While everyone is (rightfully) discussing Denzel’s performance in “Gladiator II,” here at The Root we’re going to make sure to highlight the others in the Washington family who are making moves in Hollywood. We are learning more about Denzel and Pauletta’s sons John David and Malcolm as they promote “The Piano Lesson.”
John David, the most famous out of the children, graduated from Morehouse College and played for a short time in the NFL before pursuing a career in acting. In the last decade, he has appeared in several notable projects including “Ballers,” “BlacKkKlansman,” “Tenet,” and “Malcolm & Marie.”
Malcolm, the youngest son, initially seemed to also have a promising career in sports, as he was an accomplished basketball player in high school and played for one year at the University of Pennsylvania. But after graduating, he also pursued a career in film, but opted to stay behind the camera as a director and producer.
While the sons in the family have accomplished a lot, let’s not forget Denzel and Pauletta’s daughters Katia and Olivia, who are just as talented. Here are the things you didn’t know about them.
Born in Los Angeles
Both Katia and Olivia Washington were born and raised in Los Angeles, Calif. Katia, the oldest daughter was born on November 27, 1988. Olivia, the youngest daughter, was born on April 10, 1991.
College Educated
Katia is Ivy League educated, graduating from Yale University in 2010 with a degree in history. Olivia also opted to take her education to the East Coast but decided to attend NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she graduated with a degree in drama.
Worked on “Django Unchained” set
Denzel revealed in an October 2012 interview with GQ that his oldest daughter Katia, worked on the set of Quentin Tarantino’s award-winning film, “Django Unchained,” which won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
Married to a Woman named Colleen Wilson
Katia is married to Colleen Wilson, a former ballet dancer, who also happens to be 6-foot-4! The two recently popped out together at The Critics Choice Association’s 7th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television in Los Angeles.
Dancing dreams
Olivia grew up wanting to be a dancer and practiced ballet when she was young. She only started thinking about pursuing a career as an actor after working with her “aunt” LaTonya Richardson-Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson’s wife, according to the New York Amsterdam News.
Appeared in more than 20 Films and TV shows
While she may not be as famous as her father or even her older brother, John David, Olivia is an accomplished actress in her own right, appearing in more than 20 films and TV shows including “The Butler,” “The Little Things,” “Empire,” “Mr. Robot,” and “Chicago P.D.”
Twins with Malcolm Washington
Olivia is twins with Malcolm, the second oldest son in the Washington family. Malcolm is also in the film industry, recently directing the 2024 film “The Piano Lesson.”