Kerry Washington: Her Best Roles So Far

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Kerry Washington

Born January 31, 1977 in New York, Kerry Washington was a talented child both academically and in dance. The actress' was even trained by Jennifer Lopez! After graduating from George Washington University with a degree in anthropology and sociology, Washington would begin to appear in films like Our Song (2000) and this next hit...

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'Save the Last Dance'

Kerry Washington's role in 2001's Save the Dance would give her career a boost and put her on the radar of producers and fans. Playing the part of "Chenille", "Sara Johnson's" (Julia Stiles) best friend, Washington delivered an outstanding performance and showcased her years of dance lessons.

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'Ray'

Washington's next big role would come as Della Bea Robinson, Ray's Charles' second wife, in the biographical film Ray (2004). While Kerry wasn't the star of the show, she brought life and raw emotion to the film in an oscar-worthy performance.

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'The Last King of Scotland'

In 2006, Kerry Washington shone in another historical drama about a Scottish doctor sent to Uganda to work for the country's president. Playing the third wife of President Idi Amin, Washington's character soon sparks a romance with the doctor, played by James McAvoy.

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'Mother and Child'

Over the year's Kerry Washington has become known for her standout performances as motherly figures, and 2009's Mother and Child is among her best. Washington plays "Lucy", a woman desperate to become a mother but unable to have her own.

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'Night Catches Us'

Kerry Washington delivers a passionate and layered performance in 2010's Night Catches Us. The widow of a Black Panther member, Washington's character begins to get close to another Panther, who many believe is the reason behind her husband's death.

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'Django Unchained'

2012 would find Kerry Washington in a surprising genre as she took on the role of "Hildi" in the revisionist Western Django Unchained. Washington gave the role all she had and delivered a jolting performance that left audiences convinced of her multifaceted and undeniable talent.

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'Scandal'

Perhaps Kerry Washington's most well-known role is that of fixer "Olivia Pope" on ABC's Scandal. Airing from 2012-2018, Washington left everyone wanting more of the formidable "Olivia Pope", especially her killer outfits!

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'Confirmation'

Along with motherly roles, Kerry Washington has also now cemented herself in political roles. In the star-studded HBO thriller, Confirmation, Washington plays the part of Anita Hill, the professor who went up against Supreme Court justice, Clarence Thomas.

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'American Son'

More recently Kerry Washington has starred in the Netflix drama, American Son. While the film was met with mixed reviews due to its messages about race, Washington delivered a stellar performance as usual, and the film would be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.