Denzel Washington and Pauletta Washington have been married since 1983

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The Equalizer star met Pauletta (née Pearson) on the set of his first movie, 1977’s Wilma. But it wasn’t until months later, at a mutual friend’s party, that the two actually spoke.

The Remember the Titans actor sang Pauletta’s praises again in November 2023, when he appeared on Tom Brady’s radio show, Let’s Go! with Tom Brady, Larry Fitzgerald and Jim Gray.

She is a classically trained pianist and vocalistRon Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

According to the Winston-Salem Journal, Pauletta began entering piano competitions at age 10 before studying at the North Carolina School of the Arts, The Juilliard School and the University of North Texas.

She also recorded the song “It’s In Your Eyes” for the soundtrack of Denzel’s 1993 film Philadelphia.

She’s an accomplished actorKMazur/WireImage

Pauletta began her acting career on Broadway, starring in Jesus Christ Superstar and Shakespeare’s Cabaret, among others, per the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. She then ventured into TV and film, landing her first on-screen role on the same film she met her future husband.

“The first movie I ever did — TV movie — was about Wilma Rudolph and I played Wilma Rudolph’s boyfriend,” Denzel said on Live with Kelly and Ryan in 2018. “Pauletta was one of the track stars. I met her then, but I didn’t meet her then. I saw her then.”

She has since built an impressive résumé in TV. From 2017 to 2019, she worked on the series adaptation of She’s Gotta Have It, and in 2021 she played Aretha Franklin’s grandmother Rachel in the biography series Genius: Aretha Franklin. She has also continued to work on Broadway, starring in a wide variety of productions.

She and Denzel disagree about how they metRon Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

In a 1996 interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Pauletta revealed that she met Denzel at a party thrown by a mutual friend from Wilma.

“I had talked at that party, I talked about going to see a play. I went to see the play and at intermission, the lights came up and she was sitting [there],” he recalled on Live with Kelly and Ryan. “She said she just happened to go see the play … I’m getting in trouble as I speak!”

She paid for the cab on their very first dateLaura Luongo/Liaison

In 2017, Denzel recounted his first date with Pauletta during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The actor had planned to pay for a cab on their date, but his plan went slightly awry.

Denzel Washington’s Life in Pictures, from Early Years to Groundbreaking WorkShe turned down two proposals from DenzelRon Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

At the 2013 premiere of Denzel’s film 2 Guns, Pauletta told Access Hollywood that he proposed to her three times. Denzel objected, recalling that it was only twice.

She and Denzel married in 1983Rich Fury/Getty

During his 2017 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the actor revealed their wedding also had a small mishap. “We were shaking so many hands, taking pictures, they ran out of food,” he told Kimmel. “We ended up at [a diner], we had eggs or something. True story.”

She took a break from her career to raise their 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥renEmma McIntyre/Gett Images

When Denzel began starring in the TV series St. Elsewhere in 1982, Pauletta took a step back from music and acting to raise their four 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren.

“When I became pregnant … [St. Elsewhere] was shooting in Los Angeles and I was here on Broadway,” she said in a 2011 interview with Wendy Williams. “Where would the 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 be, you know, in the air? So I decided that I wanted to — it was my choice — to be home and create a home. I’m so happy I did.”

She is a philanthropistMichael Kovac/Getty

She enjoys cookingSylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty

Their 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren are following in their footstepsKevin Winter/Getty

After his football career, John David made a name for himself in Hollywood. He’s starred in films like BlacKkKlansman, Tenet and Malcolm & Marie. In October 2022, he began performances in the Broadway production of The Piano Lesson with Samuel L. Jackson and Danielle Brooks.

The couple’s daughter, Olivia, is also an actress. In an October 2021 appearance on Good Morning America, Denzel discussed his and Pauletta’s 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren all being well-versed in the arts.

In November 2024, Denzel and Pauletta supported their sons at the Los Angeles premiere of The Piano Lesson, starring John David. The film also marked Malcolm’s directorial debut.