ACTOR · BORN 1977

Kerry Washington

Born

31 January 1977, The Bronx, New York City, New York, USA

Known for

Django Unchained (2012), Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), The Simpsons (1989), Fantastic Four (2005)

27 archived facts · 4 topics · 1 source · Last reviewed Sep 2026

9 Facts About Kerry Washington's Life and Family

1. #001

   Kerry Washington was accepted to Yale University and Dartmouth College but turned down both prestigious institutions. The decision reflected her desire to focus on acting rather than an academic career. That bold choice at a young age paved the way for her later rise as a major name in Hollywood.

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2. #002

   Kerry Washington's father is African-American and her mother is of Jamaican descent, with African, English and Scottish ancestors in her mother's lineage. This multicultural heritage shaped her identity and the depth she brings to her acting. Washington carries that diversity with pride in both her personal and professional life.

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3. #005

   Kerry Washington is the only child of Earl, a real estate broker, and Valerie, a university professor. Her family gave her an environment that valued education and the arts. This supportive family structure laid the groundwork for Washington to succeed in both academic and artistic fields.

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4. #009

   Kerry Washington gave birth to her second child, her son Caleb Kelechi Asomugha, at the age of 39. Caleb's father is also her husband, Nnamdi Asomugha. Washington timed the births of her two children to coincide with busy periods in her career, successfully managing both motherhood and her acting responsibilities.

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5. #011

   Kerry Washington is the cousin of Milly Silva, who ran for lieutenant governor of New Jersey in 2013. Silva ran alongside State Senator Barbara Buono, the Democratic Party's gubernatorial candidate. Washington actively campaigned in support of her cousin and Buono and took part in the political process.

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6. #012

   Although Kerry Washington attends church regularly, she refuses to talk about her private life and often tells reporters, "I don't talk about my private life." This stance shows her determination to protect her private space in the face of the media. While living by her personal beliefs, Washington also places great importance on her privacy.

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7. #014

   Kerry Washington graduated in 1998 from George Washington University's theater program with Phi Beta Kappa honors. She double-majored in anthropology and sociology at the university. This academic achievement shows that she stands out not only for her acting talent but also for her intellectual depth.

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8. #026

   During her university years, Kerry Washington was a member of an a cappella group. A cappella is the art of making music using only the human voice, without instruments. This experience helped her develop her musical talent and gain confidence in her stage performances.

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9. #027

   Kerry Washington is a cousin of Michael Powell and Linda Powell. Michael Powell is a former American football player and coach, while Linda Powell is an actress. These family ties strengthened Washington's connections to the worlds of art and sports.

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