Several years ago, we profiled a rising star in Kerry Washington. Fast forward to today and Washington has not only arrived but is charting a brave new course as one of the industries true dual threats.
The 36-year old sexy dynamo, who is starring in the upcoming romantic comedy, Peeples, is currently causing a weekly stir as a “Gladiator in Heels” in Shondra Rhimes’ highly-rated series, Scandal. Washington stars as the embodiment of power and privilege, Olivia Pope who plays the powerful political problem solver and fixer. She balances her weekly television commitment with her continuing film work, recently appearing in Oscar winner Quentin Tarantino’s most recent film, Django Unchained.
Making her film debut in 2000, Washington has shown her considerable range in a bevy of diverse characters walking a fine line between big studio and indie films. After making her film debut in Our Song, Washington quickly amasses some impressive credits in films such as Lift, Save the Last Dance and The Human Stain. She took a walk on the wild side opposite an equally unknown Anthony Mackie in She Hate Me and co-starred opposite Oscar winner Jamie Foxx in Ray.
After small roles in Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Little Man, Washington once again unleashed her sexy side as a temptress to Chris Rock in I Think I Love My Wife. She once again displayed her acting chops as a wife of 1970s Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland. Washington also co-starred in ensemble dramas, For Colored Girls and reunited with Foxx on Django Unchained.
But her TV work on Scandal has brought Washington her greatest notoriety in a role that significantly raised her profile. Washington became the first African-American female lead in a network drama in almost 40 years. Teresa Graves was the first when she starred as an undercover cop in Get Christie Love!, which debuted 1974. Based on Judy Smith, a former member of President George Bush’s administration. Since the show’s debut, it has grown a large fan-base and has been called “the most talked show on Twitter every Thursday nights.”
Washington’s fashion on the show has also attracted viewers, with audiences devouring her clothes and accessories. “It’s a combination of Kerry Washington being so amazing, so stunning, and this idea of having [her character] wear such soft, feminine colors in a man’s world, that really resonates with women.” says costume designer Lyn Paolo. Washington was spotlighted in Vanity Fair, which included her on The Top Ten best-dresses TV characters.
Washington was also hired as a spokesperson for L’Oréal, appearing in commercials and ads alongside fellow actresses, Scarlett Johansson and Eva Longoria, Gong Li, Michelle Yeoh, Dian Sastrowardoyo and Aishwarya Rai.
Smart, beautiful and politically-active, Washington is enjoying this fine season in her life and handling all of the responsibility that comes with someone who has blessed with her gifts. Even creating a “scandal” among her fans, she has shown that she is definitely our kind of “peeple!”
Check out some pictures of the beautiful actress below:
