Third time the charm!
Denzel and Pauletta Washington's Love Story!
When “just another day on the job” turns into the beginning of an unexpected love story, Actor Denzel Washington, 64 and Actress Pauletta Pearson, 68 would become more than just cast members; they would become ONE. In 1977, the couple met on the set of the TV Movie Wilma. During a Jimmy Kimmel interview Denzel mentioned that the two locked eyes on set but didn’t officially meet until later. As time continued to do its job, a year passed and Denzel attended a party in which Pauletta was in attendance too. At the party, Denzel talked about going to see a play. During his interview with “Live with Kelly and Ryan” he says, “I went to see the play, and at intermission the lights came up and she was sitting [there]. She said she just happened to go see the play... I'm getting in trouble as I speak!" From there, Denzel and Pauletta’s love story began to unfold.
When Denzel realized that he’d found the apple of his eye, it was time for him to take Pauletta’s hand in marriage. With little surprise, he would not get the answer in which he hoped. Access Hollywood, did a humorous interview with the couple comically explaining how many times Denzel proposed before finally getting a “Yes”. Denzel expresses that she turned down his proposal once, but Pauletta set him straight by saying, It was twice. With much humor Denzel questions, "Why was it twice? Why would I have to ask again?" Pauletta responds, "Because I said no!" "You heard it here first!" Denzel then poked fun. "She turned me down, she said no. And since it was three times, that means she turned me down twice." As the good saying goes, “The third time's the charm.” Denzel and Pauletta married on June 25, 1983. They are the proud parents of four children; John David Washington, Katia Washington, Malcolm Washington, and Olivia Washington. The couple now celebrates 36 years of marriage.
“My wife is the backbone of our family and I’m wise enough to admit that."
Pauletta and Denzel both say that there is no one secret to making a marriage last. Denzel spoke with People about their matrimony. "I do what I’m told. I keep my mouth shut!" As humorous as the actor is, he then began to share and acknowledge what he admires most about his wife. "What pops into my head: security, food, a beautiful home," he said. "The difference between a house and a home, it’s a big difference. You can buy a house, but that doesn’t make it a home—and not to say a man can’t make a home a home, but my wife has made our house a home, and raised these beautiful kids, and protected them and sacrificed for them. She did the heavy lifting.”
“He married me for who I am, and I’ve always felt confident in that.”
Pauletta tends to be closed about her personal life, but shared with The Root about her experience of being "the strong woman behind that powerful man." She noted that, "any woman behind an influential man, has always been there. Maybe the public, and the media is now saying we recognize you, but take it from me, I've been on the scene for a long time." Pauletta acknowledged that her husband had been far more in the public eye than she had, but it never changed the love or connection they shared between each other. She stated, "When Denzel first started, I was right there, but there was no focus on me. But there's been no less presence in his life and in my life than now. As you climb, you grow deeper in the foundation, so it makes our foundation deeper."
"There is no secret to the perfect marriage. I have been married 27 years to Pauletta. Everybody has their ups and downs; we've had ours. It's hard work, you know. But we made a commitment. A spiritual foundation helps everything—marriage, work, peace of mind," Denzel stated in a 2010 interview with “The Guardian.”
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Written By: Taylor Reeanna
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