The Emmy-winning star reflects on her Scandal legacy, producing with Oprah, and leading Netflix’s powerful war drama The Six Triple Eight
Kerry Washington has never shied away from complexity. Whether she’s commanding a crisis as Olivia Pope in Scandal or navigating explosive secrets in Little Fires Everywhere, the Emmy-winning actress has built a career on playing women who are fierce, flawed, and unforgettable.
Now, in Netflix’s The Six Triple Eight, she takes on one of her most transformative roles yet: Major Charity Adams, the real-life leader of the only all-Black women’s unit to serve overseas during World War II. Directed by Tyler Perry, the film tells the extraordinary true story of bravery, resilience, and legacy—a narrative that Washington not only stars in, but also helps shape as an executive producer.
“Charity Adams struck me as having a different kind of power than I’ve ever been able to play before,” Washington says. “I’ve played really iconic characters—Olivia Pope, Broomhilda—but this was something deeper, more sacred. I knew I had to step outside of myself to honor her properly.”
A Role Rooted in Legacy
Washington immersed herself in research, even speaking to Lena Derriecott, one of the last surviving members of the Six Triple Eight, to inform her portrayal. She adjusted everything from her posture to her vocal tone, crafting a version of Adams that felt historically grounded and emotionally resonant.
“If people are watching and they’re thinking about Kerry Washington or Olivia Pope, then I’m doing a disservice to Charity Adams,” she explains.
It’s this depth of dedication that sets Washington apart—not just as a performer, but as a storyteller who’s committed to bringing underrepresented histories to the screen.
Working with Oprah
Sharing the screen with Oprah Winfrey—who plays legendary educator and activist Mary McLeod Bethune—was a full-circle moment.
“I adore Oprah,” Washington beams. “She’s one of our most exceptional Black women, just like Mary McLeod Bethune was. It felt right that Oprah would portray her. On set, I was just like, ‘What do you need? Can I get you anything?’ I just wanted to take care of her.”
Their scenes together are more than performances—they’re moments that bridge history, legacy, and contemporary Black excellence.
A Career Defined by Firsts
When Scandal premiered in 2012, Washington made headlines as the first Black woman to lead a network drama in 40 years. Today, she’s proud of how far the industry has come.
“That kind of thing isn’t news anymore, and I think that’s fantastic,” she says. “There are far more opportunities now than when I was in my twenties.”
Still, Olivia Pope remains close to her heart. The character didn’t just boost her career; she shaped her worldview. So much so that Washington wrote a memoir—Thicker Than Water—drawing on the lessons she learned from stepping into Pope’s power.
“She changed my life, changed my heart, and transformed my career.”
What’s Next for Kerry?
Next year, Washington is set to star in the third installment of the Knives Out franchise, adding a twist of mystery to her already diverse filmography. But it’s The Six Triple Eight that holds a special place in her current journey—not just because of the role she plays, but because of what the film represents.
“It’s for anyone who has ever felt underestimated, marginalised, or doubted,” she says. “It’s a call to believe in your capacity to do great things.”
Ultimately, Kerry Washington’s career continues to redefine what power looks like on screen—and off. As an actor, producer, and changemaker, she’s telling stories that matter and leaving a legacy that, like the women of the Six Triple Eight, will be remembered for generations.
