Kerry Washington, the powerhouse actress who redefined television with her role as Olivia Pope in Scandal, has officially taken her place among Hollywood’s greats.
On Monday, Washington received the 2,796th star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, an honour that not only celebrates her stellar career but also fulfils a dream her family has long held close.
The ceremony, taking place at the iconic Hollywood Boulevard, was a star-studded affair. Filmmaker Tyler Perry and producer-extraordinaire Shonda Rhimes delivered moving tributes, each extolling Washington’s talent, trailblazing spirit, and unwavering dedication to her craft.
For Washington, the moment was a pinch-me moment years in the making, and one her father, Earl Washington, never stopped believing in. “Anytime he would hear that somebody was getting one, he’d say, ‘Why don’t you have one?’” Washington revealed to Variety. “I feel like he’s manifested this moment. I’m excited that I get to share it with him.”
During her heartfelt speech, Washington reflected on her roots and how her upbringing shaped the woman she is today. She paid tribute to her mother’s Bronx beginnings on Simpson Street, which inspired the name of her production company, and to her parents’ relentless encouragement to dream big.
“Mom, Dad, can you believe it? An actual star,” she said, her voice brimming with emotion. “You made a wish, and it came true.”
Washington’s career is a constellation of accomplishments. With Emmy and SAG nominations under her belt, she broke barriers as the first Black woman in 40 years to lead a network drama, earning her a permanent place in television history. Beyond acting, she’s a producer, director, and author, with her memoir, Thicker Than Water, further showcasing her storytelling prowess.
As Washington addressed her fans, she made it clear that this milestone wasn’t just hers, it belonged to everyone who has supported her along the way. “May you always know that this star, this Kerry Washington star, this is our star. It is your star as much as it is mine,” she said. “Thank you for being on this cosmic journey with me.”
Washington isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Her latest project, Tyler Perry’s WWII drama ‘The Six Triple Eight’, spotlights the incredible story of an all-Black, all-female battalion. The film is set to hit theatres on December 6 before landing on Netflix on December 20.
Main Image: USA Today
