Denzel Washington Marveled at the ‘Miracle’ of Raising His Now 32-Year-Old Twins Who Followed in His Footsteps

• Denzel Washington is not only a successful actor but also a proud father of four children, including 32-year-old twins Malcolm and Olivia.
• The Oscar-winning star considers raising his twins, who followed in his footsteps in the entertainment industry, a "miracle."
• Denzel credits his children's good upbringing to his wife Pauletta, who has been his partner for over 39 years.

Denzel Washington is one of the most acclaimed and respected actors in Hollywood. He has won two Oscars, three Golden Globes, and a Tony Award for his performances in films such as "Glory," "Training Day," and The Hurricane," and the plays "Fences," and "The Iceman Cometh."

He is also a director, producer, and philanthropist who supports various causes and charities. But aside from his impressive career, Denzel is also a devoted family man who has been married to his wife, Pauletta Washington, since 1983.

The Washingtons' Family Business

The couple is the proud force behind four children: John David, Katia, and twins Malcolm and Olivia. Denzel has often praised his wife and children for their love and support and has shared his joy and pride for their achievements.

All four Washington children have ventured into the entertainment industry, following in their father's illustrious footsteps. But despite their Hollywood status, Denzel emphasizes that their family lives a normal life away from the spotlight.

He attributes this grounded approach to his children, acknowledging them for keeping him humble. Over the years, Denzel has not only imparted his own wisdom to his kids but has also been a guide through life's challenges.

The veteran actor credits his wife, Pauletta, for the upbringing of their four children. In a 2010 interview, he highlighted the values she instilled in their children, stating:

"My children are good people. They are not perfect, but they are generous and humble, and kind. My wife did that."

His youngest, twins Malcolm and Olivia, 32, are a great source of pride for their father. In 2017, as the iconic actor George Clooney and his lawyer wife Amal were preparing to welcome their twins, Denzel humorously shared valuable advice with them.

He emphasized the challenges and beauty that come with parenting twins, and proudly declared, "We have twins, and they're grown now, but it's a miracle."

Malcolm Washington's Multifaceted Career

Born alongside his twin sister Olivia on April 10, 1991, Malcolm has navigated the corridors of both academia and athleticism. A standout athlete during his high school years, Malcolm not only excelled in basketball but also earned accolades that foreshadowed his potential in his after-school endeavors.

His achievements, including first-team all-league, Academic All-American, and the 2009 Windward Winter Classic Tournament MVP, showcased not only his sporting prowess but also his commitment to academic excellence.

Continuing his father's legacy— Denzel once played basketball at Fordham University—Malcolm attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he not only pursued film studies but also showcased his skills on the university's basketball team.

With a dynamic energy reminiscent of his father's playing days, Malcolm carved a niche as the "pesky" player, bringing spunk to the court. While Denzel initially considered a career in medicine during his college years, he found his true calling on the stage, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the film industry.

Malcolm, too, took a multifaceted approach, delving into film production, direction, and even trying his hand as an actor. From producing "Summer of 17" to directing "Benny Got Shot" and "The Piano Lesson," Malcolm has left an indelible mark, carrying the torch of his father's multifaceted career.

A Father's Endorsement

Parallel to her twin brother's journey, Olivia, born on the same auspicious day in 1991, embarked on a trajectory of artistic exploration, enrolling at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

In 2013, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in drama, setting the stage for her venture into the entertainment industry. Much like her siblings and famous parents, Olivia chose a path in the entertainment industry as an actress.

Reflecting on her upbringing, she revealed in a May 2015 interview that she grew up with an innate artistic inclination, often engaging in activities like dancing and playing the piano. Despite her initial shyness, these forms of expression became vehicles for her to embrace new experiences.

Olivia's trajectory toward acting took a decisive turn during her junior year in high school when she collaborated with family friend LaTanya Richardson-Jackson. The experience crystallized her passion for acting, prompting her to focus on honing her craft.

Dispelling assumptions about a childhood consumed by the entertainment industry, Olivia describes her upbringing as surprisingly normal. Despite having parents deeply entrenched in Hollywood, she attended school, engaged in after-school activities, and enjoyed a childhood that mirrored that of her peers.

Olivia's journey as an actress has been both varied and impressive. She has graced the screens in notable television series like "Empire," "Madoff," and "Mr. Robot." Her filmography also includes roles in movies such as "The Little Things," "A Holiday in Harlem," "The Tragedy of Macbeth," and Lee Daniels' "The Butler."

Venturing into theater, she has contributed to plays like "The Glass Menagerie" and "Clybourne Park." One of her standout achievements is her role in "Breaking" (formerly known as 892), which earned her a Sundance Film Festival Special Jury Award for the best ensemble cast.

Her talent has not gone unnoticed, receiving the stamp of approval from her father. In a January 2021 interview, Denzel spoke glowingly about Olivia's acting skills, garnering attention and accolades in the industry.

Denzel's acknowledgment reached a broader audience after he was named the Greatest Actor of the 21st Century. During an interview where a clip of John David praising him for the recognition was shown, Denzel, speechless at first, singled out Olivia, saying "Watch out for his sister. His sister's a great actor, Olivia Washington."

This endorsement adds another layer to Olivia's burgeoning career, solidifying her status as a promising talent in Hollywood.

Denzel is a man who has achieved a lot in his life, but he never forgets what his biggest achievement is: his family. He is not afraid to share with the world how proud he is as a father to his four children, who have grown up to be successful and happy in their own right.

He is a role model for many and has proven that it is possible to have both a fulfilling career and a beautiful family.