Denzel Washington has an enviable actor, director, and producer career. The two-time Academy Award winner has appeared in over 50 films, including the recently released “Gladiator II,” while also serving as a director and producer for films such as “The Piano Lesson.” However, there was once a moment in Washington’s career when his ability to earn income made him choose less-than-desirable roles.
“After ‘Malcolm X’ I made some real clunkers. Look them up — I won’t say their names,” he said in a recent interview with The Times of London. “However, I say, if you type his name into Google, one of the most common questions is “Is there a bad Denzel Washington movie?” “They are all in the 1990s. But I was earning. I had responsibilities.”
Paying the Bills
Washington is currently worth a reported $300 million but in the 1990s, Washington’s star was on the rise. In the previous decade, he’d gone from a television actor, starring on the television series “St. Elsewhere” to winning his first Oscar nod with the film “Glory.” He started the decade off appearing in Spike Lee’s film “Mo Better Blues” and “Mississippi Masala.” And in 1992, his portrayal of Black nationalist leader, Malcolm X, earned him another Oscar nomination. Although Washington did not win, the role cemented him as a coveted Hollywood actor.
Yet as Washington’s star continued to rise, so did his expenses. After marrying fellow thespian Pauletta Pearson, Washington had four children, which led him to take on roles in not-so-classic films.
“So in that era I was earning. With a great agent, my career built into making money and so the earning kicked in and then life also kicked in, with bills, four kids and a house…” he shared.
Throughout the 1990s, Washington appeared in 15 films, earning over $50 million. Notable films such as “Philadelphia” were blockbusters, earning $206 million at the box office. Other Washington classics include varied roles in films such as “Devil In A Blue Dress,” “Crimson Tide,” “The Preacher’s Wife,” and “He Got Game.”
Yet other films that can be considered ‘clunkers,’ include the comedy Heart Condition, sci-fi thriller Virtuosity, and dramatic thrillers such as “Fallen,” “The Pelican Brief,” and “The Siege.” While these were not Washington’s best movies–some were great earners for the actor. For instance, he earned $12 million for “The Siege” and “Fallen,” while “Virtuosity” was a $7.5 million paycheck.
