Denzel Washington is known as one of the most talented and recognized actors in the entertainment industry. He has captivated audiences on the big screen and the stage, always finding a way to compliment his co-stars while still standing out. It’s no surprise that this star has earned several awards over the course of his career and has made an incredible impact on the acting industry.
Washington’s career first started in theater. He acted in various off-Broadway shows before gaining momentum and landing more established roles. During the 1980s, Washington really began making his presence known through movies and went on to star in plenty of prominent films. Some of his most famous films include “Malcolm X,” “Philadelphia,” and “Remember the Titans.”
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. According to IMDB, she was born with the surname Pearson. Pauletta is five years older than her husband and 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.
Pauletta and Denzel have four children together. Keep reading to find out more about Denzel’s daughter, Olivia Washington, who generated multiple comments from fans after a picture of her was posted on Facebook on July 18, 2023.
According to The Oprah Magazine, the love birds Denzel Washington and Pauletta Pearson met in 1977. Pauletta 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.
The couple met on set and hit it off right away. 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 June 25, 1983, and since then, 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, too, have had their dark days in their union. They and their four children, John David, Katia, and twins Olivia and Malcolm, have always managed to go through hard times as a team.
Olivia has followed in the footsteps of her iconic father. Before stepping into the spotlight, Olivia pursued a prestigious education at New York University. After graduating, Olivia started to pursue acting and has a long roster of roles that she has played. In 2013, Olivia starred in “The Butler” alongside Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey. Olivia has also had roles in TV series as well. She has acted in Chicago P.D. and Madoff.
She also starred in the 2023 comedy-drama “I’m a Virgo,” which has received wide acclaim. Meanwhile, Olivia wants to be a star on her own account and doesn’t throw around her dad’s name. She also believes that every project she gets is a privilege and gives her best.
Washington is a proud dad and he doesn’t hide his admiration for his daughter’s strides. In addition to his other family members, who are all in the entertainment industry — John David is a popular and talented actor, his second child, Katia, is a producer who made “Malcolm & Marie” and “Assassination Nation.” Olivia’s twin brother, Malcolm, is also a producer and a director. Meanwhile, Pauletta was a child prodigy who played the piano, sang, and acted according to Washington.
Per People, he told Good Morning America in 2021 about his daughter,
“I’m a dad so I’m gonna keep saying it: Olivia Washington is a great young actress. Very, very, very good young actress, so she’s coming for her brother (John David).”
Washington is also fiercely protective of his kids. Following the Harvey Weinstein saga, he promised to deal with anyone who wanted to mess with Olivia.
“I will break somebody’s back if they mess around with my daughter. Let that be the message to put out there,” he told ET. “Their back will be broken.”
In an interview with The Guardian in 2010, her father said that he had tried his best to raise good people. “They are not perfect, but they are generous and humble and kind,” he shared. He added that they instilled real values in them. “We try to instill the positive influences we got from our parents: in our case, church, school, humility, volunteering, the importance of helping others,” he said.
Most importantly, the actor shared that he would much rather be known as a great parent to his four children than a great actor. “When you get older and wiser, you simplify. You don’t need as much. You have raised your children, and now you live through them. Their success is what’s important to me. I just won a Tony award for a Broadway show. Another Oscar would be nice. But I’d rather leave this earth as a successful parent than a successful actor,” Washington shared.
Denzel has succeeded in raising kids who have not followed his steps to become actors; his daughter Olivia also takes after his smile. After Essence posted her picture from the Premiere of “I’m A Virgo” on July 18, 2023, and she was named as Washington’s daughter, fans trooped to the comment section to say that she took after her dad’s smile.
The drama graduate wore a black suit with an open cleavage and some exotic jewelry on her neck. She also had her hair in braids and wore a huge, charming smile.
“Awesome!!! Looking like both but definitely see Denzel in smile and cheeks ,” someone wrote.
A second person wrote, “Beautiful and got the family smile.”
A third person gushed, “She’s so gorgeous! She was phenomenal in this film. She has her father’s smile .”
Another fan expressed, “I can see him in her smile.”
Have you seen Olivia Washington in any of her acting roles? Do you agree she has her dad’s smile? We hope for nothing but more success for her! If you love this Hollywood family— make sure to send it to other fans too!
