This is the one that made her a household name. As the white-hat-wearing, fast-talking crisis fixer on Shonda Rhimes’ primetime juggernaut, Kerry made history as the first Black woman to lead a network drama in 40 years. But she didn’t just make history—she made TV appointment viewing again. Olivia Pope was smart, messy, powerful, and emotionally complex. And Kerry’s performance gave the character heart, heat, and hella quotables.

Before Scandal, Kerry was already making waves on the big screen. In the Oscar-winning Ray, she played the long-suffering but deeply loving wife of Ray Charles. The film may have centered around Jamie Foxx’s legendary performance, but Washington brought quiet strength to every scene she was in. Della wasn’t a background player—she was the anchor.

As the enslaved woman at the center of Quentin Tarantino’s bloody revenge fantasy, Kerry gave a haunting, emotional performance that stood out in a film filled with action and spectacle. Though the role was largely non-verbal, her eyes told the whole story. And her casting signaled something larger: that she could hold space in any genre—and with any director.

Listen, we all remember. Long before she was running the Oval, she was schooling Julia Stiles on Blackness in Save the Last Dance. As Chenille, the tough, no-nonsense teen mom, Kerry gave us one of her earliest breakout performances—and some of her most memorable lines. (“You don’t have to understand. Just respect it.”)

Washington stepped into the world of streaming prestige TV as both star and executive producer on Little Fires Everywhere. Her portrayal of a mysterious, fiercely protective mother opposite Reese Witherspoon reminded audiences of her range. It was a slower burn than Scandal, but just as emotionally explosive—and visually stunning.

While not a "role," Kerry Washington has built a second act as a political and cultural advocate. She’s lent her voice to voter registration drives, reproductive justice, and Black Lives Matter—often producing content that reflects her values. And unlike many celebrities, her activism feels lived-in, not performative.

From Saturday Night Live to UnPrisoned on Hulu, Kerry has flexed her comedic muscle in ways fans are still discovering. She’s got timing, charm, and isn’t afraid to be goofy. It’s a reminder that drama isn’t her only lane—just one of the many she can dominate.

Named after the Bronx street where she grew up, Simpson Street has produced content that centers women of color with nuance and power. From Confirmation to American Son, Kerry’s behind-the-scenes influence has helped reshape what Hollywood greenlights.

Whether she’s at the Met Gala, the Emmys, or the BET Awards, Kerry always brings thoughtful, statement-making fashion. She’s not just dressing up—she’s making red carpets part of the storytelling.

From Save the Last Dance to Scandal to Simpson Street, Kerry Washington has built a career rooted in purpose and power. Her BET Awards 2025 Best Actress nomination isn’t just for a role—it’s for a legacy still in motion.

Don’t miss Kerry Washington—and every unforgettable moment—at the BET Awards 2025, airing live Monday, June 9 at 8PM ET/PT on BET.