This love story between Denzel and Pauletta Washington began many years ago after they spotted each other on two occasions. The first was in 1977; they had both been selected for roles in a film. Fresh out of college, Denzel appeared confident; he had been cast for the lead role.
But, despite being in the same film, they did not talk to each other. Six months later, an opportunity arose for them to become acquaintances. They had attended a party separately; Pauletta’s friend from Broadway invited them.
While partying, they realized they had like minds and shared much in common. Pauletta was mesmerized by Denzel’s interest in her viewpoint, while the latter could not keep his eyes off the attractive young woman, as she displayed an engaging personality.
That same day, their never-ending relationship and bond were set in motion. As if the heavens signed off on their love, the duo met again, this time in a theater. They had planned to see a play in a Manhattan theater individually.
Throughout the play, they sat next to each other, unknowingly. In the end, Pauletta and Denzel realized they had always been so close, watching the same play in the same theater! This was too much of a coincidence, and many years later, Pauletta still believed they were destined to meet, with her saying:
“Our whole introduction to each other felt like the heavens set it up.”
After their accidental theater meeting, Pauletta invited the actor to a cast party hosted by her friends. This was when their relationship deepened. Denzel felt relaxed enough to confess to his date that he did not have enough money for the cab much later, even though he asked that they ride in one to the venue.
Pauletta settled the cab fare but still found her new friend intriguing. Soon, their love blossomed into a romance, and a few years later, they tied the knot in a unique location: Newton, South Carolina, Pauletta’s hometown.
What appears like a straightforward romance tale was complicated. During a 2013 interview, the couple revealed how many attempts it took to walk down the aisle after more than two decades of marriage. The actor’s wife boldly joked that it took three tries before she finally said yes.
Although she never shared the reasons behind her refusals, when they finally wed on June 25, 1983, it was something they both wanted, and their marriage has since been treasured. They went on to have four kids, all of whom they adored and made intentional decisions to raise well.