Kerry Marisa Washington was born on January 31, 1977, in the Bronx, New York City. Her mother, Valerie, is a professor of education, and her father, Earl Washington, is a real estate broker. She attended Spence School in Manhattan, graduating in 1994. Washington earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology and sociology from George Washington University in 1998. She also studied at the Michael Howard Studios in New York City.
Washington began her professional acting career in the late 1990s, with roles in television shows and independent films. Her early work included appearances in series like “Law & Order” and “NYPD Blue.” She gained recognition for her performances in films such as “Save the Last Dance” (2001) and “The Human Stain” (2003).
Washington’s career gained significant momentum with her role as Della Bea Robinson in the biographical film “Ray” (2004), earning her wider critical acclaim. She continued to build her reputation with roles in films like “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005), “The Last King of Scotland” (2006), and “Miracle at St. Anna” (2008).
Her most prominent role came with the television series “Scandal” (2012-2018), where she played Olivia Pope, a crisis management expert. This role earned her widespread recognition, critical acclaim, and multiple award nominations, including Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Following “Scandal,” Washington continued to work in both television and film, including roles in “Confirmation” (2016) for HBO, where she portrayed Anita Hill, and the Hulu miniseries “Little Fires Everywhere” (2020), which she also executive produced.
Washington has received numerous awards and nominations for her acting work. She has won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special for “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: ‘All in the Family’ and ‘Good Times’.” She has also received a Screen Actors Guild Award for