Denzel Washington Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Denzel Washington’s Net Worth and Salary Explained

American actor, screenwriter, producer, and director Denzel Washington has accumulated a net worth of $300 million. He has consistently been among the highest-paid actors in Hollywood for many years. In a typical year of acting and producing, Denzel can earn between $60 million to $80 million with ease.

Washington began his career in theater after studying at the American Conservatory Theater. He made significant progress with off-Broadway performances. His breakthrough on television was 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 to film and garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Washington’s filmography includes a wide range of roles, earning him two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for “Glory” (1989) and Best Actor for “Training Day” (2001). His Oscar-nominated performances span 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 solidified himself as a leading man in films such as “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990), “Philadelphia” (1993), “Inside Man” (2006), and “The Equalizer” trilogy (2014–2023). He also made an impact on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for “Fences” (2010), a play he later directed and starred in for its film adaptation.

His illustrious career has been honored with awards like the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), the AFI Life Achievement Award (2019), and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2022). In 2020, The New York Times hailed him as the greatest actor of the 21st century.

Washington’s highest-grossing films worldwide include titles like “American Gangster” (2007), “The Equalizer” (2014), “Remember the Titans” (2000), “Safe House” (2012), and “Philadelphia” (1993).

Highlights of Denzel Washington’s Film Earnings

Here is a breakdown of 10 notable salaries Denzel earned from some of his most memorable films, totaling over $200 million.

#10: Virtuosity (1995) – $7.5 million

Washington starred in this science fiction film alongside Russell Crowe, earning $7.5 million for his role. Despite mixed reviews, both actors were praised for their performances.

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

In “Courage Under Fire,” where Washington played an army colonel grappling with a tragic mistake, he received $10 million. The movie garnered positive reviews.

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

Washington’s portrayal of boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter in this biographical film earned him $10 million, along with critical acclaim and awards.

#7: Fallen (1998) – $12 million

In “Fallen,” a supernatural thriller, Denzel earned $12 million despite mixed critical reception.

#6: The Siege (1998) – $12 million

Washington’s role as “Special Agent Anthony Hubbard” in this FBI conspiracy thriller fetched him $12 million, despite varying reviews.

#5: Training Day (2001) – $12 million

“Training Day” showcased Washington’s versatility in a corrupt cop role, earning him $12 million and critical accolades.

#4: Out of Time (2003) – $20 million

In “Out of Time,” a thriller with Eva Mendes, Denzel pocketed $20 million for his portrayal of “Mathias Lee-Whitlock.”

#3: Man on Fire (2004) – $20 million

As an ex-CIA agent in “Man on Fire,” Washington earned another $20 million, showcasing his commanding screen presence.

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

“American Gangster” portrayed the life of crime boss Frank Lucas and earned Denzel $40 million, highlighting his acting prowess.

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

In 2021’s “The Little Things,” Washington secured an upfront fee of $20 million, with potential further earnings through profit points. Despite unique distribution challenges due to COVID, he was compensated with a $40 million bonus.

Early Life

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

Sent by his mother to Oakland Military Academy in New Windsor, New York after the divorce, Denzel credited this decision for saving his life. Before military school, he and his closest friends were headed down a dangerous path. In an interview with Parade Magazine, Washington mentioned that those friends eventually served about 40 years in prison collectively.

At Fordham University in New York City, Denzel played collegiate basketball. Taking a semester off to contemplate his future and major, he spent a summer working at a YMCA camp. Impressing campers and colleagues at a camp talent show led to a suggestion that he pursue acting. Upon returning to Fordham that fall, he began studying drama and graduated with a BA in drama and journalism in 1977.

Early Career

Earning a full-ride scholarship to the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, Denzel later returned to New York to pursue acting professionally. While he had previously appeared in several stage shows, his first on-screen role was in 1977 with the made-for-television movie Wilma. Subsequently, he secured various smaller stage and screen roles before landing a significant part on the successful medical drama St. Elsewhere in 1982, where he starred as Dr. Phillip Chandler throughout the show’s six-year run.

Success

His portrayal of South African anti-apartheid activist Stephen Biko in “Cry Freedom” (1987) resulted in an Academy Award nomination, marking his ascendancy in Hollywood. This rise was reinforced by his Academy Award-winning performance as a defiant ex-slave soldier in “Glory” (1989) – a role that captivated audiences with its riveting intensity.

During the 1990s and 2000s, Denzel’s stature as a leading man in Hollywood grew significantly. He delivered commanding performances across various roles, demonstrating his capacity to embody multifaceted characters authentically. His depiction of the title character in “Malcolm X” (1992) received critical acclaim and commercial success, leading to another Academy Award nomination. This success was followed by a series of box office hits, including “Philadelphia” (1993), “Remember the Titans” (2000), and “Training Day” (2001), the latter of which earned him his second Oscar.

Awards and Honors

Washington’s accolades include an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in “Cry Freedom” (1988) and a win in the same category for his performance in “Glory” (1989). He received a Best Actor nomination for his role in “Malcolm X” (1992) and another nomination, along with a Golden Globe win, for “The Hurricane” (1999). In 2002, he clinched the Academy Award for Best Actor for “Training Day,” making him only the second African-American actor to secure this honor. In addition, he bagged a Black Reel Award and an NAACP Image Award for Best Actor for his role in “Remember the Titans,” which grossed over $100 million and received critical acclaim.

In 2016, he was awarded the Cecil B. Demille Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Globe Awards. Denzel is one of just eight actors who have been Academy Award nominees in five different decades, spanning the ’80s, ’90s, ’00s, ’10s, and ’20s.

Although he did not complete graduate school, Denzel has been conferred three honorary doctorate degrees. The first, bestowed in 1991 by his alma mater, Fordham University, recognized his exceptional talent exploration. He received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Morehouse College in 2007 and an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2011.

In July 2022, Denzel Washington was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Directing and Producing Career

Washington ventured into directing with “Antwone Fisher” (2002) and subsequently directed “The Great Debaters” (2007) and “Fences” (2016). He has also served as a producer on several films, including “The Book of Eli” and “The Equalizer,” as well as various television programs. Currently, Washington is set to produce the upcoming film “The Piano Lesson.”

Personal Life

His first movie, the made-for-television sports drama “Wilma,” not only marked a career breakthrough but also introduced Denzel to his future wife on set. He married Pauletta Pearson in 1983, and together they have four children: John David, Katia, and twins Olivia and Malcolm.

A devout Christian, Washington contemplated becoming a preacher and considered leaving acting to devote his life to the church. However, he ultimately chose to remain in Hollywood, although he continues to read the Bible daily.

In 2006, Denzel Washington was among a group of American artists and intellectuals, including Oliver Stone and Michael Moore, approached by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia for aid. They were asked to help persuade then-president George W. Bush to release 600 imprisoned rebels in exchange for 62 hostages held in Colombia.

Philanthropy

Denying personal gain, Washington has provided financial and personal support to various deserving organizations. He has been the Boys & Girls Club of America’s spokesperson since 1993 and served on its board since 1995. Additionally, he has made significant contributions 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 constructed a massive mansion on an undeveloped lot in Beverly Park, an exclusive gated community high in the Beverly Hills hills. The principal mansion covers 30,000 square feet, while the guest house spans 5,000 square feet. The nearby home of Mark Wahlberg presents a somewhat comparable estate, as Mark listed his mansion for sale in April.In late 1999, just as construction was being completed, here is a photo of Denzel’s mansion:

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