Meet Denzel Washigton's Four Kids That He Shares with His Loving Wife of 24 Years Pauletta

Denzel Washington is among Hollywood's most successful actors and a family man behind the scenes. Although only two of his four kids followed in his footsteps as an actor, they all entered the same industry.

After years in the entertainment industry, Denzel Washington has become a distinguished and highly regarded actor. In fact, he will go down in history as one of the greatest actors that ever graced the screens.

He has portrayed different characters in several movies and has many awards that prove his talent and versatility. When the camera stops rolling, Washington is still someone to look up to, specifically by his four kids, John David, Katia, Malcolm, and Olivia, whom he shares with his wife, Pauletta.

DENZEL AND PAULETTA’S KIDS

John David, their eldest child, born in 1984, followed his father's footsteps early in life. In the '90s, he appeared in some of Denzel's films before pursuing a football career. He later signed with the St. Louis Rams in the NFL and later played in the NFL Europe and UFL.

In the early 2010s, he returned to the entertainment industry, appearing in movies and shows such as "Malcolm & Maire" and "Baller."

The couple's second child, Katia, born in 1986, holds a law degree from Yale University. However, she ended up in the entertainment industry and worked behind the scenes as a producer. Some of her productions include "Fences," "Pieces of a Woman," and "Assassination Nation."

The two youngest kids of Denzel are twins Malcolm and Olivia, born in 1991. Like his older sister, Malcolm worked behind the camera as a director and producer. Some of his works include "Trouble Man," "The Last Bookstore," "Benny Got Shot," "The Dispute," "Summer of 17," and "North Hollywood."

So when actor George Clooney and his wife, Amal, announced they were expecting twins in 2017, the "Equalizer" star had candid advice for them.

Meanwhile, Olivia followed her brother, John David, and became an actress. She appeared in "Mr. Robot," "Chicago P.D.," "Madoff," and "She's Gotta Have It," among others.

RAISING HIS KIDS

The actor was mindful about bringing up his kids the right way and fortunately succeeded. He did not want to spoil his children growing up but also wanted them to live a comfortable life – one which he worked hard to give them. In a previous interview, he said:

"They live well, but we don't just give them anything they want. When our twins turned 16, I bought them used cars. Okay, they're BMWs, but I wanted them in something safe!"

Denzel credits Pauletta for consistently raising their kids to be well-rounded people while he was at work. Admittedly, his taping schedules sometimes got in the way of time with family, but he always tried to have dinner together. He also credits playing sports that taught his children to work hard and play fair.

RAISING AN ATHLETE

While speaking to Bill Simmons on "The Bill Simmons Podcast," Washington spoke about being a father to an athlete. When Simmons asked him what it felt like being on the stands as a sports parent, the actor said: "You know what I was like. Get the ball! Give him the ball! Go! Give him the ball, give it to my son!"

His son, Malcolm, credited Denzel for instilling good leadership and sportsmanship. "We're Army, and they're my troops," Malcolm said. "Even if I'm not scoring points, I have to keep everyone's heads together."

With his words of wisdom and excellent parenting skills, Denzel shows that he is more than just a talented actor but also a loving father and husband. With his experience as a dad, Denzel knows best to give advice to other parents.

DENZEL'S ADVICE

So when actor George Clooney and his wife, Amal, announced they were expecting twins in 2017, the "Equalizer" star had candid advice for them. He said:

"Sleep now because you won't be sleeping then."

Despite the lack of rest he probably got when his twins were born, the actor called their birth a miracle and loved every second of it.

PASSING DOWN THE PHILANTHROPIC ACTS

Denzel is undoubtedly proud of the children he and his wife raised. "My children are good people. They are not perfect, but they are generous and humble and kind. My wife did that," he previously shared.

Denzel's four children have since gone on different paths following their own pursuits in life, but what ties them together is the kindness their parents instilled in them at a young age. He made sure to pass down his kindness and passion for philanthropy to help people from all walks of life achieve their dreams.

Through the Denzel Washington Family Foundation, his family helped students open more opportunities. Previously, they donated $100,000, their fourth installment, to HBCU Wiley College in support of their debate team. "We are honored to continue supporting the best and brightest," Denzel said.

CALL FOR STRONG FAMILY UNITS

As a family man, Denzel believes there is a need for stronger family units within Black communities, especially father figures. He said:

"If the father is not in the home the boy will find a father in the streets. I saw it in my generation and every generation before me, and every one since."

According to the actor, he has experienced such in his generation and every generation before him. He further added that if a person gets raised by the streets, the judge becomes their mother, and the prison their home.

The father of four once said he would rather leave the earth as a successful parent than a successful actor. From how his life has turned out so far, the actor will achieve both, especially with Pauletta by his side.

The couple has been married for decades and remains happy and in love. Once, when asked about the secret to a successful marriage, Denzel joked that he does as he is told and keeps quiet. Whether it may be true or not, their relationship is among the most successful ones in Hollywood.