Kerry Washington's Greatest Acting Roles

Kerry Washington has achieved tremendous success in the entertainment industry. She has been lauded with multiple awards nominations, with her biggest win being an Emmy for executive producing live in Front of a Studio Audience: All in the Family and Good Times. 

The 46-year-old has captivated fans across many TV series and movies. We are thrilled to witness her take on increasingly engaging characters as her career takes exciting new directions. So, what have been some of Kerry's best roles so far?

Kerry Washington's powerful performance as Olivia Pope on ABC's award-winning series Scandal captivated viewers across the globe. Known for her impressive problem-solving abilities, strong legal strategies, and unwavering commitment to protecting her clients, Olivia faced challenging dilemmas as she stood up for what was right. 

Throughout all seven seasons, viewers watched Olivia go to heroic lengths to keep those close to her safe - and even ventured into morally questionable territory to pursue success. Their thrilling journey with this multifaceted character was due, in no small part, to Washington's amazing portrayal.

The Academy Award-winning 2004 biopic shares the life of legendary musician Ray Charles, played by Jamie Foxx. Kerry Washington presents a moving performance as Della Bea Robinson, his wife, earning her an NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture recognition. 

The film unravels Charles's journey from childhood—when he tragically lost his sight at age nine—to success as a musician and, later, his struggles with addiction and infidelity.

Kerry Washington brings her remarkable acting prowess to bear in being Broomhilda "Hildi" von Shaft, the beloved wife of Jamie Foxx's Django, who he is determined to free from captivity. 

Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece, featuring the revered talents of Jamie Foxx, Christophe Waltz, and Samuel L. Jackson, was welcomed with huge admiration by viewers and critics alike. This success at the box office was largely attributed to the cast's performances, which earned them plaudits from all quarters.

At just 23, Our Song is still widely celebrated as one of Kerry Washington's best performances. This movie follows the lives of three high-school BFFs, each with their own distinctive family life, crushes, and belief systems, while they pursue their dreams.

 Encompassed by a shared commitment to their band leader, they are part of the highly esteemed Jackie Robinson Steppers marching band. The realistic nature of this filmed narrative and its considerate outlook on sensitive topics have been lauded by many.

Featuring a star-studded cast including Kerry Washington, Erika Christensen, Jennifer Hudson, Greg Kinnear, Bill Irwin, Jeffrey Wright, and Eric Stonestreet, HBO's political drama explores the undeniable legacy of Anita Hill. 

In her groundbreaking court case, Hill brought attention to the issue of sexual harassment with allegations leveled against Clarence Thomas. This monumental incident is still pertinent in today's world. It allowed individuals to make well-informed decisions regarding whether or not to acknowledge her claims.

Little Fires Everywhere is the well-received series version of Celeste Ng's 2017 novel. Reese Witherspoon and Joshua Jackson portray the Richardson family, while Kerry Washington shines as Mia Warren, a single mom whose presence uncovers underlying issues in their seemingly perfect lives.

This show is an intimate look into family issues. Washington received two Emmy nominations for her work as executive producer and lead actress. An emotionally charged show, Little Fires Everywhere will certainly captivate you.

This drama follows Nicholas Garrigan, a Scottish doctor who journeys to Uganda to become the personal medic of President Idi Amin. Featuring an amazing performance by Forest Whitaker as Amin in this film adaptation of Giles Foden's novel, it recounts events from Amin's real-life dictatorship. 

Kerry Washington stars as Kay Amin, the third wife of the president and mother of an epileptic son. While Dr. Garrigan attends to her child, a bond blooms between the two that turns into romance.

This drama follows the story of Lucy, a 14-year-old girl who finds herself in unexpected motherhood and is forced into making the difficult choice to give her baby up for adoption. As time passes and she matures into adulthood, the hurtful decision continues to have an effect on her – with themes of adoption, parenthood, loss, and relationships within a family intertwining throughout the compelling plot. 

Kerry Washington plays the determined lead role to perfection. She is supported by Naomi Watts and Annette Bening as powerful female characters. This thought-provoking journey provides a look into the topics of family, parenthood, and identity.

Marcus (Anthony Mackie) returns to his neighborhood in Philadelphia during 1976, where he has been met with an apprehensive welcome. DoRight (Jamie Hector), who is now recognized as a notorious gangster, and Marcus' brother Bostic (Tariq Trotter), a Black Muslim, are wary of his reappearance due to his disgraceful past which led to the demise of the Panther due to police interference. 

However, Patricia (Kerry Washington), the widow of the late Panther and currently an attorney, shows understanding and forgiveness for Marcus despite her difficult situation. Patricia and her daughter Iris live in the same place where her husband was slain, forcing Patricia to explain to Iris who Marcus is and what happened to her departed father.

Nearly a decade after The Simpsons bid farewell to Mrs. Krabappel. In remembrance of Marcia Wallace's passing in 2013, the iconic Fox show has finally included a permanent fixture with Kerry Washington lending her voice. The multi-talented actress is taking on the role of Rayshelle Peyton, Bart's fourth-grade teacher.

Kerry Washington said that Twitter played an important role in making this casting happen. From what the star shared, taking the offer seemed like a no-brainer for her. Especially considering her deep ties to the education system. For her, all the humor that comes with teaching Bart was an additional bonus.

In David E. Kelley's legal drama spin-off, Boston Legal, Alan Shore (James Spader) and Denny Crane (William Shatner), two attorneys with a turbulent relationship, engage in court cases. Though their methods may clash, they remain close allies when it comes to winning battles – regardless of the cost.

They take on compelling tasks, from civil cases to criminal trials. Additionally, Chelina Hall (Kelly Washington) supports death row inmates on several occasions throughout the first season. The second season culminates in the episode 'Race Ipsa' where she makes another powerful appearance. This high-stakes show is sure to keep viewers hooked with its enthralling storytelling.