Kerry Washington

[style_savy]

Kerry Washington @ Center Dance Arts "POOL PARTY" - june 14
celebutopia

 

[lady B]

(click to make a bit bigger)

THEY WERE WRONG TO SAY THAT BEAUTY IS ONLY SKIN DEEP. From within her soul, she impresses, intrigues, inspires, and then she suddenly makes you laugh. Spend time with her and you’ll be wishing you could take her home to your mother. She’d even talk politics with your dad. For a mere four years this aspiring actress appeared on the Washington stage, and what formidable years they were, even though her name was not in bright lights. Through her hard work and devotion to the performing arts, she took advantage of everything the nation’s capital could offer her, and then some—and she’s just now beginning to mature. Ladies and gentlemen, may we introduce Kerry Washington. And remember, the best is yet to come.

Capitol File: First and foremost, and while it’s not polite to discuss a lady’s age, a very happy birthday to you—and dare I say, this is a big birthday. How did you celebrate?
Kerry Washington: It’s a huge birthday, it’s 30. It’s pivotal! Actually, I created this wonderful day of personal health care. I did a private yoga session in the morning, and went to a spa in the afternoon, and I just treated myself as lovingly, as gently as I possibly could.

CF: You were born in the Bronx, your father was a successful real estate broker, but otherwise we know little about your family. Describe a normal day in the life of Kerry Washington, growing up an African American in the Bronx during the 1980s.
KW: Oh gosh, I feel like every day of my childhood was so different. And a big part of that was because I had two parents who worked full-time. So literally Monday was gymnastics, Tuesday was ballet, Wednesday was a children’s theatre company. And both my parents loved to travel, and they really valued the theater and museums, so it would be very hard for me to say what a normal day in my childhood was, because I feel that my childhood was very much an adventure.

CF: I’m curious about your parents’ naming you “Kerry,” because my daughter has the same name, which isn’t too common.
KW: Kerry isn’t very common . . . My mom comes from a very mixed ethnic background, so she was hesitant to go with a very strong, very heavily Afrocentric name. But she read somewhere that in Gaelic “Kerry” means “little dark one.” Because my mother is of European descent as well, she thought it was a neat combination to use a Gaelic word supporting children of color.

CF: Tell me more about your mom.
KW: My mom’s a retired professor of education. She taught at Lehman College, which is part of the City University of New York.

CF: So you remained in New York City, graduated from the famed Spence School in 1994, and then Washington comes to Washington to attend Washington—enrolling in George Washington University. Don’t tell me it was politics that attracted you to the nation’s capital?
KW: (Laughs) No, it wasn’t, actually. I really wanted to attend college in a city setting, a cosmopolitan setting . . . and I felt DC was a wonderful cultural center. Also, interestingly, GW was the only campus—you know, I visited more than 20 schools when I was looking for a university to attend—other than traditionally African American campuses where my tour guide was a person of color. And I thought the kind of people that volunteer to do those tours are people that really love their school, and the fact that this young Asian American kid was comfortable enough to stand behind a university was a good sign to me of the level of diversity that was empowered by the school. Also, I didn’t even know then that this existed, but GW has a performing arts scholarship, so I was able to go to college partially paid for, just by doing what I love to do.

CF: Speaking of politics, and don’t worry, this is the last political question—
KW: (Interrupts) I don’t mind political questions; I’m a very political person.

CF: Well, I can’t help but notice that you graduated from GW in 1998, the same year the Monica Lewinsky scandal unfolded a few blocks from campus. How did you react to President Clinton and Miss Lewinsky’s escapades?
KW: It was a really neat experience to be living in DC at that time as a student, because I had friends who were interns at various government agencies. There was a very tangible scent of how close we were to national politics, how physically and logistically and culturally embedded we were within the politics of the entire nation, just because of where we went to school. I think it was also a very good preparation for me for Hollywood (laughs), sort of being in DC at a time when there were paparazzi and sex scandals—excellent preparation for all the drama of LA.

CF: Where did you live in Washington, and where would we have found Kerry Washington on a Saturday night?
KW: Hmmm. I lived in Foggy Bottom all four years. Probably the most exciting thing for me was freshman year, living on Virginia Avenue and literally doing my grocery shopping at the Safeway in the Watergate building. I was just like, “Oh, my!” It was history for me. I was suddenly thrust into a new understanding of my national history—I had a context to put these words into—so that was really fun for me. And on a typical Saturday night, I was probably in rehearsal for something or other. But my favorite restaurant in Washington is Nora. Yes, that’s my absolute favorite.

CF: So you rose from Foggy Bottom onto the world’s stage. And only a few short years reveal a long and impressive list of credits. Do you feel you’ve arrived at your full potential as an actor, or is that giant, self-fulfilling role still out there?
KW: I don’t think I’m even close to fulfilling my potential. And I think also that, unlike a pianist or a flutist, an actor has an instrument that is constantly changing. My own physical, mental, psychological self is my instrument. Even if I had somehow fulfilled the maximum potential of who Kerry is today, who Kerry is five years from now will pose totally new challenges as an artist.

CF: Who hasn’t been talking about this year’s Oscars, including Forest Whitaker’s incredible portrayal of the cruel but at times jolly Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland? And behind every madman stands a better woman—in this case Idi Amin’s “first lady,” a role you played most impressively, and with an African accent, no less.
KW: I did! (Laughs). I love this film. It’s such a special film, and so fulfilling to be a part of a work that is so smart and provocative and daring and elegant. And I’ll be able to start a new rumor that if you want to win an Oscar for Best Actor, you must hire Kerry Washington to play your wife.

CF: It’s true, you also played the wife of singer Ray Charles in the 2004 film Ray. And you yourself have been nominated for an NAACP Image Award, as well as a 2007 Black Reel Award as best supporting actress for your role in The Last King of Scotland. It’s worth noting that the Black Reels benefit the Foundation for the Advancement of African Americans in Film. What is the state of African Americans in the industry today?
KW: I think it’s like the state of African Americans in every segment of society, it’s constantly evolving. I see that the life I am able to lead as an African American actor today is definitely easier than, let’s say . . . Lena Horne’s. And yet there is still a lot of distance to travel in order for the industry to reflect true equity.

CF: I see you’re a member of the V-Counsel, an esteemed group of advisors to V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls.
KW: Eve Ensler [creator of V-Day and author of The Vagina Monologues] is a very dear friend of mine, and the work she does is invaluable to the world. Truly, women and mothers are our greatest resource.

CF: I agree with you. And I couldn’t help but peek into your fan site, and I literally lost count of how many ways your devotees describe your beauty—my favorite is “beautiful brown bombshell.”
KW: (Laughs) That’s nice, that’s very nice. Actually, I’ve never considered myself beautiful. Growing up, I wasn’t the pretty one in the group of kids that I hung out with, and I’m actually grateful for that because it allowed me to really nurture other parts of myself. I remember deciding at some point in junior high school that I was going to be the smart one, be the political one; I was going to be the one with the personality. Those other parts of me thrived because I did not have my looks to fall back on. So now to be one of the spokesmodels for L’Oréal cosmetics is just hilarious to me. I’m much more comfortable sitting on the Hill advocating increased funding for the arts than I am doing a hair-color commercial.

CF: Speaking of which, you’re involved with the Creative Coalition, the political advocacy organization for the entertainment industry.
KW: When I look at my life, because I had two parents who worked full- time, when we did have time together we really valued and took advantage of all those rich cultural resources in New York City. So it’s difficult for me to imagine what my childhood would have been like without the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities. Those two organizations were part of the village that raised this child. And I think that’s true for so many of the children in this country.

CF: OK, how about a big finale? Surely an actress of your caliber can hold a tune, so in the spirit of your DC alma mater, let’s sing one of GW’s most cherished songs. I’ve changed one name, but nobody will notice. All together now . . . Hail Alma Mater, To thy spirit guiding, Knowledge thy closest friend, In its strength abiding, Pledge we fidelity, Ne’er its place resigning, Hail thee Kerry Washington.
KW: (Laughs) That is so funny. That’s totally OK!

Source:http://stealstyle.blogspot.com/

 

[lady B]

Kerry Washington arriving at the Fall 2005 Proenza Schouler Fashion Show benefiting The r*pe Foundation at the home of Heather Thomas and Skip Brittenham on April 28, 2005 in Brentwood, California.

Kerry Washington at the Luxottica Group Lounge during the 31st Annual Toronto International Film Festival last September.

Kerry Washington attending The L'Oreal Legends Gala to benefit The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at the Museum of Natural History last week in NYC.

Same source as above..

 

[Working Girl]

She is soo beautiful and smart. Thank you, Lady B.

 

[ariesgurl09]

her wedges at the Center Dance Arts "POOL PARTY"!! Where are they from?

 

[Melly5525]

^YSL, I love them too!

 

[style_savy]

Kerry Washington in Yves Saint Laurent
instyle

 

[lady B]

Just thought I'd share some of my favorite clip:

Kerry Washington L'oreal Paris segment


E-Asylum Exclusive-I Think I Love My Wife with Kerry Washington


^ I simply love that purple dress

 

[kochie332]

thanks for the clips

 

[lady B]

^ You're welcome
I came across some HQ pics today,I don't think we had them in this thread.I hope not.

Kerry Washington -Last King of Scotland premiere London


Kerry Washington -The Last King of Scotland premiere LA

 

[kochie332]

thanks! i havent seen those!

i love the first look... but not crazy about the second outfit. even the makeup with the second outfit looks off

 

[lady B]

I don't think we have those in HQ's,this outfit is amazing

Kerry Washington -2007 Spirit Awards


......

 

[lady B]

All pics are from SuperiorPics

 

[kochie332]

oh i did like that Prada outfit!

 

[Working Girl]

Thank you Lady B. I love her makeup. It is always flawless.

 

[lady B]

Ok,I'm very obsessed with Kerry today.....sorry
Here's the Essence article

She's been the leading lady to two Oscar winners, yet for actress Kerry Washington, taking the lead in her own life has been challenging. Now, having faced her personal demons, she tells Jeannine Amber she's poised for new heights. By Jeannine Amber


It was the fall of 2004. Ray had just hit theaters, and Kerry Washington, the wide-eyed talent who shone opposite Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles's beleaguered wife, was beginning to feel the heat.

Suddenly people were coming up to her—in the street, at the grocery store—acting as if they knew her and wanting to chat. "I love what I do," says Washington, sitting in a corner booth in Angelica's Kitchen, a vegan restaurant in Manhattan's East Village, where as recently as 2001 she supplemented her acting with a part-time job as a hostess. "So I like when people want to talk to me about my work." ​

But sometimes things get weird. Like the time a man called "Hey, Kerry!" to her on the street. Although she didn't recognize him, she responded warmly, thinking he must be someone she had gone to college with. "I let him into my personal space. Then he starts saying, 'Your *** was incredible in (Spike Lee's) She Hate Me,' " she recalls with a shudder. "It made me realize I wasn't always going to be in control of who knew me, how they knew me, or what they thought of me."​

To another actress, these intrusions might be tallied up as the price of blossoming fame. But Washington, who is by her own admission very sensitive, finds these encounters completely unnerving. "I used to be the girl who would show up at the airport in pajamas, because no one was ever trying to take my picture," she says. "Suddenly I was losing my anonymity, and I became really scared, scared of my career. I felt trapped and powerless, as if I had put myself in a corner." At the same time, Washington's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer (she's currently in remission). So despite the swirl of accolades and awards shows that came in the wake of Ray, the actress, who turned 30 this past January, found herself sinking into depression. ​

In December 2004, Washington and her then fiancé, actor David Moscow, flew to Thailand for a vacation. Before making their way to their beachfront hotel, they dropped by to see some of Washington's extended family living in Bangkok. The family persuaded the couple to spend the night. The next morning a tsunami, which affected several countries surrounding the Indian Ocean and would kill almost 300,000 people, struck the village the couple had intended to visit. Washington awoke to find their hotel had been completely destroyed. "It was just...gone," she says. That moment changed everything. ​

Credit: Daniela Federici
Kerry wears an Oscar de la Renta dress.​

After the Storm​

Washington says that when she woke up the morning after the tsunami, she thought, Okay. As scared as I might be about all the unknowns in my life, I'm alive. I should embrace the adventure rather than have it put me in a corner and shut me down.​

"So I started looking for ways to be a positive participant in my life, rather than letting my life control me," the actress says. "Like, with my mother's breast cancer. I thought, Here's an opportunity for us to move closer together, for me to support her the way she has supported me my whole life.​

"The other thing it affirmed for me is to trust my instincts," she continues. "As women of color, we're constantly feeling like we have to make choices for other people. What will make him happy? What will make them happy? But when I decided to stay in Bangkok for that night, it didn't feel like I was 'supposed to.' It felt like there was so much love coming from my family, and I should just move in the direction of the love I deserve. Since then I've really tried to stay in that frame of mind—to trust my intuition and go where the love is. That's my guiding light."​

If recent history is any indication, Washington's light has served her well. In a profession often criticized for its dearth of opportunities for Black women, she's been tapped for an array of roles, starring in everything from action-packed blockbusters like Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which opened last month, to gritty indie flicks like The Dead Girl, in which she mesmerized audiences as a young woman laid bare by her friend's murder. Unlike some of her contemporaries, whose celebrity often overshadows their attempt to inhabit a character, on-screen Washington virtually disappears. It's not an actress we see, it's a desperate Ugandan wife in The Last King of Scotland, a charismatic shoplifter in Lift, a manipulative temptress sashaying into the life of another woman's man in I Think I Love My Wife. ​

Her acting appears effortless, but Washington's preparation is intense. For her role as a transgendered prostitute in the upcoming Life Is Hot in Cracktown, Washington spent months working with transgendered activist Valerie Spenser. At her own expense, Washington paid Spenser to show up on set every day to ensure the actress's performance rang authentic. "When I'm working, I give myself over to my characters," she says. "I literally lend my life to them."​

The Price of Perfection ​

But all this focus can take its toll. For years as a college student, Washington, who has the petite frame and high forehead of a ballerina, suffered through what she describes as an abusive relationship with food and exercise: compulsive overeating followed by endless workouts to erase the damage. "I used food as a way to cope," she says. "It was my best friend." Washington would hide in her dorm room, bingeing on whole pizzas, pints of ice cream, entire jars of peanut butter, and plates of fries. "I'd eat anything and everything," she says, "sometimes until I passed out. But then, because I had this personality that was driven toward perfectionism, I would tell people I was at the library, but instead go to the gym and exercise for hours and hours and hours. Keeping my behavior a secret was painful and isolating. There was a lot of guilt and a lot of shame." ​

Washington finally sought help after her dance teacher, sensing something was wrong, approached her. "I started therapy, which I still do today," says Washington. "I also see a nutritionist and I meditate. Learning how to love myself and my body is a lifelong process. But I definitely don't struggle the way I used to. Therapy helped me realize that maybe it's okay for me to communicate my feelings. Instead of literally stuffing them down with food, maybe it's okay for me to express myself." ​

These days it appears that Washington has no problem speaking her mind. She's wildly expressive and deeply analytical, her language laced with literary references, metaphors, yoga terminology and plenty of self-help-y affirmations. Warm and thoughtful, she's charmingly optimistic, even in the face of her recent breakup with her fiancé, with whom she had been living for almost five years. Although the relationship was interracial (one African-American blog dismissively described him as her "Something New"), the split had nothing to do with race. "I have relatives who are from Nepal, Thailand, Puerto Rico," says Washington. "So it wasn't a huge departure for me to be with someone who wasn't Black. I know people were making comments about it online. But I don't live my life based on bloggers; I live my life based on what my heart is telling me to do." Washington says the breakup last February was mutual and amicable and based more on the couple's sense that things just weren't working than on who did what to whom. "When we were planning the wedding, I didn't even feel like picking out a dress," she says. "But I didn't rush things; I let my intuition guide me. We realized that even though we love each other on a very profound level, we were doing emotional gymnastics to try to work things out. We thought that instead, maybe we should walk away. Of course, that doesn't mean it hasn't been painful." ​

Still, Washington is determined to keep following her light. "No matter how bad things are—whether it was the period when I first sought out treatment for my eating disorder or when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer or when the engagement dissolved—I know the other side is going to be better," she says. "Maybe even miraculously better. I hold on to that."​

Jeannine Amber is senior writer for ESSENCE.​

From:http://www.essence.com/essence/
They also have a cute behind the scene clip ​

 

[kochie332]

^that blue dress is amazing for the photoshoot

 

[kochie332]

Sunshine Premiere, Wadsworth Theatre, Hollywood, CA - July 1, 2007
celebritycity

 

[WheresMyUmbrella]

^^^ cute outfit, unflattering hairstyle

 

[lady B]

^ I agree I'm very dissapointed with the hair

Btw WheresMyUmbrella,I love your username it reminds me a french comedian