BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA: Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta Washington can safely be called the epitome of a successful marriage in Hollywood, where divorces are not a great deal. The pair have been married since 1983 and also became parents to four. However, their relationship has not only been about a bed full of roses.
Shortly after meeting each other for the first time in 1977 on the set of ‘Wilma’, they started dating. But at the time, Denzel did not have much money as it has been said that on their first date, Pauletta gave the money for the cab. But that did not create hindrance in their blossoming romance.
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‘There is no secret to the perfect marriage’
The ‘Training Day’ star soon realized that he wanted to spend life with Pauletta and proposed to her twice, only to be rejected both times. But on his third try, he succeeded, and the duo exchanged vows on June 25, 1983. They also welcomed four children over the years — John David Washington, Malcolm Washington, Olivia Washington, and Katia Washington.
The two-time Academy Award-winning actor and the first Black contestant in the Miss North Carolina pageant credit “hard work” for their years of union. In 2010, Denzel told The Guardian, “There is no secret to the perfect marriage. I have been married for 27 years to Pauletta. Everybody has their ups and downs; we've had ours. It's hard work, you know. But we made a commitment. A spiritual foundation helps everything – marriage, work, peace of mind.”
‘She did the heavy-lifting’
Also, in 2018, the ‘Man on Fire’ actor while revealing the secret of a happy married life, told People, “There’s too many things! What pops into my head: security, food, and a beautiful home. The difference between a house and a home, it’s a big difference. You can buy a house, but that doesn’t make it a home – and not to say a man can’t make a home a home, but 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.”
Besides, Denzel also believes in God and spirituality. He reportedly told Pastor AR Bernard in 2020, “I have been prayed for and supported by many people, but specifically my mother and my wife now and for a long time. I've been protected. There's been a hedge around me and a legion of prayer.” Over the years, Denzel has proved his icon status by giving movies, like ‘Man of Fire,’ ‘The Hurrican,’ and ‘American Gangster’. Besides, he also proudly owns a mansion, which he bought for $2.6 million in 1992. The property is reportedly built on over two acres of land, featuring 8 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms.