Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta have been married for nearly
35 years, and it's safe to say they've picked up some words of wisdom along the way. Although
it hasn't always been an easy road for the couple, thanks to awkward first dates, rejected
proposals, and Hollywood divorce rumors, they've managed to make their marriage much stronger,
while also raising four successful kids. Here's the story of how they met, and what life has
been like for the stars since then.
The couple met in 1977 while filming the television
film Wilma, and started dating about a year after they first met.
Several years after that date, Denzel was
ready to pop the question, but Pauletta initially turned him down. In an interview with Access
Hollywood, the couple playfully argued about how many times he had to propose. Denzel originally
said he had to propose twice, but his wife corrected him and said it was actually three
times. Thankfully, the third time was the charm,
and the couple married on June 25, 1983.
Denzel and Pauletta had their first child in 1984, a son named John David. Two years
later, they had a daughter, Katia, and then in 1991 they had twins Olivia and Malcolm.
Fatherhood is clearly a responsibility that Denzel takes very seriously. When doing press
for his latest film, Roman J. Israel, Esq. (which earned him the Best Actor nomination
in Oscars), he talked about the importance of having a father figure.
Now, all four children are following in their
parents' footsteps and pursuing careers in Hollywood, both in front of the camera and
behind-the-scenes.
In 1995, the couple renewed their vows during a romantic trip in South Africa. Well-known
activist and archbishop Desmond Tutu officiated the ceremony.
Of his long-lasting marriage, Denzel said in a 2010 Guardian article,
Pauletta echoed the idea of a strong foundation, saying to The Root,
Like nearly all celebrity couples, Denzel and Pauletta have weathered their fair share
of rumors about infidelity and divorce. In 2013, there were reportedly pictures of Denzel
kissing another woman, spurning rumors that the couple was headed for divorce. Both Denzel
and Pauletta denied the rumors, but acknowledged that marriage can be a lot of work.
Denzel and Pauletta are set to celebrate their 35th anniversary in June 2018. They asked
how early he starts planning the celebration or gift, and his response was hilarious.
We're sure he'll think of the perfect anniversary
gift for her.