Denzel Washington Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What is Denzel Washington’s Net Worth and Salary?

With a net worth of $300 million, Denzel Washington stands as a prominent American actor, screenwriter, producer, and director. For several decades, he has consistently been among the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, earning between $60-$80 million in a typical year of acting and producing.

His journey began in theater, where he honed his craft at the American Conservatory Theater, making significant advancements through off-Broadway performances. Washington’s breakthrough role in television emerged when he starred as Dr. Phillip Chandler in NBC’s “St. Elsewhere” between 1982 and 1988, making history as one of the few African-American actors featured in the show. He later moved to film, garnering critical acclaim and receiving numerous accolades.

Over the years, his diverse filmography has included a wide array of roles, earning him two Academy Awards: one for Best Supporting Actor in “Glory” (1989), portraying a defiant ex-slave soldier, and another for Best Actor for his role as a corrupt police officer in “Training Day” (2001). Notable Oscar-nominated performances include his work in films such as “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 has solidified his status as a leading man in films like “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990), “Philadelphia” (1993), “Inside Man” (2006), and the “The Equalizer” trilogy (2014–2023). His contributions to Broadway are notable as well, making his debut in “Checkmates” (1988) and winning a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his role in the revival of “Fences” (2010), which he later directed and starred in for the film adaptation.

Throughout his illustrious career, Washington has received numerous honors, including the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), the AFI Life Achievement Award (2019), and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2022). In 2020, he was recognized by The New York Times as the greatest actor of the 21st century.

When it comes to his five highest-grossing films at the worldwide box office, they 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

10 Film Salary Highlights

The following list highlights ten salaries that Denzel earned for some of his notable films. From these films alone, Denzel accumulated earnings exceeding $200 million (specifically, $203 million).

#10: Virtuosity (1995) – $7.5 million

In this science fiction movie featuring Washington and Russell Crowe, Denzel portrays a former cop who was incarcerated for the murder of the individual responsible for killing his family. Although the film received a mix of reviews, many believe both actors delivered award-winning performances. Regardless, Denzel earned $7.5 million for his role.

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

In Courage Under Fire, Denzel plays an army colonel who unintentionally caused the death of his friend during battle, exploring the complexities of death in warfare. This film features an ensemble cast including Meg Ryan, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Matt Damon, and garnered predominantly positive reviews. Denzel received $10 million for his performance.

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

This biographical film tells the story of boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter and his struggles during a 20-year prison sentence related to a triple homicide. The film received critical acclaim along with a number of accolades.

Washington earned $10 million for his role in the film, which marked one of the key achievements in his career.

#7: Fallen (1998) – $12 million

Although Fallen is a supernatural thriller that fans appreciate, it faced harsh criticism from reviewers. Critiques arose concerning the script’s plot holes and its erratic pacing, yet this did not prevent Denzel from securing $12 million for his performance in the film.

#6: The Siege (1998) – $12 million

In this thriller about the FBI’s efforts to unravel a terrorist conspiracy, Washington portrays “Special Agent Anthony Hubbard.” Featuring stars such as Bruce Willis and Annette Bening, the film garnered mixed reviews mainly due to concerns over the plot’s subject matter. Regardless, Washington’s performance was outstanding, earning him $12 million.

#5: Training Day (2001) – $12 million

This crime drama, which significantly shifted the types of roles Denzel would pursue thereafter, showcased his versatility. Training Day earned acclaim from critics and numerous awards, with Washington receiving $12 million for his portrayal of a morally ambiguous character.

#4: Out of Time (2003) – $20 million

Featuring performances from Eva Mendes and Sanaa Lathan, this thriller highlighted aspects of intrigue and allure. Garnering mostly favorable reviews, Washington was compensated $20 million for taking on the character of “Mathias Lee-Whitlock.”

#3: Man on Fire (2004) – $20 million

In this thriller, Washington plays an ex-CIA agent turned mercenary alongside Dakota Fanning. Entrusted with the protection of a 9-year-old named “Lupita,” Washington yet again delivered a commendable performance, amassing another $20 million.

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

Based on the tumultuous life of crime lord Frank Lucas, American Gangster presented a formidable test for Washington’s acting skills, which he met with remarkable success. This massive hit, along with its soundtrack, has earned classic status among many fans. In addition, Denzel was rewarded with $40 million for his starring performance!

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

For his work in “The Little Things” in 2021, Denzel was initially guaranteed an upfront payment of $20 million, with potential earnings expected to soar into tens of millions from lucrative back-end profit points. During the COVID lockdowns, Warner Media, the film’s distributor, opted to release the movie for free on HBO MAX. To compensate for his lost royalties, the company awarded Denzel a one-time bonus of $40 million.

Early Life

On December 28, 1954, Denzel Hayes Washington, Jr. came into the world in Mount Vernon, New York. When Denzel was 14, his parents, Lennis, who owned a beauty salon, and Denzel Washington, Sr., a Pentecostal minister and municipal worker, ended their marriage.

Following the divorce, Denzel’s mother decided to send him to Oakland Military Academy in New Windsor, New York. He would later express gratitude for that choice, claiming it saved his life. Before his departure to military school, he was on a troubling path alongside his closest friends, many of whom Washington revealed would eventually spend approximately 40 years in prison when reflecting in an interview with Parade Magazine.

Attending Fordham University in New York City, Denzel engaged in collegiate basketball. A semester was taken off to reflect on his future and determine a major. During this break, he worked at a YMCA camp for a summer. His talent in a camp performance left the audience and his peers so impressed that one encouraged him to pursue acting. When he returned to Fordham in the fall, he shifted his focus to drama and completed his BA in drama and journalism in 1977.

Early Career

Washington received a full-ride scholarship to the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco; however, after a year, he chose to return to New York to pursue acting professionally. Having previously appeared in multiple stage productions, his inaugural on-screen appearance happened in 1977 with the television movie Wilma. Following this, he undertook a series of smaller roles in both stage and screen productions, until he had a major breakthrough in 1982 when he was cast as Dr. Phillip Chandler in the influential medical drama St. Elsewhere, where he remained for the show’s full six-year run.

Success

His portrayal of South African anti-apartheid activist Stephen Biko in “Cry Freedom” (1987) earned him an Academy Award nomination, marking his ascension in Hollywood. This rise was confirmed by his Oscar-winning role in “Glory” (1989), wherein he depicted a defiant ex-slave soldier, captivating audiences with his intense performance.

The 1990s and 2000s saw Washington solidify his status as a Hollywood leading man greatly. He delivered remarkable performances across various roles, highlighting his talent for embodying complex characters with both depth and authenticity. His starring role in “Malcolm X” (1992) was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, resulting in another Academy Award nomination. After that, a string of box office successes followed, including “Philadelphia” (1993), “Remember the Titans” (2000), and “Training Day” (2001), the latter of which earned him his second Oscar.

Awards and Honors

In 1988, Washington earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his work in the anti-Apartheid film Cry Freedom, and the following year, he took home the award in the same category for Glory.

He received a Best Actor nomination for his role in Malcolm X in 1992, and again in 1999, he won a Golden Globe for The Hurricane. Finally, in 2002, he achieved the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Training Day,second African-American actor to win the Best Actor award is becoming Denzel Washington. That same year, he featured in the Disney football drama Remember the Titans, which generated over $100 million in box office revenue, earning him a Black Reel Award and an NAACP Image Award, both for Best Actor. In 2016, he received the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Globe Awards.

Among only eight actors nominated for an Academy Award across five different decades (’80s, ’90s, ’00s, ’10s, ’20s), Denzel Washington holds a distinguished position.

Despite not completing graduate school, the actor has been honored with three honorary doctorate degrees. The first was awarded in 1991 by his alma mater, Fordham University, in recognition of his impressive success in exploring the breadth of his multi-faceted talent. Morehouse College granted him an honorary Doctorate of Humanities in 2007, while the University of Pennsylvania honored him with an honorary Doctor of Arts degree in 2011.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded to Denzel Washington in July 2022.

Directing and Producing Career

Washington made his directorial debut in 2002 with Antwone Fisher and has since helmed The Great Debaters (2007) and Fences (2016). Additionally, he has produced various films, including The Book of Eli and The Equalizer, as well as several television programs. He is set to produce the upcoming film The Piano Lesson.

Personal Life

His career breakthrough came with the made-for-television sports drama Wilma, where Denzel met his future wife. He tied the knot with Pauletta Pearson in 1983, and they have four children together: John David, Katia, and twins Olivia and Malcolm.

A devout Christian, Washington has contemplated becoming a preacher at times, even pondering if he should abandon acting for a life in the church. Fortunately for his fans, he chose to remain in the film industry, although he maintains a daily Bible reading habit.

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

Philanthropy

Denzel Washington is known not only for his fame and substantial earnings but also for his generosity towards various worthy organizations. Since 1993, he has been the spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Club of America and has been a board member since 1995. He has made significant contributions to organizations such as 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 large mansion on an undeveloped plot in the upscale gated community of Beverly Park, located high in the hills of Beverly Hills. TheThe primary mansion covers an area of 30,000 square feet, while the guest house measures 5,000 square feet. Mark Wahlberg owns a home nearby that is somewhat similar in size. In April 2022, Mark listed his mansion for $87.5 million but eventually accepted an offer of $55 million in February 2023. Below is a photo of Denzel’s mansion taken just as construction wrapped up in late 1999:

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