# Kerry Washington > American actress **Wikidata**: [Q232104](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q232104) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerry_Washington) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kerry-washington ## Summary Kerry Washington is an American actress known for her versatile performances in film, television, and theater. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Olivia Pope in the ABC drama series *Scandal*, which became a cultural phenomenon. Her work spans critically acclaimed films, Broadway stages, and advocacy for social justice, establishing her as a significant figure in contemporary American entertainment. ## Biography - Born: January 31, 1977 - Nationality: United States - Education: George Washington University, with a degree in anthropology - Known for: Starring in *Scandal* and advocating for social justice - Employer(s): ABC (Scandal), HBO (Confirmation), Broadway (Agnes of God) - Field(s): Acting, producing, voice acting, activism ## Contributions Kerry Washington has made significant contributions to American entertainment and social advocacy. Her portrayal of Olivia Pope in *Scandal* (2012–2018) redefined the role of Black women in television, earning her critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy nomination. She also starred in the HBO film *Confirmation* (2016), which dramatized the contentious Supreme Court nomination hearings of Justice Clarence Thomas. In addition to her on-screen work, Washington has produced content through her production company, Simpson Street, and has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and racial justice. ## FAQs ### What is Kerry Washington best known for? Kerry Washington is best known for her starring role as Olivia Pope in the ABC political drama *Scandal*, which aired from 2012 to 2018. She also gained acclaim for her performance in the HBO film *Confirmation* (2016) and her work on Broadway in *Agnes of God*. ### Where has Kerry Washington worked? She has worked across major entertainment platforms, including ABC (Scandal), HBO (Confirmation), and Broadway (Agnes of God). She has also been involved in film, voice acting, and television production. ### What awards has Kerry Washington received? Kerry Washington has received several awards, including the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year, the GLAAD Vanguard Award, and the Women of the Year award from Time Magazine. She has also been honored with the Lucy Award and the Entrepreneur in Entertainment Award. ### What is Kerry Washington's educational background? She graduated from George Washington University with a degree in anthropology. She also studied at the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, D.C. ### What social causes is Kerry Washington involved in? Kerry Washington is actively involved in social justice, particularly in the areas of women's rights and racial equality. She has used her platform to advocate for marginalized communities and has been recognized for her efforts with several awards. ## Why They Matter Kerry Washington has redefined the representation of Black women in Hollywood through her powerful performances and advocacy work. Her role in *Scandal* not only broke new ground for African American actresses but also influenced public discourse on race, gender, and power. As a producer and activist, she has also contributed to broader conversations about equity and inclusion in the entertainment industry and beyond. ## Notable For - Starring as Olivia Pope in *Scandal*, a groundbreaking role for a Black woman in American television - Producing content through her company Simpson Street - Receiving the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year award - Being honored with the GLAAD Vanguard Award for LGBTQ+ advocacy - Portraying Anita Hill in the HBO film *Confirmation* (2016) - Advocating for women's rights and racial justice - Graduating from George Washington University with a degree in anthropology - Studying at the Corcoran College of Art and Design - Being a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society ## Body ### Early Life and Education Kerry Washington was born on January 31, 1977, in the United States. She pursued higher education at George Washington University, where she earned a degree in anthropology. During her time at GWU, she also studied at the Corcoran College of Art and Design, an institution affiliated with the university. Her academic background laid the foundation for her deep engagement with social and cultural issues, which later influenced her career choices. ### Career Washington's career began in the mid-1990s, and she quickly established herself as a versatile actress. Her early work included roles in independent films and theater, including a performance in *Agnes of God* on Broadway. However, it was her portrayal of Olivia Pope in *Scandal* that catapulted her to international fame. The show, which aired on ABC from 2012 to 2018, was groundbreaking for its representation of a Black woman in a leading role and earned Washington critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy nomination. In addition to *Scandal*, Washington starred in the HBO film *Confirmation* (2016), where she played Anita Hill, a role that further showcased her dramatic range. She has also been involved in producing through her company Simpson Street, which focuses on diverse storytelling and social justice themes. ### Advocacy and Recognition Beyond her acting career, Washington is a committed advocate for social justice. She has used her platform to speak out on issues such as racial equality, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Her efforts have been recognized with several awards, including the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year, the GLAAD Vanguard Award, and the Women of the Year award from Time Magazine. ### Contributions to the Arts Washington's contributions to the arts extend beyond acting. She has been involved in various creative projects, including voice acting and producing. Her work in *Scandal* and *Confirmation* has been particularly influential, highlighting the importance of representation in media and the power of storytelling to drive social change. ### Legacy Kerry Washington's legacy is marked by her commitment to excellence in acting and her advocacy for social justice. Her roles have not only entertained but also inspired and educated audiences. Through her work, she has helped to reshape the narrative around Black women in Hollywood and has paved the way for future generations of actors and activists. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. BnF authorities 3. datos.bne.es 4. [WIF Awards Retrospective. 2020](https://womeninfilm.org/updates/wif-awards-retrospective/) 5. [Women of the Year](https://time.com/collection/women-of-the-year/) 6. International Standard Name Identifier 7. IMDb 8. Internet Broadway Database 9. filmportal.de 10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 11. Virtual International Authority File 12. [Source](https://time.com/3111965/here-are-the-27-best-celebrity-ice-bucket-challenge-videos/) 13. IdRef 14. CONOR.SI 15. BBC Things 16. MusicBrainz 17. Library of Congress Control Number 18. X 19. The Movie Database 20. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/kerry-washington-107aDtvQ16/appearances)