Denzel Washington Net Worth (Money & Salary)
Title: Denzel Washington Net Worth (Money & Salary)
Last Updated: January 11, 2025
What is Denzel Washington’s Net Worth and Salary?
With a net worth of $300 million, Denzel Washington is a prominent American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter. He has consistently been among the highest-paid actors in Hollywood for many years. In a typical year of acting and producing, his earnings comfortably range between $60 million to $80 million.
Beginning his journey in theater after training at the American Conservatory Theater, Denzel made notable advancements with performances off-Broadway. His significant television breakthrough occurred when he portrayed Dr. Phillip Chandler on NBC’s “St. Elsewhere” from 1982 to 1988, a landmark role as one of the few African-American actors on the show. He subsequently transitioned to film, garnering critical acclaim and numerous accolades.
His filmography features a wide array of roles, which earned him two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for “Glory” (1989), where he played a rebellious ex-slave soldier, and Best Actor for his role as a corrupt policeman in “Training Day” (2001). His performances have garnered Oscar nominations for 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).
Among films like “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990), “Philadelphia” (1993), “Inside Man” (2006), and the “The Equalizer” trilogy (2014–2023), Washington has firmly established himself as a leading man. He also made a mark on Broadway, debuting in “Checkmates” (1988) and winning a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for the revival of “Fences” (2010), a play for which he later directed and appeared in during its film adaptation.
The accomplishments of Denzel Washington have earned him accolades like the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), the AFI Life Achievement Award (2019), and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2022). In 2020, the New York Times recognized him as the greatest actor of the 21st century.
The five films of Denzel Washington that have grossed the highest worldwide at the box office 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
Presented below is a compilation of 10 salaries that Denzel earned from some of his prominent films. Collectively, these ten films brought in over $200 million for him (specifically $203 million).
#10: Virtuosity (1995) – $7.5 million
In this science fiction film, Denzel portrays a former police officer incarcerated for taking the life of the man who murdered his family, alongside Russell Crowe. Despite its mixed to negative critical reception, some argue that both actors delivered performances worthy of accolades. Regardless, Denzel earned $7.5 million for his role in the film.
#9: Courage Under Fire (1996) – $10 million
Starring as an army colonel who inadvertently caused his friend’s death during battle, Courage Under Fire is a film that explores the intricate realities of death in war. Featuring actors such as Meg Ryan, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Matt Damon, the film was generally well-received, and Denzel was compensated with $10 million for his performance.
#8: The Hurricane (1999) – $10 million
This biographical film narrates the life of boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter during his 20-year imprisonment for a triple homicide. The movie was met with critical acclaim and multiple accolades, as well as a number of
A defining career moment for Washington, he received $10 million for his role in the film, highlighting his numerous awards and accolades.
#7: Fallen (1998) – $12 million
The supernatural thriller Fallen received a mix of fan enjoyment and critical disdain. Critics pointed out plot holes and script inconsistencies, leading to overall negative reviews; however, this didn’t deter Denzel from earning $12 million in his starring role.
#6: The Seige (1998) – $12 million
This thriller follows the FBI as they attempt to unravel a terrorist conspiracy, with Washington portraying “Special Agent Anthony Hubbard.” Featuring talents such as Bruce Willis and Annette Bening, the film garnered mixed reviews primarily due to its sensitive subject matter. Still, Washington’s exceptional performance earned him $12 million.
#5: Training Day (2001) – $12 million
#4: Out of Time (2003) – $20 million
This thriller, featuring Eva Mendes and Sanaa Lathan, added a level of intrigue and allure. With mostly positive reviews, Washington was rewarded with a $20 million salary for his role as “Mathias Lee-Whitlock.”
#3: Man on Fire (2004) – $20 million
In this thriller, Washington plays an ex-CIA agent who becomes a mercenary tasked with protecting a 9-year-old named “Lupita,” sharing the screen with Dakota Fanning. He once again delivered a remarkable performance, earning another $20 million in the process.
#2: American Gangster (2007) – $40 million
As a biographical film detailing the turbulent life of crime boss Frank Lucas, American Gangster challenged Washington’s acting skills, which he exceeded brilliantly. The film became a hit, and both the movie and its soundtrack are now considered classics by many. Washington’s portrayal earned him a staggering $40 million!
#1: The Little Things (2021) – $60 million
For “The Little Things” in 2021, Denzel secured a base salary of $20 million, with expectations of earning significantly more through backend profits. Amid COVID lockdowns that year, Warner Media, the studio behind the film, opted to release it for free on HBO MAX. To compensate for his lost earnings, Warner granted Denzel a substantial one-time bonus of $40 million.
(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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Early Life
Born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York, Denzel Hayes Washington, Jr. grew up as the son of beauty salon owner Lennis and Denzel Washington, Sr., a Pentecostal minister and municipal worker; his parents divorced when he was 14 years old.
Following the divorce, Denzel’s mother enrolled him in Oakland Military Academy located in New Windsor, New York. He would later express gratitude for this decision, believing it saved his life. Prior to attending military school, he and his closest friends were on a detrimental path. In an interview with Parade Magazine, Washington revealed that those friends eventually served a combined total of about 40 years in prison.
Washington furthered his education at Fordham University in New York City, where he engaged in collegiate basketball. He took a semester off to reflect on his future and determine what his major should be. During that interim, he spent a summer working at a YMCA camp. His remarkable performance in a talent show at the camp left a lasting impression on both campers and staff, leading one colleague to suggest he explore acting. Upon returning to Fordham that fall, he began his drama studies and graduated in 1977 with a BA in drama and journalism.
Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images
Early Career
Washington received a full-ride scholarship to the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, but after a year, he decided to return to New York to pursue a professional acting career. Having previously appeared in various stage productions, his first on-screen debut occurred in 1977 with the made-for-television movie Wilma. Following that were several minor stage and screen roles, but his major breakthrough came in 1982 when he secured a role in the acclaimed medical drama St. Elsewhere, where he portrayed Dr. Phillip Chandler throughout the show’s six-year run.
Success
His role in “Cry Freedom” (1987) as South African anti-apartheid activist Stephen Biko brought Washington an Academy Award nomination, marking the beginning of his ascent in Hollywood. This rise was further cemented by his Academy Award-winning portrayal in “Glory” (1989), where he depicted a defiant ex-slave soldier with an electrifying intensity that captivated audiences.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Washington’s prominence as a leading man in Hollywood expanded significantly. He showcased his capacity to inhabit intricate characters through powerful performances across various roles. His portrayal of Malcolm X in the film of the same name (1992) achieved both critical and commercial acclaim, earning him another Academy Award nomination. Following this, he starred in a string of box office successes, including “Philadelphia” (1993), “Remember the Titans” (2000), and “Training Day” (2001), the latter earning him his second Oscar.
Awards and Honors
In 1988, Washington received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in the film “Cry Freedom”, and he won the same award in 1989 for his stellar performance in “Glory”.
In 1992, he garnered a Best Actor nomination for his performance in “Malcolm X”, and in 1999, he was nominated once again, winning a Golden Globe for “The Hurricane”. Finally, in 2002, he achieved recognition by winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Training Day”,
“`actor and his spouse designed the mansion with unique specifications, ensuring it met their lifestyle needs. In this upscale gated community, they enjoyed the privacy and security it offered. Later, they expanded their real estate portfolio by acquiring multiple properties and further investments in the Los Angeles area.
Washington’s Beverly Park mansion features numerous luxurious amenities, including a home theater, gym, and pool, showcasing his penchant for comfort and entertainment. Over the years, as real estate values soared, Denzel’s properties have significantly appreciated, contributing to his impressive net worth.
Additionally, he has made strategic real estate moves, selling some properties while acquiring others, reflecting his astute understanding of the market. This has allowed Washington not only to enjoy his wealth but also to secure his family’s future financially.
The primary mansion covers an impressive 30,000 square feet, while the guest house has an area of 5,000 square feet. Nearby, Mark Wahlberg owns a home that is somewhat similar in size. In April 2022, Mark listed his mansion for $87.5 million but ended up accepting $55 million in February 2023. Here is a photo of Denzel’s mansion just as construction was finished in late 1999:
(Photo By James Aylott/Getty Images)
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 property was sold by HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, one of the many grandchildren of the late Saudi Arabian King Faisal.
Denzel Washington Net Worth (Money & Salary)
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The data is sourced from 2023 and 2024, and projections extend to 2025 and 2026. We have also broadened the forecast to include 2027 and 2028.
* This information was taken from various sources around the world, including these countries:
Australia, Canada, USA, UK, UAE, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, US, United Kingdom, United States of America, Malaysia, U.S., South Africa, New Zealand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan.
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bouvet Island, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi.
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Islands), Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Croatia (Hrvatska), Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic.
Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, Metropolitan, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories.
Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Heard and McDonald Islands, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy.
Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg.
Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar.
Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand (NZ), Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway.
Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe.
Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Helena, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria.
Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), UK (United Kingdom), USA (United States of America, U.S.), US Minor Outlying Islands.
Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City State (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands (British), Virgin Islands (US), Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Sahara, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Post Title: Denzel Washington Net Worth (Money & Salary)
Last Updated: January 11, 2025
