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Entertainment • Actor

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is an American actor, producer, and director best known for portraying Olivia Pope on the ABC drama series *Scandal* from 2012 to 2018.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kerry Washington is an American actor, producer, and director best known for portraying Olivia Pope on the ABC drama series *Scandal* from 2012 to 2018. She has also received major award nominations for performances in film and television, including *Ray*, *Confirmation*, and *Little Fires Everywhere*. Born in The Bronx, New York City, Washington began her screen career in the 1990s.

Early life and education

Kerry Washington was born in The Bronx, New York City, on January 31, 1977. Available sources identify her as American and note that she began performing before her screen career expanded in the 1990s.

Acting career

Washington made her screen debut in the 1990s and became widely known through film roles in *Save the Last Dance*, *Ray*, and *Django Unchained*. Her most prominent television role was Olivia Pope in *Scandal*, which ran from 2012 to 2018.

Awards and recognition

Washington has received multiple major nominations, including Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for *Scandal*. She also earned Emmy nominations for *Confirmation* and *Little Fires Everywhere*.

Personal life

Washington married former NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha in 2013. Public sources also note that the couple has two children.

Key facts

  • Kerry Washington is an American actor, producer, and director.
  • She is best known for playing Olivia Pope on *Scandal*.
  • Her film credits include *Ray*, *The Last King of Scotland*, *Django Unchained*, and *Save the Last Dance*.
  • She received Primetime Emmy nominations for *Scandal*, *Confirmation*, and *Little Fires Everywhere*.
  • She married Nnamdi Asomugha in 2013 and has two children.
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Canadian context

Kerry Washington has appeared in widely distributed American film and television productions that are also well known to Canadian audiences, including *Scandal*, *Ray*, and *Django Unchained*.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kerry Washington?
She is an American actor, producer, and director best known for playing Olivia Pope on *Scandal*.
What is Kerry Washington’s birth name?
Her birth name is Kerry Marisa Washington.
When was Kerry Washington born?
She was born on January 31, 1977.
What is Kerry Washington best known for?
She is best known for her lead role in *Scandal* and for film roles in *Ray* and *Django Unchained*.
Has Kerry Washington won major awards?
Available sources confirm multiple major nominations, including Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, but do not fully list all wins.
Is Kerry Washington married?
Yes. Public sources identify her spouse as Nnamdi Asomugha.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerry_Washington
    Supports: Widely recognized for *Scandal*; Emmy and Golden Globe nominations; role in *Confirmation* and *Little Fires Everywhere*.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/facts/Kerry-Washington
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and spouse.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/kerry-washington
    Supports: Birth details, early life, education, film debut, and marriage/children.
  4. Perelman Performing Arts Center — https://pacnyc.org/bio/kerry-washington/
    Supports: Recognition for *Scandal*, production company, advocacy, and selected film credits.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0913488/
    Supports: Occupation as actress/producer/director and selected film and television credits; birth date.