Isaiah Washington Net Worth

What is Isaiah Washington’s Net Worth? A Look at His Career and Controversies

Isaiah Washington is an actor known for his roles in film and television. He rose to prominence in the early 2000s, but his career has been marked by both success and controversy. This article delves into Isaiah Washington’s net worth, career highlights, personal life, and the events that have shaped his public image.

Early Life and Education

Isaiah Washington IV was born on August 3, 1963, in Houston, Texas. Growing up, his childhood was marked by tragedy, as his father was murdered when Isaiah was just 13 years old. He attended Willowridge High School. At 19, he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, followed by two years at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Washington later pursued higher education, attending Howard University.

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Film Career

Washington’s film career began in 1991 with a small role in the comedy “Strictly Business.” He subsequently collaborated with director Spike Lee on several films, including “Crooklyn” (1994), “Clockers,” “Girl 6,” and “Get on the Bus.” His filmography encompasses a diverse range of genres, from dramas like “Stonewall” and “Dead Presidents” to action films like “Romeo Must Die” and “Exit Wounds.” He also starred in the direct-to-video releases “Hood Rat,” “Wild Things 2,” and “Trois: The Escort.” His film work also includes caper comedies, horror films, and Westerns. In 2022, he made his directorial debut with the Western film “Corsicana,” where he also took on the roles of co-writer and lead actor.

Key Film Appearances:

• Crooklyn (1994)
• Romeo Must Die (2000)
• Exit Wounds (2001)
• Corsicana (2022) – Director, Writer, Actor

(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

Television Career

Washington’s television career began concurrently with his film work. He had a guest appearance on “Law & Order” in 1991 and joined the cast of the soap opera “Loving” the following year. His television credits include roles in “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “NYPD Blue,” and several television films, including “Soul of the Game” and “Joe Torre: Curveballs Along the Way.” He had recurring roles on “New York Undercover” and “Living Single.”

His most notable television role came in 2005 when he was cast as Dr. Preston Burke in the hit medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.” He received critical acclaim and won two NAACP Image Awards for his performance. However, his tenure on the show ended after three seasons due to controversy. He later made a guest appearance in the tenth season in 2014.

Following his departure from “Grey’s Anatomy,” Washington starred in the science-fiction series “The 100” from 2014 to 2018. He has also appeared in “Blue Bloods,” “Bull,” and “P-Valley.” In 2020, he hosted the travel and cooking show “Isaiah Washington: Kitchen Talk” on Fox Nation.

Key Television Appearances:

• Grey’s Anatomy (2005-2007, 2014)
• The 100 (2014-2018)
• P-Valley (2020, 2022)

Personal Life and Controversies

Washington has been involved in several controversies throughout his career. One of the most significant was his use of a homophobic slur directed toward his “Grey’s Anatomy” co-star T. R. Knight. This incident led to his firing from the show and significantly impacted his public image. The actor has been vocal about his ancestry, tracing his roots back to West Africa through a genealogical DNA test. He was granted full Sierra Leonean citizenship, becoming the first African-American to receive it based on DNA evidence. Washington frequently travels to Sierra Leone to support various charitable causes, including donating medical supplies and building schools.

Net Worth and Financial Disputes

Isaiah Washington’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000. In 2009, he faced a landlord dispute in Venice, California, with allegations of owing $100,000 in unpaid rent. The dispute led to a lawsuit and potential eviction proceedings.

Conclusion

Isaiah Washington’s career has been characterized by success in both film and television, but also marked by controversy. Despite the setbacks, he remains a working actor with a dedicated fanbase. His journey reflects the complexities of the entertainment industry and the impact of personal choices on one’s career trajectory. His contributions to film and television, along with his philanthropic efforts, continue to shape his legacy.