Denzel Washington is often considered one of the greatest actors of the 21st century, with two Oscars and multiple other accolades under his belt, but this isn’t his biggest accomplishment. He recently shared a rare insight into his life as a parent and said that being a father to his four children is his most successful role.
Washington set down with Esquire to discuss some of his recent projects, including Gladiator II and The Piano Lesson, the directorial debut of his son Malcolm Washington, which he produced. He reflected on attending the film’s premiere in Toronto with his entire family and said nothing compares with the moment of being on that stage with his children.
Washington shares four kids with his wife of over 40 years, Pauletta Pearson. John David Washington is a successful actor whose credits include BlacKkKlansman and Tenet, while Katia produced several films, including The Piano Lesson. Their younger brother Malcolm is an aspiring director, while his twin sister Olivia has several acting credits under her belt, including the TV series I’m a Virgo.
Washington described his children as his proudest accomplishment in his recent Esquire article, and said he did his best to be there for them, flying home from movie sets when his family needed him.
“When I think of what I’m proudest of, anything I’ve accomplished doesn’t even come to mind. It’s our children: They’re good people. They know right from wrong… All four of them, healthy and in their right mind. Enough said. Pauletta did a brilliant job with them. She taught them the right way,” wrote Washington.