Kerry Washington: A Star With Heart And Vision

Kerry Washington's Financial Journey: Net Worth and Salary

Let’s talk about Kerry Washington. This powerhouse actress from the United States has built an impressive career, earning her a net worth of $50 million. Kerry skyrocketed to fame with her iconic role as Olivia Pope in the gripping ABC drama "Scandal," which aired from 2012 to 2018. Her portrayal of a crisis management expert earned her widespread acclaim, critical recognition, and multiple award nominations. But that's not all—Kerry's talents extend far beyond "Scandal." She's graced the big screen in unforgettable films such as "Ray," "The Last King of Scotland," "Django Unchained," and "American Son," showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress.

Television has been a major platform for Kerry, and she continues to shine. After "Scandal," she took on the role of Mia Warren in Hulu's "Little Fires Everywhere" and starred in the Netflix musical "The Prom." As a producer through her company, Simpson Street, Kerry is committed to bringing diverse and compelling stories to life. Her Broadway debut in David Mamet's "Race" in 2009 was just the beginning of her theatrical journey, culminating in her powerful performance in "American Son" in 2018.

Off-screen, Kerry is a passionate advocate for social justice. She uses her voice to champion women's rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and racial justice, proving that she's not only a star but a true advocate for change.

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Breaking Down the Numbers: Salary and Endorsements

In the early days of "Scandal," Kerry earned $80,000 per episode, adding up to about $1.5 million annually. But as the show grew in popularity, so did her paycheck. At her peak, she was raking in $250,000 per episode, which translated to roughly $4.5 million per season. Add to that her lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Neutrogena, Apple, and Movado, and you’ve got a woman who knows how to make her mark both on and off the screen. In fact, from 2016 to 2018 alone, Kerry earned an impressive $36 million, proving that her star power extends far beyond acting.

Her role in Hulu's "Little Fires Everywhere" put her in the elite category of actors earning over $1 million per episode. With eight episodes in the first season, Kerry walked away with close to $9 million. That’s the kind of paycheck that reflects her status as one of Hollywood's top talents.

From The Bronx to the Spotlight: Early Life

Kerry Marisa Washington was born on January 31, 1977, in The Bronx, New York City. Her parents, Valerie and Earl Washington, instilled in her a love for education—her mom was a professor and educational consultant, while her dad worked in real estate. Interestingly, through her mother, Kerry is a cousin of former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. Growing up, Kerry attended the prestigious Spence School in Manhattan, graduating in 1994. Her passion for the arts began early, as she performed with the TADA! Youth Theater group during her teenage years.

Kerry's academic journey didn't stop there. She went on to George Washington University, where she double-majored in anthropology and sociology, graduating in 1998. Her achievements didn't go unnoticed—she returned to her alma mater in 2013 as the commencement speaker and was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts. That’s dedication and excellence personified!

A Career Defined by Versatility and Passion

Kerry's career began with her first on-screen role in the ABC telefilm "Magical Make-Over" (1994). From there, she steadily built her resume with roles in films like "Our Song" (2000), "Save the Last Dance" (2001), and "Bad Company" (2002). Her breakthrough came with Spike Lee's "She Hate Me" (2004), a film that critics praised for its bold storytelling and Kerry's standout performance. She continued to build her reputation with roles in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," "Fantastic Four," and "The Last King of Scotland," proving her versatility in both drama and comedy.

Kerry's Broadway debut in David Mamet's "Race" in 2010 marked a new chapter in her career. The same year, she starred in Tyler Perry's "For Colored Girls," further cementing her status as a rising star. Her performance in Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained" (2012) earned her an invitation to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a testament to her growing influence in the industry.

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Of course, Kerry's role as Olivia Pope in "Scandal" became her defining moment. The show, created by Shonda Rhimes, was a cultural phenomenon. For her portrayal, Kerry won the Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series Award at the 44th NAACP Image Awards in 2013. She was also honored with the NAACP President's Award and crowned "TV Star of the Year" by "TV Guide" magazine. Notably, she became the first African-American woman to be nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category in 18 years. Her accolades didn’t stop there—she received multiple nominations for her work on "Scandal," including a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Golden Globe.

In 2016, Kerry delivered another standout performance in the HBO movie "Confirmation," which explored Anita Hill's testimony during Clarence Thomas's Supreme Court nomination. Her work earned her another Emmy nomination. More recently, Kerry starred alongside Reese Witherspoon in Hulu's "Little Fires Everywhere," where she also served as an executive producer. The show, based on Celeste Ng's best-selling novel, further showcased her ability to tackle complex, thought-provoking stories.

A Life Beyond the Spotlight: Personal Life

Kerry's personal life has been just as fulfilling as her career. She was engaged to actor David Moscow from 2004 to 2007 but later found love with NFL cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. The couple tied the knot in 2013 and now share two beautiful children—a daughter and a son. Kerry's commitment to her family reflects her balanced approach to life.

Beyond her family, Kerry is a dedicated activist. She's a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and has been recognized for her efforts, including being named an honorary chairperson of the GLSEN Respect Awards and receiving the GLAAD Vanguard Award in 2015. She's also a member of the Creative Coalition, a group of artists advocating for social change, and V-Day, a global movement fighting against violence against women and girls.

Home Sweet Home: Kerry's Real Estate Journey

When it comes to real estate, Kerry knows how to invest in comfort and privacy. In 2013, she and Nnamdi purchased a home in Los Angeles for $1.9 million, which they sold in 2016 for $2.7 million. Around that time, they splurged on a luxurious $6.75 million home in Beverly Hills, adding an adjacent property for nearly $4 million the following year. This move created a private gated compound, perfect for raising their family in peace.

They also own Kerry's New York City apartment and Nnamdi's Manhattan Beach, California, townhome—properties they acquired before meeting. It's clear that Kerry values both her urban and coastal lifestyles, ensuring she has a place to recharge no matter where life takes her.