What Happened to Kerry Washington?
Kerry Washington has evolved from a celebrated actress, known for her groundbreaking role in 'Scandal,' into a powerful producer and activist. Through her production company, Simpson Street, she champions diverse narratives, while her civic engagement efforts continue to advocate for social change and democracy. In 2023, she released her memoir, 'Thicker Than Water,' and remains highly active in film, television, and stage projects through 2026 and beyond.
Quick Answer
Kerry Washington continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood, actively starring in and producing new projects through her company, Simpson Street. As of March 2026, she is an honoree at the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood event and is set to debut the Apple TV+ series 'Imperfect Women' on March 18. She also recently received the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award at Sundance for her civic engagement work. Her recent work includes the film 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' (2025) and upcoming projects like 'Animals' and 'An Innocent Girl.'
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline18 events
Acting Debut
Kerry Washington made her acting debut in the ABC telefilm 'Magical Make-Over.'
Feature Film Debut
She made her feature film debut in the drama 'Our Song.'
Scandal Premieres
Washington began her iconic role as Olivia Pope in the ABC drama series 'Scandal,' which ran until 2018. This role made her the first Black woman in nearly 40 years to lead a network TV drama.
NAACP President's Award
Washington was honored with the NAACP President's Award for her achievements in civil rights and public service.
Launches Simpson Street
She founded her production company, Simpson Street, dedicated to telling diverse stories across film, television, and podcasts.
Little Fires Everywhere Release
Washington starred in and executive produced the Hulu miniseries 'Little Fires Everywhere,' earning Emmy nominations for her performance and as a producer.
Wins Primetime Emmy Award
She won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) as an executive producer for 'Live in Front of a Studio Audience: All in the Family and The Jeffersons.'
Launches KW Foundation
Washington launched the KW Foundation to promote civic engagement and social issues.
Publishes Memoir 'Thicker Than Water'
Washington released her memoir, 'Thicker Than Water,' in which she revealed that her biological father is not the man who raised her.
Stars in 'The Six Triple Eight'
She portrayed Major Charity Adams in the war film 'The Six Triple Eight.'
'UnPrisoned' Canceled
Hulu's comedy-drama 'UnPrisoned,' which Washington starred in and produced via Simpson Street, was canceled after two seasons.
'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' Released
Washington joined the ensemble cast of Rian Johnson's 'Knives Out' mystery sequel, which received a limited release in November and debuted on Netflix in December 2025.
Advocates for LA Productions
Washington publicly called for film and TV productions to return to Los Angeles, citing the economic benefits and talent retention.
Attends NAACP Image Awards
Washington was among the attendees and nominees at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards.
Receives Elevate Prize Catalyst Award
At the Sundance Film Festival, Washington was honored with the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award for her work in civic engagement, including a $250,000 grant.
ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Honoree
Kerry Washington was celebrated as a 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood honoree.
'Imperfect Women' Debuts
The Apple TV+ series 'Imperfect Women,' starring and executive produced by Washington, Elisabeth Moss, and Kate Mara, is set to debut.
Stage Production at Lincoln Center
Washington is slated to be part of a five-woman production of Whoopi Goldberg's acclaimed 1983 one-woman show, debuting at Lincoln Center.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Kerry Washington's career has seen a significant evolution, moving beyond her iconic acting roles to become a formidable force in production and social activism. Her breakthrough as Olivia Pope in the ABC drama 'Scandal' (2012-2018) was a pivotal moment, making her the first Black woman in nearly 40 years to lead a network TV drama and cementing her status as a household name. This role not only garnered her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations but also highlighted her ability to portray complex, powerful female characters.
Following 'Scandal,' Washington strategically leveraged her influence by founding her production company, Simpson Street, in 2016. Named after her mother's childhood street, Simpson Street focuses on telling diverse stories, particularly those centering on Black women's experiences. Notable productions include the Emmy-nominated 'American Son' (2019), 'Little Fires Everywhere' (2020), and 'UnPrisoned,' which ran for two seasons before its cancellation in 2024. The company also produces 'Reasonable Doubt,' renewed for a fourth season, and the Audible podcast 'The Prophecy.'
Beyond her entertainment endeavors, Washington is a passionate advocate for civic engagement and social justice. She launched the KW Foundation in 2020 to encourage participation in social issues and has actively campaigned for voter registration. In March 2026, she received the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award at the Sundance Film Festival, accompanied by a $250,000 grant, recognizing her work in civic engagement and protecting democratic freedoms. This activism is deeply rooted, stemming from her teenage years in peer-to-peer theater focused on social change.
A significant personal development occurred in September 2023 with the release of her memoir, 'Thicker Than Water,' where she revealed that her biological father is not the man who raised her. This journey of self-discovery, though disruptive to her family, has led to a deeper sense of self and informs her current outlook on introspection and courage.
As of March 2026, Washington's schedule remains packed. She is starring in the Apple TV+ psychological thriller 'Imperfect Women,' which debuts on March 18, and was an honoree at the 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood event. Her recent film credits include 'The Six Triple Eight' (2024) and 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,' released in December 2025. Upcoming projects include the thriller 'Animals' with Ben Affleck, 'An Innocent Girl' for Netflix, and a five-woman stage production of Whoopi Goldberg's one-woman show at Lincoln Center in summer 2026. She also continues to advocate for film and TV productions to return to Los Angeles, highlighting the economic impact of filming overseas.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Kerry Washington made different choices?