Denzel Washington Says His 4 Kids Are His Proudest Accomplishment: 'What More Can You Ask For?'

11/19/2024 01:39 PM

The actor is a dad to John David, 40, Katia, 37, and twins Malcolm and Olivia, 33, whom he shares with wife Pauletta Washington

Denzel Washington couldn't be more proud of his four children.

While speaking with Esquire for their cover story published Tuesday, Nov. 19, the actor and producer, 69, opened up about his proudest accomplishment in life — and it has nothing to do with his long list of successful roles.

"When I think of what I'm proudest of, anything I've accomplished doesn't even come to mind," Washington said. "It's our children: They're good people. They know right from wrong. What else can you ask for, you know?"

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Related: Malcolm Washington on the 'Personal' Experience of Making The Piano Lesson with Dad Denzel and His Siblings (Exclusive)

The Training Day star is a dad to John David, 40, Katia, 37, and twins Malcolm and Olivia, 33, whom he shares with wife Pauletta Washington.

"That alone: All four of them, healthy and in their right mind. Enough said," he shared proudly. "Pauletta did a brilliant job with them. She taught them the right way."

"I came along for the ride. I taught by example — good and bad," he joked.

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In August, Malcolm debuted his first studio feature film, The Piano Lesson, alongside brother John David, who stars in the film, and sister Katia, who produced. When discussing the milestone, the proud dad of four told Esquire that he was "supposed to be one of the producers," but the kids didn't end up needing his guidance.

"When we were shooting, I'm supposed to be one of the producers, and I'm also their dad, but about two weeks in, I went home!" he shared, adding there was "nothing really for me to do."

"You know when you say something to the group and they give you a polite answer, like, 'Yeah, thanks, we're a little busy here. Thanks for the—okay, so where were we?' " he recalled of his time working on the movie.

"Even at the party after the screening and the Q&A, Pauletta and I were in the corner, just hanging out, watching Malcolm and John David and Katia just float around that room. Just soaring," he added.