolded

Accuracy

Request a Correction

Tell us what needs to be updated and share a reliable source so the editorial team can review it.

Ownership

Claim This Profile

If this profile is about you or your client, send your contact details and verification context.

◈

Recent Work

Antwone Fisher

Directed by Denzel Washington

✦

Career Highlights

  1. Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Glory
  2. Academy Award for Best Actor for Training Day
  3. Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for Fences
  4. Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play for A Raisin in the Sun
  5. Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award (2016)
₹

Net Worth

$140 million

Figures are editorial estimates based on publicly available reporting and may change as new information emerges.

Reviewed by F4U Editorial Desk

F4U profile pages are prepared from public career information, checked for readability, and updated when reliable correction sources are shared with the editorial team.

People Also Search For

Indian TV ActressesBollywood ActorsSouth Indian ActorsCelebrities biographies
?

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Denzel Washington born?

Denzel Washington was born on 28 December 1954.

What is Denzel Washington known for?

Denzel Washington is known for actor; Film-maker.

What is Denzel Washington’s marital status?

Denzel Washington's marital status is listed as Married.

Who is Denzel Washington married to?

Denzel Washington is publicly listed as married to Pauletta Pearson (m. 1983).

What is Denzel Washington’s net worth?

Denzel Washington's net worth is commonly listed as $140 million, based on available public profile information.