Kerry Washington Biography American actress Kerry Washington first gained attention for her work in the fun teen romance Save the Last Dance. She quickly made her name as a serious actress, however, when she took co-lead in the Oscar darling Ray. Since then, Washington’s career has been a successful blend of critical and commercial productions. Kerry Washington was born January 31, 1977 in the Bronx, New York City, New York. Her father found success as a real estate agent, while her mother was an educational consultant. A bright student, Washington obtained her initial education from The Spence School. Located in Manhattan, the exclusive school boasts a varied and star-studded group of alum including Emmy Rossum and Gwyneth Paltrow. Attending George Washington University for her secondary education, Washington secured her major in theater in 1998. Knowing she wanted to pursue acting, Washington took her first role in 1994 with the ABC Afterschool Specials series. She appeared beside Pauley Perrette in Magical Make-Over.
It wasn’t long before she was landed larger roles, however, and to that end, 2000 found her as the lead in Our Song. And just one year after that, Washington received the high profile role she needed to launch her career. Portraying Chenille Reynolds opposite Julia Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas in Save the Last Dance, Washington was introduced to the teen movie-going audiences. And she proved popular. After Dance, she began making her rounds in the television circuit. She had guest appearances on NYPD Blue, Law & Order, and five episodes on 100 Centre Street. Returning to film, Washington and her costars Anthony Hopkins and Chris Rock had a misfire with 2002’s Bad Company. But luckily for Washington and Hopkins, their turn in The Human Stain (based on the Philip Roth novel) was better received. The 2003 production also featured Nicole Kidman, Ed Harris, and Gary Sinise. But it was 2004 that propelled Washington from an actress popular with the teen demographic to respected actress by the critical community. In this year, she played the demanding role of Della Bea Robinson in the Ray Charles biopic, Ray. Jamie Foxx played lead, and he took home the Oscar for his efforts. Supporting roles were filled by Regina King, Larenz Tate, Terrence Howard, and others.
Her most notable roles since include the commercial blockbuster powerhouse Mr. and Mrs. Smith with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie followed by Fantastic Four, where she shared the screen with Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, and Ioan Gruffudd. She also made waves wit her role in 2006’s The Last King of Scotland. Once again sharing the screen with an Oscar-winner, costar Forest Whitaker took the golden statuette for his portrayal of Idi Amin. James McAvoy and Gillian Anderson also starred. Keeping busy, Washington is currently in various stages of production for four projects. In her personal life, Washington has had one high profile relationship with fellow actor David Moscow. They began dating in 2003 and an engagement followed. The couple split, however, in March of 2008. Outside of acting, Washington also dedicates some of her time to her work as spokeswoman to L’Oreal. Other women fulfilling this role include Doutzen Kroes, Eva Longoria, and Scarlett Johansson. | 
