Kerry Washington: ‘I Almost Quit Acting Five Times’ & Why She’s Now Calling the Shots

From “Best Friend” Roles to Calling the Shots: Kerry Washington’s Evolution

Kerry Washington, the actress known for her commanding presence in roles like Olivia Pope in Scandal and Broomhilda von Schaft in Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained, is increasingly focused on shaping her own narrative – both on and off screen. At 49, Washington reflects on a career that once left her feeling “like a victim,” waiting for invitations, and how she’s now actively “throwing her own parties” through her production company, Simpson Street. This shift isn’t just about creative control; it’s about fundamentally changing the landscape of storytelling, centering women and people of color in ways she felt were previously lacking in Hollywood.

A Near Exit, and a Turning Point

Washington recently revealed she almost quit acting five times, acknowledging a disconnect between her love for the craft itself – the “research and the rehearsal” – and the often-exhausting “business around it.” This sentiment underscores a common frustration for actors, particularly women and people of color, who can find themselves limited by the types of roles available. The turning point, she explains, came with realizing the power of producing. “To just be waiting to be invited to the party…and then so I started throwing my own parties,” she said, articulating a desire for agency that has develop into central to her career.

From Scandal to Simpson Street

Washington’s breakthrough role as Olivia Pope, the crisis manager at the heart of ABC’s Scandal (2012-2018), catapulted her to widespread fame. The show garnered her two Primetime Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe nomination, and cemented her status as a leading lady. But even amidst that success, Washington felt constrained. She was named the eighth-highest paid television actress by Forbes in 2018, a testament to the show’s impact, but financial success didn’t necessarily equate to creative fulfillment.

The launch of Simpson Street in 2016 marked a deliberate move towards that fulfillment. The company’s mission, as Washington describes it, is to champion diverse voices and stories. Her recent projects as a producer include the Hulu miniseries Little Fires Everywhere, the show Unprisoned, and the 2023 film The Six Triple Eight, which tells the story of the only all-Black, all-female battalion during World War II. You can find more about her filmography on IMDb.

The Accessory No More

Washington’s journey reflects a broader shift in Hollywood, where there’s a growing demand for stories centered on women and people of color. Yet, she acknowledges that this progress isn’t without its challenges. “I do see some backlash to that happening, both around women’s stories and stories about people of colour, in kind of the current political climate,” she noted. Despite this, she remains optimistic about the momentum and the importance of continuing to tell these stories.

Early in her career, Washington found herself frequently cast in supporting roles, often as the “wife or the sister, or the mother to a central character.” She recalls a moment of realization: “I suppose maybe I could be the lead character.” This led to a conscious effort to break free from those limiting roles, including a self-described frustration with being cast as “the best friend to white girls.” She played Idi Amin’s wife in The Last King of Scotland (2006) and Ray Charles’s wife in Ray (2004), roles she now views as examples of being relegated to the periphery.

Imperfect Women and a New Collaboration

Washington’s latest project, the upcoming Apple TV+ series Imperfect Women, co-starring Elisabeth Moss and Kate Mara, represents another step in her evolution. The series, based on the novel by Araminta Hall, centers on three friends whose lives are upended by a crime and a web of secrets. Washington credits Moss with initiating the collaboration, expressing her admiration for the actress and the opportunity to work alongside another woman leading a project. The show was originally set in London but was relocated to Los Angeles, a decision Washington says she’s proud of, particularly given the recent challenges facing the entertainment industry in California.

The shift to Los Angeles too allowed Washington to contribute to the local economy, a point she emphasized given the recent departures of productions from the area due to strikes and wildfires. She’s mindful of the broader industry context, and the importance of supporting local communities.

Beyond the Spotlight: A Broader Vision

Washington’s commitment extends beyond her own projects. She sees her work as part of a larger movement to create opportunities for others. She points to Scandal as a pivotal moment, not just for her career, but for the industry as a whole, paving the way for shows like Quantico and How to Receive Away with Murder, which also featured women of color in leading roles.

As she reflects on her journey, Washington maintains a grounded perspective. “I didn’t ever consider myself at the top,” she says. “I like to think I’m at summits along the way, but I have a lot of climbing to do.” This ongoing drive, coupled with her commitment to storytelling and her newfound power as a producer, suggests that Kerry Washington is poised to continue shaping the future of entertainment for years to reach. You can find a comprehensive list of her work on TV Guide.

What’s Next for Simpson Street?

While Washington is currently focused on promoting Imperfect Women, she’s also balancing multiple projects through Simpson Street. The company’s slate includes a diverse range of stories, reflecting Washington’s commitment to representation and inclusivity. Details on upcoming projects are currently limited, but Washington has indicated a continued focus on developing and producing content that centers women and people of color. Her recent work with Apple TV+ suggests a strong relationship with the streaming platform, and further collaborations are likely. You can learn more about Kerry Washington’s early life and career on Wikipedia.