The following article contains references to substance use, eating disorders, suicide, racism, and sexual assault.
But getting to this esteemed position in her career has been no easy feat.
Some of these misfortunes led to her suffering from imposter syndrome when she became successful.
“It’s stressful.
But over 40 years later, Kerry discovered that Earl wasn’t her biological father.
The actor was first told the news in 2018.
Subsequently, they finally told their daughter the truth.
“I thought I wasn’t a kind enough person.
But the idea that I was not his never occurred to me.
It was just, why can’t I be better to him?”
In time, however, she has learned that Valerie and Earl were simply trying to protect her.
“There’s a phrase, ‘You’re as sick as your secrets,'” she toldPeople.
“I think there’s some truth in that.
There’s so much healing and liberation in the truth and not feeling like we have to hide.”
“I haven’t shared this because I want people to like me,” she said.
“I shared this because I want our culture to embrace honesty and vulnerability.
I want that to be OK in our culture.”
And so, I wanted to make a choice to tell a truth that she couldn’t.”
Her beloved dog died
Kerry Washington was devoted to her beloved dog, Josie B.
As she explained toAllurein 2017, the pooch was pampered and frequently treated to spa days.
“I’m very envious of my dog’s spa schedule,” she joked.
“She gets a deep condition once a week.
I’m lucky if I get a deep conditioning once a week.”
“And making time for cuddles is definite self care.”
Josie also frequented the “Scandal” set.
In May 2021, Washington was devastated when Josie died.
Last night Josie crossed over and transitioned into a world beyond this one.
And a piece of my heart went with her."
In tribute to her furbaby, Washington donated to the animal shelter Wags and Walks in Josie’s name.
The actor experienced panic attacks for years
Kerry Washington was raised amidst considerable familial discord.
Dissatisfied with the directions their lives had taken, her parents were constantly arguing.
So, when they fought, I took it as my failure."
Subsequently, she began suffering from severe panic attacks from the age of 7.
“I developed panic attacks at night.”
Accordingly, these anxieties manifested in insomnia.
One night, Washington got out of bed to confront her parents over their quarrels.
Her mother burst into tears when she saw her.
Dreaming of a better life, these difficulties at home propelled Washington to become a high-achiever.
“And therewasa lot of joy and happiness at home.
But there was a lot more complexity as well.”
Depressed with unrealized dreams and aspirations, Earl Washington began drinking heavily.
Soon, Kerry began to struggle with substance misuse issues herself.
Since recovering, Kerry now avoids alcohol entirely.
“I wanted my characters to be in a story of their own.
I didn’t want to be an accessory to a white woman’s journey.”
Specifically, she explained that she feared that a white person would call the cops on her children.
“Because that cop may never have seen ‘Scandal.'”
She suffered a miscarriage
In 2013,Kerry Washington married Nnamdi Asomugha in a secret ceremony.
The couple has three children, including a daughter from Asomugha’s previous relationship.
She emphasized the importance of discussing her loss, hoping that doing so would help other women.
Her mother, Valerie Washington, had also suffered a stillbirth when she was married to her first husband.
Fearful that she would be found out, she used a fake name when attending her appointment.
But her political activism was met with backlash.
But she has refused to tone down her impassioned beliefs.
“You walked into my life and immediately changed me for the better,” she wrote.
“What an inspiration!
Thank you for your shining example.
And your shimmering grace.
I am heartbroken.”
In an essay forThe Hollywood Reporter, Washington paid a poignant tribute to the late director.
The loss of Lynn is devastating."
At the time, Kerry Washington was enjoying rapid success following her supporting role in Oscar-winner “Ray.”
Subsequently, she revealed that the tragedy gave her a new perspective on life.
As traumatic as the ordeal was, it also enabled Washington to trust her instincts in the future.
TheSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration websiteor contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact theirlive chat services.
