Denzel Washington Net Worth

What Is Denzel Washington's Net Worth and Salary?

Denzel Washington is an American actor, screenwriter, producer, and director who has a net worth of $300 million. Denzel Washington has been one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood for several decades running. In a typical acting and producing year, Denzel easily earns $60-$80 million.

Denzel Washington started in theater after training at the American Conservatory Theater, making significant strides with performances off-Broadway. His major break in television came with his role as Dr. Phillip Chandler in NBC's "St. Elsewhere" from 1982 to 1988, a groundbreaking role as one of the few African-American actors in the series. He transitioned into film, where he received critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Washington's film career includes a diverse range of roles, earning him two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for "Glory" (1989) as a defiant ex-slave soldier and Best Actor for his portrayal of a corrupt cop in "Training Day" (2001). His Oscar-nominated performances span various films like "Cry Freedom" (1987), "Malcolm X" (1992), "The Hurricane" (1999), "Flight" (2012), "Fences" (2015), "Roman J. Israel, Esq." (2017), and "The Tragedy of Macbeth" (2021).

Washington established himself as a leading man in films like "Mo' Better Blues" (1990), "Philadelphia" (1993), "Inside Man" (2006), and the "The Equalizer" trilogy (2014–2023). He also marked his presence on Broadway, debuting in "Checkmates" (1988) and winning a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for the revival of "Fences" (2010), a play he later directed and starred in for its film adaptation.

Denzel Washington's career has been recognized with the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), the AFI Life Achievement Award (2019), and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2022). "The New York Times" named him the greatest actor of the 21st century in 2020.

Denzel Washington's five highest-grossing films by worldwide box office are:

• "American Gangster" (2007): $267,985,456
• "The Equalizer" (2014): $192,903,624
• "Remember the Titans" (2000): $136,771,683
• "Safe House" (2012): $207,884,401
• "Philadelphia" (1993): $201,324,422

Denzel Washington Film Salary Highlights

Below is a list of 10 salaries earned by Denzel from some of his most notable films. From these ten films alone, Denzel earned over $200 million ($203 million to be specific).

#10: Virtuosity (1995) – $7.5 million

In this science-fiction film starring Washington and Russell Crowe, Denzel plays a former cop who was imprisoned for killing a man who murdered his family. The film received mixed to negative reviews, although some maintain each of the actors pulled off award-winning performances. Either way, Denzel received $7.5 million for his part in the film.

#9: Courage Under Fire (1996) – $10 million

Playing an army colonel who accidentally kills his friend in battle, "Courage Under Fire" delves into the complicated deaths associated with warfare. It also stars Meg Ryan, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Matt Damon, among many others. The film received mostly positive reviews, and Denzel earned $10 million for his role in the movie.

#8: The Hurricane (1999) – $10 million

A biographical film depicting the story of boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter and how he fared during a 20-year prison sentence over a triple homicide, this movie received rave reviews as well as a number of awards and accolades. One of the defining roles of his career as a whole, Washington received $10 million for his role in the film.

#7: Fallen (1998) – $12 million

A supernatural thriller, "Fallen" is a film enjoyed by fans but ripped apart by critics. Complaining about the plot holes and jumpiness of the script, critics were fairly displeased across the board, but this didn't stop Denzel from receiving $12 million for starring in the film.

#6: The Siege (1998) – $12 million

Washington plays Special Agent Anthony Hubbard in this film about the FBI attempting to solve a terrorist conspiracy. Also starring the likes of Bruce Willis and Annette Bening, the film received mixed reviews, which were mostly due to issues with the subject matter of the plot. Nevertheless, Washington delivered an excellent performance and received $12 million for his work in the film.

#5: Training Day (2001) – $12 million

A crime drama film that literally changed the roles Denzel has taken on ever since, "Training Day" proved that Denzel still has a solid ability to take on roles that are different from his norm. Receiving critical acclaim as well as a slew of awards, Washington received $12 million for playing this crooked role.

#4: Out of Time (2003) – $20 million

Starring Eva Mendes and Sanaa Lathan, this thriller also had a level of spice and sex appeal. Receiving mostly positive reviews, Washington was paid $20 million for playing Mathias Lee-Whitlock.

#3: Man on Fire (2004) – $20 million

Denzel played the role of an ex-CIA agent turned mercenary, and this thriller of a film also stars Dakota Fanning. Tasked with protecting a 9-year-old named Lupita, Washington once again delivered a stand-up performance and received another $20 million in the process.

#2: American Gangster (2007) – $40 million

A biographical film based on the tumultuous life of crime boss Frank Lucas, "American Gangster" once again tested the entertainer's acting chops, which he passed with flying colors. A massive hit, the movie and its accompanying soundtrack are considered instant classics by many. To top it all off, Washington received $40 million for playing the starring role!

#1: The Little Things (2021) – $60 million

For 2021's "The Little Things," Denzel was paid an upfront fee of $20 million, with the expectation that he would earn tens of millions more from generous back-end profit points. In 2021, amid COVID lockdowns, Warner Media, the company behind the film, decided to make it free on HBO MAX. To make up for his lost royalties, Warner paid Denzel a one-time $40 million bonus.

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Early Life

Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. was born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York. His parents, beauty salon owner Lennis and Pentecostal minister/municipal worker Denzel Washington Sr., divorced when Denzel was 14.

After the divorce, Denzel's mother sent him to Oakland Military Academy in New Windsor, New York. The actor would later credit that decision for saving his life. Before leaving for military school, he and his closest friends were heading down a bad path. Washington said that those friends later went on to serve about 40 years in prison collectively.

Denzel attended Fordham University in New York City, where he played collegiate basketball. He took a semester off to consider his future and figure out his major. During that time, he spent a summer working at a YMCA camp. Denzel's performance in a camp talent show impressed the campers and his colleagues so much that one suggested he begin acting. When he returned to Fordham that fall, he began studying drama and graduated with a BA in drama and journalism in 1977.

Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images

Early Career

Washington won a full-ride scholarship to the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, though he returned to New York after a year to pursue acting professionally. He had previously appeared in several stage shows, but his first on-screen role came in 1977 with the made-for-television movie "Wilma." Several smaller stage and screen roles soon followed, but Washington got his big break in 1982 when he landed a spot on the successful medical drama "St. Elsewhere." He starred as Dr. Phillip Chandler for the show's entire six-year run.

Success

Washington's breakthrough came with his portrayal of South African activist Stephen Biko in "Cry Freedom" (1987). The performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination and announced him as one of Hollywood's most compelling new stars. Just two years later, his fiery turn as Private Silas Trip in "Glory" (1989) won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The image of Washington's character shedding a single tear as he endured a whipping became one of the defining moments of his career and cemented his reputation as a powerful screen presence.

Throughout the 1990s, Washington emerged as one of the few actors capable of balancing critical acclaim with box office success. His commanding portrayal of Malcolm X in Spike Lee's 1992 biopic was widely hailed as a tour de force, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and solidifying his ability to carry weighty, historically significant roles. He followed this with standout performances in "The Pelican Brief" (1993) opposite Julia Roberts, and "Philadelphia" (1993), where his portrayal of a skeptical lawyer representing Tom Hanks' AIDS-stricken character further showcased his range and sensitivity.

The decade also saw Washington expand into action and thriller territory with films like "Crimson Tide" (1995), "Courage Under Fire" (1996), and "The Hurricane" (1999). "The Hurricane," in which he played wrongfully imprisoned boxer Rubin Carter, was particularly acclaimed, earning him a Golden Globe and another Oscar nomination. His versatility made him one of Hollywood's most bankable and respected stars.

In the 2000s, Washington continued to headline high-profile projects that demonstrated his unmatched blend of charisma and gravitas. "Remember the Titans" (2000) was a major commercial success, and his 2001 role in "Training Day" as corrupt detective Alonzo Harris delivered one of his most iconic performances. The role earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, making him only the second Black actor in history to win in that category. He followed this with memorable performances in films like "John Q" (2002), "Man on Fire" (2004), and "Inside Man" (2006), each proving his ability to carry a wide variety of genres.

Washington also stepped into directing, making his directorial debut with "Antwone Fisher" in 2002, followed by "The Great Debaters" (2007), both of which received praise for their storytelling and performances. Even while working behind the camera, he maintained his status as a top leading man, starring in hits such as "American Gangster" (2007) alongside Russell Crowe, and "The Book of Eli" (2010), which showcased his ability to thrive in both dramatic and action-driven roles.

By the 2010s, Washington's reputation as one of the greatest actors of his generation was firmly established. His portrayal in "Flight" (2012) as an airline pilot struggling with addiction earned him yet another Academy Award nomination. He reprised his role as a ruthless vigilante in "The Equalizer" (2014) and its 2018 sequel, adding blockbuster appeal to his résumé. In 2016, he directed and starred in the film adaptation of August Wilson's play "Fences," a project that earned widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, while Viola Davis won Best Supporting Actress for her role.

Washington's enduring success lies not only in his two Academy Awards and countless nominations, but in the consistency of his performances across nearly every genre of film. Few actors have demonstrated his combination of intensity, intelligence, and versatility, making him one of the most celebrated figures in modern cinema.

Awards and Honors

In 1988, Washington received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in the anti-Apartheid film "Cry Freedom," and in 1989, he won that same award for his performance in "Glory."

In 1992, he received a Best Actor nomination for his performance in "Malcolm X," and in 1999, he was nominated again and also won a Golden Globe for "The Hurricane." In 2002, he finally won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Training Day," becoming only the second African-American actor to win Best Actor. That year, he also appeared in the Disney football drama "Remember the Titans," which earned over $100 million at the box office and garnered him a Black Reel Award and an NAACP Image Award, both for Best Actor. In 2016, Denzel was presented with the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Globe Awards.

Denzel Washington is one of just eight actors who have been nominated for an Academy Award in five different decades (1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, 2020s).

Although he never finished graduate school, the actor has received three honorary doctorate degrees. The first was in 1991 from his alma mater, Fordham University, for having "impressively succeeded in exploring the edge of his multi-faceted talent." In 2007, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Morehouse College, and in 2011, the University of Pennsylvania bestowed him with an honorary Doctor of Arts degree.

In July 2022, it was announced that Denzel Washington was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Directing and Producing Career

In 2002, Washington stepped behind the camera to direct "Antwone Fisher." He has since directed "The Great Debaters" (2007) and "Fences" (2016). He has also produced several movies, including "The Book of Eli" and "The Equalizer," and several television programs. Washington is set to produce the upcoming film "The Piano Lesson."

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Personal Life

Denzel's first movie, the made-for-television sports drama "Wilma," brought him more than a career break; he also met his wife while working on the set. He married Pauletta Pearson in 1983, and the couple went on to have four children: John David, Katia, and twins Olivia and Malcolm.

As a devout Christian, Washington has considered becoming a preacher, even wondering if he should leave acting to pursue a life in the church. Luckily for his fans, he has decided to stay in Hollywood, but he says that he still reads the Bible every day.

In 2006, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia asked for help from a group of American artists and intellectuals, including Denzel Washington, Oliver Stone, and Michael Moore. They implored the group to help convince then-president George W. Bush to release 600 imprisoned rebels in exchange for 62 hostages being held in Colombia.

Philanthropy

Denzel Washington hasn't just kept his fame and large paychecks to himself; he has given his support – both financial and personal – to a number of worthy organizations. He has been the spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Club of America since 1993 and has served on its board since 1995. He has contributed substantial sums to Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund, Fordham University, the Fisher House Foundation, and Wiley College.

Real Estate

In the late 1990s, Denzel and his wife custom built an enormous mansion on a previously undeveloped lot in the exclusive gated community of Beverly Park, high up in the hills of Beverly Hills. The primary mansion spans 30,000 square feet. The guest house is 5,000 square feet. Mark Wahlberg's nearby home is somewhat comparable. Mark put his mansion on the market in April 2022 for $87.5 million. Mark ultimately accepted $55 million in February 2023. Here is a photo of Denzel's mansion just as construction was being completed in late 1999:

(Photo By James Aylott/Getty Images)

In April 2022, Denzel and his wife paid a little under $11 million for an 8,000-square-foot, 6-bedroom condo in Century City, California. The seller was HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, one of the late Saudi Arabian King Faisal's many grandchildren.

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