Golden Globes 2019 nominee John David Washington's life is a tutorial on how to carve a career for yourself away from your famous parents

Blackkklansman star John David Washington’s greatest blessing in his career may possibly be that he looks like his mother Pauletta rather than his more recognizable father, Denzel Washington. 

John David Washington may not be a name you've heard too many times, but be prepared to hear it a lot more, now that he has bagged a Golden Globe nomiation (and definitely deserved a win) for his role as Detective Ron Stallworth in ‘Blackkklansman’. The actor who first caught our attention in HBO’s ‘Ballers’ and later as the lead in the scathingly satirical ‘Blackkklansman’ may have a looked a little familiar to you, but Washington’s greatest blessing in his career may possibly be that he looks more like his mother Pauletta rather than his more recognizable father, Denzel Washington. 

Despite the weighty legacy of Denzel, Washington has been able to create a niche for himself in Hollywood with roles that have made people stop and take a minute to actually find out who the actor is. Surprise, surprise, it’s Denzel’s son. Then you go back and listen to Washington speak again, and you chastise yourself for not realizing it sooner.  
Voice quality aside, Washington’s performance and dialogue delivery are all too different for this to be gnawing at you while watching him in action. However, we are thankful that he has inherited his father’s inherent likability, which is something that landed Washington his career-launching role on ‘Ballers.’

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

James Gunn responds to studio interference rumors surrounding ‘Man of Tomorrow’ following his departure from DC Studios’ leadership.
2026-11-14T17:38:38.000Z
Margot Robbie is set to star in ‘The Week of Pain,’ a new film from A24 and ‘The Drama’ director Kristoffer Borgli.
2026-11-14T02:51:29.000Z
Christian Cousins' brother pays tribute to the former child star, who appeared in 'Kindergarten Cop' alongside his twin brother Joey
2026-11-13T17:23:35.000Z
Jason Voorhees is returning to the big screen with franchise veteran Steve Miner stepping behind the camera
2026-11-13T13:00:02.000Z
Johnny Depp brings a darker, horror-inspired take on Charles Dickens' beloved Christmas classic to the big screen.
2026-11-13T09:02:22.000Z
The trailer introduces Nero, a cat navigating the feline-run underworld of Venice
2026-11-13T04:23:14.000Z
Ryan Reynolds used a ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ clip to respond to ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ rumors
2026-11-13T03:38:59.000Z
The upcoming film 'What Doesn’t Kill Us' will move forward with a personal tribute to the late 'Godzilla' actress.
2026-11-12T20:18:37.000Z
Marvel is bringing an updated version of 'Avengers: Endgame' to Disney+, giving fans a revisit to Infinity Saga finale ahead of 'Avengers: Doomsday'.
2026-11-11T14:18:27.000Z
Paris Hilton and Julia Fox join as Olivia Rodrigo unveils her first Christmas single in Prime Video’s ‘Clashing Through the Snow’ trailer
2026-11-11T11:43:35.000Z