Born on January 31, 1977, in the Bronx, New York, Kerry Washington has emerged as one of the most talented and influential actresses of her generation. Known for her grace, intelligence, and powerful performances, Washington has built an impressive body of work across film, television, and stage.
Her breakout role came in the 2004 biopic Ray, in which she portrayed Della Bea Robinson, the wife of legendary musician Ray Charles. She continued to demonstrate her range in The Last King of Scotland as Kay, the wife of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, and brought depth to the role of Alicia Masters in the Fantastic Four films (2005 and 2007). She also delivered moving performances in independent films such as Our Song and The Dead Girl.
In 2012, Washington gained widespread acclaim as the lead in the ABC political drama Scandal, created by Shonda Rhimes. Her portrayal of Olivia Pope—a former White House crisis management expert—was groundbreaking, earning her numerous award nominations and making her one of the most recognizable faces on television.
Washington’s most recent major film role was in Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained (2012), where she played Broomhilda von Shaft, the wife of the film’s protagonist. Her screen debut, however, dates back to 1994 in the ABC telefilm Magical Make-Over.
In addition to her successful acting career, Washington is deeply committed to activism and philanthropy. She has worked with organizations such as V-Day, which raises awareness about violence against women and girls, and has supported causes through Co-Op America (now Green America) and Adopt-a-Classroom in New York. In 2007, she participated in Lee National Denim Day to raise funds for women’s cancer research and support.
An outspoken advocate for civic engagement, Washington supported Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and spoke at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. In recognition of her achievements and commitment to social issues, she was honored with the NAACP President’s Award at the 44th NAACP Image Awards in 2013.
Kerry Washington continues to be a powerful voice in entertainment and beyond—respected for both her talent and her unwavering dedication to making a difference.