Career Timeline of Kerry Washington: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Kerry Washington built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kerry Washington is a highly acclaimed American actress, recognized with a Primetime Emmy Award and nominations for Golden Globe and Tony Awards. Her influence extends beyond acting, as evidenced by her inclusion in Time's 100 most influential people list in 2014. Furthermore, she was ranked among the highest-paid television actresses by Forbes in 2018, highlighting her significant impact and success in the entertainment industry.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1994: Screen Debut in Magical Make-Over

In 1994, Kerry Washington made her screen debut in the ABC telefilm Magical Make-Over.

1996: Cast Member in Standard Deviants

In 1996, Kerry Washington was in the cast of the PBS sketch comedy-style educational series Standard Deviants.

2000: Appearance in "3D" and Our Song

In 2000, Kerry Washington appeared in the short "3D" and the feature film Our Song.

2001: Appearance in Save the Last Dance

In 2001, Kerry Washington appeared in the movie Save the Last Dance.

2002: Starred in Bad Company

In 2002, Kerry Washington played Chris Rock's love interest in the spy thriller Bad Company, marking a turning point in her career as she earned enough to qualify for health insurance under SAG.

2003: Appearance in The Human Stain

In 2003, Kerry Washington appeared in the movie The Human Stain.

2004: Starred in She Hate Me

In 2004, Kerry Washington played the female lead in Spike Lee's She Hate Me, receiving strong reviews for her performance.

2005: Appearance in Mr. & Mrs. Smith

In 2005, Kerry Washington appeared in Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

2006: Appeared in Little Man and The Last King of Scotland

In 2006, Kerry Washington had parts in Little Man and The Last King of Scotland, where she played the wife of Idi Amin.

2007: Appeared in I Think I Love My Wife, Co-Directed Music Video, and Became a Spokesperson for L'Oréal

In 2007, Kerry Washington acted in I Think I Love My Wife, co-directed Common's "I Want You" music video, and became a spokesperson for L'Oréal.

2007: Lee National Denim Day Support

In 2007, Kerry Washington joined other celebrities to support the Women's Cancer Programs of the Entertainment Industry Foundation through the 2007 Lee National Denim Day.

2009: Performed in The People Speak

In 2009, Kerry Washington performed in The People Speak, a documentary film based on Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States.

2010: Broadway Debut and Role in For Colored Girls

In 2010, Kerry Washington made her Broadway debut in Race and appeared in the film For Colored Girls.

April 2012: Starred in Scandal

In April 2012, Kerry Washington began starring as Olivia Pope in the ABC drama series Scandal.

June 2012: Invited to Join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

In June 2012, Kerry Washington was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

September 2012: Democratic National Convention Speech

In September 2012, Kerry Washington spoke at the Democratic National Convention, advocating for the re-election of Barack Obama and focusing her speech on addressing voter apathy.

November 2, 2013: Hosted Saturday Night Live

On November 2, 2013, Kerry Washington hosted Saturday Night Live, impersonating Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey in a cold opening sketch.

2013: Won NAACP Image Award and Received Other Accolades for Scandal

In 2013, Kerry Washington won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Scandal and received the NAACP President's Award, TV Guide Magazine Fan Favorite Awards, and was named "TV Star of the Year".

2014: Won Influencer Award at Ace Fashion Awards

In 2014, Kerry Washington and Lyn Paolo won the Influencer Award at the Ace Fashion Awards for Olivia Pope's stylish clothes on the show Scandal.

March 2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton

In March 2016, Kerry Washington, along with fellow ShondaLand colleagues Ellen Pompeo, Viola Davis, and Shonda Rhimes, appeared in a commercial endorsing Hillary Clinton for president.

April 2016: Washington Confirmed Taking Dance Lessons from Jennifer Lopez

In April 2016, Kerry Washington confirmed that she had learned to dance from Jennifer Lopez in the 1990s in New York.

June 2016: Human Rights Campaign Video

In June 2016, Kerry Washington participated in a Human Rights Campaign video paying tribute to the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting, by telling the stories of those killed.

2016: Starred in Confirmation and Launched Simpson Street

In 2016, Kerry Washington starred in Confirmation, an HBO movie about Anita Hill's testimony, and launched Simpson Street, a production company.

2017: Voiced a Role in Cars 3

In 2017, Kerry Washington voiced a role in Cars 3.

April 2018: Scandal Concluded

In April 2018, Kerry Washington concluded her run as Olivia Pope when Scandal ended after seven seasons.

April 2018: Directed Scandal Episode and Appeared in How to Get Away with Murder Crossover

In April 2018, Kerry Washington made her directorial debut on Scandal and appeared in a crossover episode of How to Get Away with Murder.

September 12, 2019: American Son Premiered at Toronto International Film Festival

On September 12, 2019, the film adaptation of American Son, starring and executive produced by Kerry Washington, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

November 1, 2019: American Son Released on Netflix

On November 1, 2019, the film adaptation of American Son, starring and executive produced by Kerry Washington, was released on Netflix.

January 30, 2020: The Fight Premiered at Sundance Film Festival

On January 30, 2020, The Fight, a documentary film executive produced by Kerry Washington, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

September 2020: Won Primetime Emmy Award for Live in Front of a Studio Audience

In September 2020, Kerry Washington won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) as a producer of the television special Live in Front of a Studio Audience.