Kerry Marisa Washington
- Born:
- January 31, 1977, The Bronx, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actress, Producer, Director
Early Life and Education
- Washington attended Spence School in New York City.
- She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from George Washington University in 1998 with a double major in anthropology and sociology.
- She also studied at the Michael Howard Studios in New York City.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her acting career in the late 1990s with roles in television and independent films.
- Gained wider recognition for her roles in films such as Save the Last Dance (2001) and Ray (2004).
- Starred as Olivia Pope in the ABC drama series Scandal (2012-2018), receiving critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.
- Became the first African-American woman to headline a network television drama since 1974.
- Executive producer of several projects, including American Son and Little Fires Everywhere.
- Made her directorial debut with an episode of Scandal in 2016.
Notable Works
| Year | Title | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Save the Last Dance | Chenille | Film |
| 2004 | Ray | Della Bea Robinson | Film |
| 2005 | Mr. & Mrs. Smith | Jasmine | Film |
| 2012-2018 | Scandal | Olivia Pope | Television Series |
| 2019 | American Son | Kendra Ellis-Connor | Television Film |
| 2020 | Little Fires Everywhere | Mia Warren | Television Miniseries |
Legacy and Impact
Kerry Washington has significantly impacted the entertainment industry by breaking barriers for African-American actresses in leading roles. Her work as an actress, producer, and director has earned her critical acclaim and numerous accolades. Information on the work of Kerry Washington may be found using resources similar to the "kerry washington imdb biography" entry.