Kerry Washington Biography: Husband, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Movies & TV Shows

Kerry Washington is an acclaimed American actress, producer, and director, celebrated for her powerful performances in television and film, most notably as Olivia Pope in Scandal.

A trailblazer in Hollywood, she has earned recognition for her versatility, advocacy for diversity, and contributions to both entertainment and social causes.

Profile

• Full Name: Kerry Marisa Washington
• Stage Name: Kerry Washington
• Born: January 31, 1977
• Age: 48 years old
• Birthplace: The Bronx, New York City, New York, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American Actress, Producer, Director
• Height: 5 feet 4 inches
• Parents: Earl Washington, Valerie Washington
• Siblings: None
• Spouse: Nnamdi Asomugha (m. 2013)
• Children: 2, Isabelle Amarachi Asomugha, Caleb Kelechi Asomugha
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $50 million

Early Life and Education

Kerry Washington was born on January 31, 1977, in The Bronx, New York City, to Earl Washington, a real estate broker, and Valerie Washington, a professor and educational consultant. Growing up in a middle-class family, Kerry was immersed in the arts from a young age, performing in theater productions at the TADA! Youth Theater in Manhattan.

Her passion for acting was evident early on, influenced by her mother’s storytelling and her father’s community involvement. Of African-American descent with Jamaican roots, Kerry’s cultural heritage shaped her commitment to social justice.

She attended the Spence School, a prestigious all-girls private school in Manhattan, graduating in 1994. She then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology and sociology from The George Washington University in 1998, where she also studied theater, refining her craft through performances in college productions.

Career

Kerry Washington began her career with roles in television films like Magical Make-Over (1994) and guest appearances on shows such as NYPD Blue. Her film debut came in 2000 with Our Song, earning critical praise for her authentic portrayal of a Brooklyn teenager.

She gained wider recognition in Save the Last Dance (2001) as Chenille, followed by roles in Bad Company (2002) and The United States of Leland (2003). Her breakthrough came in 2004 with Ray, playing Ray Charles’s wife, Della Bea Robinson, opposite Jamie Foxx, and She Hate Me, showcasing her versatility.

Washington’s defining role was as Olivia Pope in ABC’s Scandal (2012–2018), where she portrayed a crisis manager, becoming the first Black woman to lead a network drama since 1974. The role earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations and solidified her as a household name.

She also produced the series through her production company, Simpson Street, founded in 2016, which has delivered projects like Confirmation (2016) and Little Fires Everywhere (2020), where she starred and produced alongside Reese Witherspoon.

Her film credits include Django Unchained (2012), The Last King of Scotland (2006), and American Son (2019). Washington made her directorial debut with episodes of Insecure and Scandal, showcasing her multifaceted talent.

Her Broadway debut in American Son (2018) further highlighted her stage prowess. She continues to work on projects like The Six Triple Eight (2024), a Netflix film she stars in and produces, reflecting her commitment to telling diverse stories.

Awards and Nominations

• 2013: Emmy Award, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Scandal) – Nominated
• 2013–2014: Golden Globe Award, Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama (Scandal) – Nominated
• 2014: BET Award, Best Actress – Won
• 2015: NAACP Image Award, Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series (Scandal) – Won
• 2016: Emmy Award, Outstanding Limited Series (Confirmation) – Nominated (as Producer)
• 2018: Women’s Image Network Award, Actress Drama Series (Scandal) – Won
• 2020: Emmy Award, Outstanding Limited Series (Little Fires Everywhere) – Nominated (as Producer)
• Multiple Years: NAACP Image Awards, multiple wins for acting and producing

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @kerrywashington
• Twitter Handle: @kerrywashington
• Facebook Handle: Kerry Washington

Personal Life

Kerry Washington is happily married to Nnamdi Asomugha, a former NFL player and actor, whom she wed on June 24, 2013, in a private ceremony in Hailey, Idaho. The couple has two children: daughter Isabelle Amarachi Asomugha (born April 21, 2014) and son Caleb Kelechi Asomugha (born October 5, 2016).

Kerry is also a stepmother to Nnamdi’s daughter from a previous relationship. Known for her privacy, she rarely shares family photos publicly, preferring to protect her children from media attention.

A dedicated activist, Kerry supports causes like gender equality, racial justice, and voter engagement, serving as a founding member of Time’s Up and a board member for V-Day. Her hobbies include yoga, reading, and spending time with family.

Residing in Los Angeles, she balances her career with motherhood, often crediting her parents for instilling values of resilience and compassion.

Filmography (Selected)

• Our Song (2000) – Lanisha Brown
• Save the Last Dance (2001) – Chenille Reynolds
• Ray (2004) – Della Bea Robinson
• Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) – Jasmine
• The Last King of Scotland (2006) – Kay Amin
• Django Unchained (2012) – Broomhilda von Shaft
• Scandal (2012–2018) – Olivia Pope (TV Series)
• Confirmation (2016) – Anita Hill (TV Movie, Producer)
• American Son (2019) – Kendra Ellis-Connor (Film & Broadway)
• Little Fires Everywhere (2020) – Mia Warren (TV Series, Producer)
• The Six Triple Eight (2024) – Mary McLeod Bethune (Producer)

Net Worth

Kerry Washington has an estimated net worth of $50 million. Her wealth stems from her acting roles, particularly Scandal, which earned her up to $250,000 per episode, and her production work through Simpson Street.

Additional income comes from endorsements with brands like Neutrogena and Movado, as well as speaking engagements and her activism-related initiatives. Her strategic investments and real estate holdings further contribute to her financial success.