As a fan who’s been captivated by Kerry Washington‘s extraordinary journey for years now, I can’t help but be awestruck as I delve into her heartfelt reminiscences about her time on Scandal. It seems like Olivia Pope isn’t just a character; she’s a transformative force that has left an indelible mark on Washington and countless others.
Kerry Washington’s exceptional performances have been captivating audiences for more than ten years, with everything seemingly kicking off with “Scandal.” As Olivia Pope on the highly successful ABC series, Washington spent seven seasons, solidifying her position as a leading actress. Despite her impressive roles in various films and television shows since then, “Scandal” remains a defining point in her career, a fact that she seems to acknowledge herself. Recently, the star of “Little Fires Everywhere” has shared insights about the impact “Scandal” had on her and the lessons she gleaned from being part of the hit show.
Before Washington received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, she reminisced with Variety about the significant career achievements that culminated in this milestone. It’s hard to discuss these milestones without mentioning Scandal, and the impactful character Olivia Pope that emerged from it. The strong-willed, political fixer character became a symbol of feminism, and is frequently cited as a turning point in how Black women are represented on TV. Due to this, many attribute Washington for influencing their lives significantly, an acknowledgement she deeply resonates with. She stated:
Whenever individuals approach me, they frequently discuss how Olivia Pope significantly impacted their lives, and I completely understand this sentiment – as she has had an equally profound effect on mine as well.
During the time when she starred in “Scandal”, it was a transformative era for Washington, significantly impacting its landscape. Her prestigious status and exceptional acting skills opened doors to major film roles, such as Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained”. Furthermore, she assumed greater responsibilities off-screen by delving into directing and producing projects.
During the period when the Scandal show was airing, it was not just professionally significant but also highly personal for her. This is because Washington tied the knot and began a family while the series was on-air. In her own words:
In the ensuing years, I tied the knot with Nnamdi Asomugha, welcomed children, and acquired a home. The transformation in my life during that period was immense. I’m incredibly thankful to Olivia Pope for the cultural shift she brought about, but also for the personal impact she had on me.
What made “Scandal” particularly significant in Washington’s life was not just the external milestones but also the profound personal development she experienced during this time.
Significantly, the actress held the top spot on the call sheet throughout this show’s duration, a testament to her central role. This leadership position on set was a natural consequence of her role, a fact that the star of “Ray” found inspiring. Additionally, her character’s confidence and control translated positively into her own life, boosting her self-assurance. She expressed this as follows:
She reminded our culture that everybody deserves to be the lead character in the story of their lives, regardless of what they look like, or who they love, or what Zip code they were born into, or what religion they are. On a personal level, it took me being No. 1 on the call sheet to be willing to see myself as No. 1 in my own life.
Washington is certainly the hero of her own story.
Ever since I established Simpson Street, my production company, I’ve been broadening my creative horizons. With projects like “UnPrisoned”, “American Son”, and “Confirmation” under its belt, it has become a platform for stories that often get overlooked. These tales, featuring Kerry Washington as the lead character in each, are particularly significant as they shine light on communities that deserve more attention, especially those that have been historically marginalized or underrepresented.
It appears now that it’s not just Olivia Pope who is transforming lives; rather, the actress portraying her, a powerful and inspiring figure in Tinseltown and beyond, is the one making such a difference.
In the lineup for 2024 movies, you’ll have a chance to watch Kerry Washington in “The Six Triple Eight,” premiering on Netflix on December 6th. If you’d like to rewatch her breakout role from “Scandal,” it’s available with a Hulu subscription. To discover more captivating titles streaming this year, be sure to check out our feature on upcoming Netflix releases.
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2024-12-01 04:38