Kerry Washington wishes she had “enjoyed” her rise to fame.
The 47-year-old actress was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday (02.12.24) in recognition of her 30-year career and admitted she would just tell her younger self to stop getting so “stressed” about her future. This milestone makes her the 2,757th celebrity to receive this prestigious honor since the Walk of Fame’s inception in 1960.
“I would tell her to try to enjoy the journey and to trust that everything’s going to be okay in the end. I think sometimes we get so stressed out about whether life is going to unfold in a way that we want it to, but just to, like, take a deep breath and be grateful for where you are in each moment!” she told US TV show ‘Extra’. Washington’s journey in Hollywood began with small roles in the late 1990s, gradually building toward her breakthrough performances.
The Emmy Award-winning star – who gained global recognition when she played the leading role on the ABC political drama series ‘Scandal’ – also noted that her spot on the tourist attraction belongs to every director she has ever worked with and every actor she has ever shared the screen with, as well as her fans around the world. ‘Scandal’ ran for seven successful seasons from 2012 to 2018, earning Washington numerous accolades and making her the first African American woman to headline a network drama in over 40 years.
“I think this star is all of ours as much as is it is mine, because I know when I stand here and look at this star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, I know it’s only possible because of every director I’ve ever worked with, every actor I’ve been able to act across from, every fan who’s tuned in or live-tweeted or streamed a show or gone to a movie theater, every single crew member I’ve been able to work with…
“We all have made this possible, so I really look at this star and I see so much love and support and generosity from so many,” she said. Her words reflect the collaborative nature of the entertainment industry and the importance of community support in achieving success.
Washington‘s career spans numerous critically acclaimed projects, including her powerful performance in “Ray” (2004) alongside Jamie Foxx, her compelling role in “Django Unchained” (2012), and her recent work in “Little Fires Everywhere” (2020). Each role has demonstrated her versatility as an actress and her commitment to storytelling that matters.
Throughout her three decades in the industry, Washington has broken barriers and challenged industry norms. She has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, while also becoming a prominent voice for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.
Her impact extends beyond acting, as she has become a successful producer through her production company Simpson Street, named after the street where her mother grew up in the Bronx. The company has developed several successful projects that focus on telling diverse and meaningful stories.
The ceremony celebrating Washington’s star on the Walk of Fame drew hundreds of fans and fellow celebrities, marking a moment of recognition for an artist who has consistently used her platform to advocate for social justice and representation in the entertainment industry.
In addition to her acting achievements, Washington has been recognized for her humanitarian work, including her advocacy for arts education, women’s rights, and various social justice causes. She has served on the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities and has been a vocal supporter of numerous charitable organizations.
Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame represents not just her personal achievements but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors, particularly those from underrepresented communities. It stands as a testament to perseverance, talent, and the importance of maintaining perspective while pursuing one’s dreams.
