John David Washington Net Worth
Ava Arnold What is John David Washington’s Net Worth and Salary?
John David Washington, a former professional football player turned actor, has a net worth of $8 million. He is best known for his breakout role in Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman” as undercover detective Ron Stallworth. Washington has also been part of the main cast of the HBO series “Ballers” and has starred in films such as “Tenet,” “Malcolm & Marie,” “Beckett,” and “Canterbury Glass.”
Prior to his acting career, Washington played football for four years with the UFL’s Sacramento Mountain Lions.
Early Life
John David Washington was born on July 28, 1984 in Los Angeles, California as the eldest of four children of actor Denzel Washington and actress and singer Pauletta Washington.
Thanks to his father’s fame, he appeared in movies early on, with his first appearance being as a seven-year-old student in Spike Lee’s 1992 film “Malcolm X,” starring Denzel.
As a teen, Washington went to Campbell High School, where he lettered in basketball, football, and track. After graduating in 2002, he attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Washington played college football at Morehouse College where he set school records for both single-game and career rushing yards. He went undrafted in the 2006 NFL Draft and signed with the St. Louis Rams as a free agent. After being released, he played for the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe. He was eventually drafted by the UFL’s California Redwoods and played with the team for four years until the league folded in 2012.
Washington’s Role on “Ballers”
John David Washington’s first major acting role was on the HBO sports dramedy series “Ballers” in 2015. He played the lead role of Ricky Jerret, a highly competitive NFL player with a strong spiritual side. The show’s ensemble cast included Dwayne Johnson, Rob Corddry, Omar Miller, London Brown, and Jazmyn Simon. Washington remained on “Ballers” for all five seasons until its conclusion in 2019.
John David Washington’s Film Career
Washington began his film career in 2017 with his first performance in the musical drama “Love Beats Rhymes.” In 2018, he appeared in four films, including “BlacKkKlansman,” which earned him SAG and Golden Globe Award nominations for his portrayal of real-life detective Ron Stallworth. He went on to star in Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet,” and in 2021, he starred in the COVID-19 pandemic-made film “Malcolm & Marie” and the action thriller “Beckett.” Washington has also appeared in films such as “Canterbury Glass” and “True Love.”
Washington to Star in Broadway Revival and Film Adaptation of “The Piano Lesson”
In 2022, it was announced that John David Washington would take on the role of Boy Willie in a Broadway revival of August Wilson’s play “The Piano Lesson.” Joining him on stage will be Samuel L. Jackson and Danielle Brooks, with LaTanya Richardson Jackson directing. The same cast has also announced plans to star in a film adaptation of the play.
John David Washington’s Personal Life
Washington is known for being private about his personal life. He has discussed his past romantic relationships only in general terms. Despite being a successful actor, he has faced challenges in finding and maintaining intimate partnerships.
