Who Is Kerry Washington?
Kerry Washington, born in New York City on January 31, 1977, is a renowned actress who began her journey in the performing arts during her school years. As a young girl, she was passionate about acting and earned a degree in performance studies from George Washington University. After making her film debut in the 2000 movie Our Song, Washington quickly gained recognition for her roles in popular films such as Save the Last Dance and Bad Company.
Her career soared when she earned critical acclaim for her performances in the acclaimed films Ray, where she portrayed the wife of music legend Ray Charles, and The Last King of Scotland. In 2012, she took on the role of Olivia Pope in the hit TV series Scandal, which earned her multiple Emmy nominations and established her as a prominent figure in television. Furthermore, she showcased her versatility by playing lawyer Anita Hill in the 2016 HBO film Confirmation.
Husband and Kids
In June 2013, Kerry Washington married professional football player Nnamdi Asomugha. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Isabelle, in 2014, followed by a son, Caleb, in October 2016. Before marrying Asomugha, Washington was engaged to actor David Moscow, highlighting her journey through love and family alongside her successful career.
Washington often balances her professional commitments with her family life, showcasing that it’s possible to thrive in both personal and public spheres. Her dedication to her children and her husband illustrates her ability to juggle fame and family, making her a relatable figure for many fans.
Early Life and Parents
Kerry Washington is the daughter of a real estate broker and an education professor. Growing up in the South Bronx, she started taking ballet lessons at a young age, which fueled her interest in the performing arts. Interestingly, Washington once aspired to work with Shamu the whale at Sea World, believing it to be the best job ever, as she shared in an interview with Giant.
She attended the prestigious Spence School in Manhattan and was actively involved in school productions. Her passion for theater led her to win a scholarship to George Washington University, where she graduated with a degree in performance studies. This foundation set the stage for her illustrious acting career.
Movies and TV Shows
'Save the Last Dance' and 'Bad Company'
Kerry Washington's film career began to flourish with her breakout role in the 2001 teen drama Save the Last Dance, where she captivated audiences with her performance. Following this, she showcased her comedic talents in the action-comedy film Bad Company alongside Chris Rock and Anthony Hopkins in 2004. These films helped propel her into the spotlight and demonstrated her versatility as an actress.
'Ray' and 'She Hate Me'
In 2004, Washington played Della Bea Robinson in the biopic Ray, which was a pivotal moment in her career. Her performance earned her widespread acclaim, and she starred alongside Jamie Foxx, who won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Ray Charles. That same year, she also appeared in Spike Lee's She Hate Me, further solidifying her status in Hollywood.
'Fantastic Four' and 'The Last King of Scotland'
Washington ventured into the superhero genre with the 2005 film Fantastic Four, portraying Alicia Masters. The following year, she received accolades for her role in The Last King of Scotland, where she played the wife of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, showcasing her dramatic acting capabilities. During this period, she also appeared in the acclaimed TV series Boston Legal, demonstrating her range across different media.
'I Think I Love My Wife' and 'Lakeview Terrace'
In 2007, Washington collaborated with Chris Rock again in I Think I Love My Wife, taking on a more provocative role. She then starred in the thriller Lakeview Terrace (2008), where her character faced challenges in an interracial relationship. This film highlighted social themes and showcased her ability to tackle complex narratives.
'For Colored Girls'
In 2010, Washington joined an impressive cast in For Colored Girls, directed by Tyler Perry. The film, adapted from Ntozake Shange's play, featured several powerful performances and allowed Washington to explore significant social issues. This role further cemented her reputation as a serious actress willing to engage with profound themes.
'Django Unchained'
Washington's collaboration with Jamie Foxx continued in Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained (2012), where she portrayed Broomhilda von Shaft. Her character's journey resonated with audiences, and the film received critical acclaim. Following this, she appeared in the comedy-drama Peeples, showcasing her diverse range of acting skills.
'Scandal'
In 2012, Washington captivated television audiences with her role in the political drama Scandal, created by Shonda Rhimes. As Olivia Pope, she portrayed a "fixer" who navigated complex political scandals, earning her two Emmy nominations. This groundbreaking role made her a household name and inspired many with its portrayal of a strong, intelligent woman.
'Confirmation'
Washington's role in the 2016 HBO film Confirmation further showcased her talent. Portraying Anita Hill, she brought to life the challenging narrative of Hill's testimony against Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. Washington received both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her performance, highlighting her ability to engage with important historical issues.
'Live in Front of a Studio Audience' and 'Little Fires Everywhere'
In 2019, Washington participated in ABC's revival of The Jeffersons, showcasing her versatility in a nostalgic setting. The following year, she starred in the Hulu miniseries Little Fires Everywhere, where her character challenged societal norms and family dynamics. These projects further demonstrated her range as an actress and her commitment to impactful storytelling.
On Stage
Washington made her Broadway debut in 2009 with David Mamet's Race. This experience allowed her to connect with live audiences and further hone her acting skills. After the conclusion of Scandal, it was announced that she would return to Broadway to co-star in the play American Son, which was later adapted into a Netflix film in November 2019. Her transition from screen to stage highlights her dedication to the craft of acting.
Activism
Beyond her acting career, Kerry Washington is actively involved in various social and political causes. She is a member of the Creative Coalition and serves on the board of V-Day, an organization focused on ending violence against women. Washington’s support for President Barack Obama and her active campaigning underscore her commitment to using her platform for positive change.
Quick Facts
- Name: Kerry Washington
- Birth date: January 31, 1977
- Birth State: New York
- Birth City: Bronx
- Best Known For: Award-winning actress in films such as Ray, She Hate Me, The Last King of Scotland, and Django Unchained. Starred in the TV series Scandal.
- Astrological Sign: Aquarius
- Schools: Spence School, George Washington University
Quotes
Washington has shared her insights about acting and life. She believes, "I've played a lot of different kinds of people. What's important to me is whether or not the performance is true and real and acts as a reflection of the human experience in society." She also fondly recalls her childhood dream: "I wanted to work with Shamu at Sea World. I thought that was the best job in the world, to care for and feed dancing whales."
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