Actor Kerry Washington has received the 2,796th star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing her legacy in the television industry.
The ceremony, held on Monday at the Hollywood Boulevard, was attended by notable figures, including filmmaker Tyler Perry and producer Shonda Rhimes, who delivered heartfelt tributes to the Emmy-winning actor.
Celebrated for her groundbreaking role as Olivia Pope in the ABC drama "Scandal", Washington described the moment as “surreal” but credited her father, Earl Washington, for manifesting the honour.
“Anytime he would hear that somebody was getting one, he was like, ‘Why don’t you have one?’” Washington shared during an interview with Variety. “I feel like he’s manifested this moment. I’m excited that I get to share it with him.”
During the ceremony, Washington delivered an emotional speech reflecting on her journey and the influences of her upbringing.
She recounted stories of her mother’s family growing up on Simpson Street in the Bronx, which inspired the name of her production company.
“My mom and dad also taught me to dream,” she said. “Mom, Dad, can you believe it? An actual star. You made a wish, and it came true.”
@varietymagazine Kerry Washington reflects on her career at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. 🌟
Washington has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including Emmy and SAG nominations.
She made history as the first Black woman in 40 years to lead a network drama with "Scandal", a role that earned her widespread acclaim.
Beyond acting, she is an accomplished producer, director, and author, with her memoir, "Thicker Than Water"
Washington also took the opportunity to thank her supporters, saying, “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. Thank you for being on this cosmic journey with me.”
She has been working on Tyler Perry’s "The Six Triple Eight" drama set to release in cinemas on December 6 and on Netflix on December 20. The movie is inspired by the all-Black, all-female battalion that served in WWII.
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