Kerry Washington has joined the cast of Knives Out 3, officially titled “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” at Netflix. She joins a star-studded cast that includes Josh O’Connor, Cailee Spaeny, and Andrew Scott, alongside returning lead Daniel Craig.
Deadline first reported the news, and details about the plot and characters are being kept under wraps.
Rian Johnson returns as writer and director for the film and is producing alongside Ram Bergman. Production is expected to begin soon.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Johnson announced the film’s title and expressed his enthusiasm for the whodunit genre: “I love everything about whodunnits, but one of the things I love most is how malleable the genre is. There’s a whole tonal spectrum from Carr to Christie, and exploring that range is one of the most exciting things about making Benoit Blanc movies.”
This project adds to Washington’s busy schedule, which includes Netflix’s “Six Triple Eight” and Lionsgate’s “Shadow Force,” both in post-production. She also stars in and executive produces Hulu’s Onyx Collective comedy “UnPrisoned.”
Kerry Washington and Elisabeth Moss will lead and executive produce Imperfect Women, a new limited series on Apple TV+.
The series is adapted from the novel by Araminta Hall and will be produced for television. Annie Weisman wrote and executive produced it, and 20th Television and Apple Studios are producing it.
Here’s the official description: An unconventional psychological thriller examining a crime that shatters the lives of three women’s decades-long friendship, Imperfect Women is a mystery complicated by perspective that explores guilt and retribution, love and betrayal, and the compromises we make that alter our lives irrevocably. As the investigation unravels, so does the truth about how even the closest relationships can change over time.
“From the moment I received Araminta’s novel, I couldn’t put it down. It was such an electrifying read; I fell in love with it immediately,” from Moss in a statement. “I’ve admired Kerry and her work as an actor and producer for many years and have been looking for something to work with her on and was so thrilled that she responded to the material when we sent it to her and Pilar at Simpson Street. They were the first and only people we thought of. We are so happy that Apple and 20th Television agreed to partner with us on this, as well. It’s all an absolute match made in heaven.”
“I could not have been more thrilled to get this call from Elisabeth,” Washington said. “I have been an immense fan of hers – both as a brilliant actor and groundbreaking producer – for years. Elisabeth and Lindsey have impeccable taste, as evidenced by the way they have championed Araminta’s gripping novel, and I can’t think of a better person to bring this project to life on screen than the amazing Annie Weisman. Imperfect Women is exactly the type of exciting, complex, raw storytelling we strive to create at Simpson Street. Pilar and I are tremendously inspired by the opportunity to team up with Love & Squalor Pictures, and we are thankful to everyone at Apple Studios and the team at 20th Television for believing in this project as much as we do.”
“I’m honored that Apple is once again trusting me to help bring complex, layered female characters to the screen,” said Weisman. “Elisabeth, Kerry, and Araminta are the perfect collaborators to bring these Imperfect Women to life.”
“I couldn’t be happier that my book has found a home at Apple, home of some of my favourite programmes,” said Hall. “And, to be working with Elisabeth and Lindsey is a dream. They have an incredible talent for story telling and immediately understood my book in an exactly the way I meant it to be read. And then to have Kerry Washington on board is like a bonus on top of a bonus. My book couldn’t be in better hands.”
Kerry Washington is a versatile and talented actress who has brought many exceptional roles to life, both on the big and small screens. With a career spanning three decades, Kerry Washington has constantly proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. From her breakout role in Save the Last Dance to her iconic portrayal of Olivia Pope in Scandal, Washington has consistently delivered outstanding performances. Whether in dramatic or comedic roles, she consistently resonates with audiences and critics alike. She also boasts a worldwide box office gross of over $2 billion as a lead and supporting actress. However, with a vast filmography and countless roles under her belt, Kerry Washington will forever earn praise for these seven impeccable roles.
7. Kendra Ellis-Connor (American Son, 2019)
Kerry Washington delivered one of her most poignant, powerful roles in American Son. In this emotionally charged drama, she portrays Kendra Ellis-Connor, a mother desperately searching for answers about her missing teenage son. The film is set against the backdrop of a police station, where Kendra confronts the officers and fights with the complexities of race, identities, and the justice system. Overall, Washington gave a stellar performance that captured the heart-wrenching and thought-provoking moments of a mother’s anguish. Furthermore, her acting showcased her exceptional talent, as well as her ability to tackle roles that resonate with audiences.
6. Broomhilda Von Shaft (Django Unchained, 2012)
Kerry Washington embraced a demanding role in Quentin Tarantino’s critically acclaimed film Django Unchained. She portrayed Broomhilda von Shaft, an enslaved woman whose liberation becomes the central focus of her husband’s quest for freedom. The star-studded film centers around Django, played by Jamie Foxx, a former enslaved free man who teams up with a German bounty hunter to rescue his wife from a merciless slave owner. The cast also featured other prominent names, such as: Samuel L. Jackson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Christoph Waltz. Washington’s performance was both compelling and deeply moving, shedding light on the harsh realities of slavery while preserving her character’s strength and dignity.
5. Kay Amin (The Last King Of Scotland, 2006)
In The Last King of Scotland, Kerry Washington took on one of her most dramatic roles ever. Here, she portrayed Kay Amin, Idi Amin’s third and youngest wife. The film delves into the controversial regime of Idi Amin, the notorious Ugandan dictator. However, the narrative primarily unfolds through the perspective of a Scottish doctor, portrayed by James McAvoy. Washington’s character becomes embroiled in an extramarital affair with the doctor, and together, they unite to endure the havoc wrought by Amin upon the nation and its people. Although the film faced criticism for historical inaccuracies, it still garnered love, particularly due to its acting performances. Additionally, it provided Washington with an opportunity to demonstrate her skills in immersing herself in intricate historical narratives.
4. Della Bea Robinson (Ray, 2004)
In one of her earliest roles, Kerry Washington displayed her dramatic prowess in the biographical film Ray. She took on the role of Della Bea Robinson, the wife of legendary musician Ray Charles, played by Jamie Foxx. The film follows the life of Ray, from his childhood to his rise to fame. The film also looks into his struggle with drug addiction and his marriage with Della Bea Robinson. Here, Washington plays the patient and loving wife and perfectly portrays the love and support that sustained the troubled genius throughout his life. Consequently, her performance in Ray earned her critical acclaim and also showcased her ability to bring great depth to her characters.
3. Anita Hill (Confirmation, 2016)
In Confirmation, Washington starred as the real-life Anita Hill, a law professor who accused Supreme Court Justice nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment. The HBO film centers on the controversy that ensued after Hill came forward with her accusation. Her portrayal of Hill’s courage and determination in the face of adversity was nothing short of exceptional, earning her an Emmy nomination. Furthermore, the film received highly positive reviews from critics and fans alike, as they touted it as one of Washington’s best performances in her career.
2. Mia Warren (Little Fires Everywhere, 2020)
Kerry Washington stars alongside actress Reese Witherspoon in Little Fires Everywhere. She portrayed the character Mia Warren in the eight-episode miniseries. The series delves into the lives of the seemingly flawless Richards family, which takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of the mysterious artist Mia and her compassionate daughter, Pearl. Washington embraced the role of the resourceful and secretive mother, delivering a captivating performance that earned her an Emmy Award nod. Additionally, her on-screen clashes with Reese Witherspoon’s character, Elena, contributed to the series’ critical praise.
1. Olivia Pope (Scandal, 2012-2018)
There’s absolutely no way Kerry Washington is living down her iconic role as Olivia Pope in Scandal. In fact, on social media particularly, some fans simply refer to her as Ms. Pope, even after all these years. In a career-defining turn, Washington moved over to Shondaland and became a household name. Scandal remains one of the most popular dramas to ever air on ABC and was very popular on social media as well. Washington’s cutthroat acting style made every word out of her mouth believable. Coupled with incredible fashion sense and deep emotional weaknesses, she became TV gold!
Shaq is apparently the most famous person to slide into the DMs of Kerry Washington, the actress claims. “He’s a big Scandal fan,” Washington told Watch What Happens Live while promoting her upcoming memoir. “He’s always like, ‘I’ll do anything for command,’” Washington said, making reference to a major plot for her character on the show. However, Washington did not say how recently Shaq had hit up her DMs. Scandal ended in 2018.
Elsewhere during her appearance on the WWHL, Washington revealed the most recent celebrity text she had received was from Jennifer Aniston. “Yeah, she sent me proof that she had just bought the book. It was really cute,” Washington said. The pair went viral back in 2020 when they gushed about one another after linking up on the red carpet at the Golden Globes. Washington’s memoir, Thicker than Water, is out later this year.
While Washington is happily married, Shaq has recently been reflecting on his own love life. “I had two perfect women and I messed it up,” Shaq expressed. “My first one was my baby mother, Arnetta [Yardbourgh], and then I met Shaunie [Nelson]. Shaunie was also a perfect woman and I messed it up. Yeah, you know, we were young and always just doing dumb stuff. But, you know, the good thing about our relationship is that they forgave me and we have a good relationship now. But when you ask me about the perfect woman, I had two perfect women and I messed it up. Just by, you know, being dumb,” Shaq said back in June.
Meanwhile, earlier that same month, Shaq had been spotted out to dinner with influencer Brittany Renner. Renner has a plethora of athletes in her little black book. However, she is best known at the moment for being the mother of PJ Washington’s child. Despite this, sources from both camps told gossip outlets that the dinner was entirely platonic and that she wasn’t adding Shaq to her list.
Known for her compelling performances and unyielding activism, Kerry Washington’s trajectory in Hollywood is a paradigm for excellence and influence. As a testament to her professional achievements and shrewd financial acumen, CAknowledge puts her net worth at a commendable $55 million in 2023.
Rooted in the Bronx, New York City, Kerry Washington grew up with a sense of community that would later significantly influence her roles and activism. She attended the Spence School, an elite all-girls institution where she excelled both academically and in the performing arts. Yet, even in those hallowed halls, she remained connected to her community, actively participating in outreach programs. Washington’s undergraduate years at George Washington University further honed her acting chops, catapulting her into roles that would soon garner both critical and popular acclaim. The seeds sown in those formative years have borne ample fruit, evident in her complex characters and profound impact on and off-screen.
Career Highlights & Accolades: More Than Just Olivia Pope
HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 28: Actress Kerry Washington attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
While Washington’s role as the indomitable Olivia Pope in Scandal remains her most recognizable work, her repertoire extends far beyond the corridors of D.C.’s fictional corridors of power. From the heart-wrenching drama of Ray to the social critique in The Last King of Scotland, Washington has delivered one masterful performance after another. She garnered Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG nominations for multiple projects, solidifying her position as a versatile actress capable of commanding any script. Washington has also ventured into producing, with projects like Little Fires Everywhere acting as platforms for complicated narratives and strong female leads. In each project, Washington doesn’t just act; she imbues her roles with layers of complexity, making her one of the industry’s most sought-after talents.
Personal Life & Highlights: A Life Less Ordinary
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 01: (L-R) Nnamdi Asomugha and Kerry Washington attend The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)
Despite the natural inclination for stardom to bleed into one’s personal life, Washington has skillfully managed to maintain a reasonable sanctuary around her private affairs. Married to former NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha, the couple has been notoriously discreet about their family life, thereby preserving a sense of normalcy for their children. What does seep into the public consciousness, however, is Washington’s persistent activism. A proponent of various causes like education and voter registration, she uses her platform to address systemic inequities and inspire change, proving her commitment to bettering the world extends far beyond her acting roles.
Business Ventures & Philanthropy: A Multi-Dimensional Portfolio
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 04: (Editorial Use Only) (Exclusive Coverage) (L-R) Kerry Washington, Kelly Rowland and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at SoFi Stadium on September 04, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood)
While not as overt as some of her Hollywood contemporaries, Washington has been circumspect in diversifying her financial portfolio. She has quietly invested in several ventures, primarily focusing on those aligned with her social justice aspirations. On the philanthropic front, her contributions are far more visible. Washington serves on the board of V-Day, a global activist movement aimed at ending violence against women and girls. She has also lent her name and resources to arts education and has been an outspoken advocate for gender equality in Hollywood, influencing the narrative through not just her words but her actionable commitments.
Actress Kerry Washington has revealed a surprising family secret in her forthcoming memoir, Thicker Than Water. The Scandal star, aged 46, recently discovered that her father, Earl Washington, is not her biological father.
The revelation, which Washington calls a “world-turning moment,” prompted her to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
“It really turned my world upside down,” Washington said to PEOPLE.
The actress learned the shocking truth after expressing her intention to participate in Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s PBS series, “Finding Your Roots,” which utilizes DNA testing to help celebrities learn about their ancestral backgrounds.
Her parents, Valerie and Earl, who had concealed the secret for decades, privately discussed the matter with Gates and decided to share it with Kerry. A family sit-down was arranged in the spring of 2018 following a text message from her parents.
Kerry Washington’s forthcoming memoir delves into her life, identity, and the profound impact of this revelation. It offers readers a glimpse into the deeply personal and transformative journey the actress experienced.
When it comes to red carpet looks, actress Kerry Washington has always turned heads. However, at the recent ABFF Honors ceremony, she turned heads while also paying homage to the late Whitney Houston, wearing one of her old dresses to the ceremony as a way to “honor Black excellence.”
The iconic red dress was first worn by Whitney Houston in 1996. On Jimmy Fallon, Washington explained how the dress had been archived by its original designer, Marc Bouwer, and it had not been worn in decades. Washington had apparently had her eye on it for awhile and had previously discussed the dress with her stylist, but had to wait for the right moment to honor [Houston].
She described the halter-style dress as “really special” and explaining that “when you get an award for excellence in the arts, you’ve gotta go to Black excellence.”
Washington also posted a short video on Instagram in which she asked “What’s cooler than wearing Whitney Houston’s dress?” before following it up with her singing the late songstress’s iconic “nothing” while twirling around and showing it off.
The fifth American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors ceremony, which took place in West Hollywood on March 5, recognizes achievements of film actors of African descent and honors films that stand out in their portrayal of Black experience. Washington was honored alongside Courtney B. Vance, Janelle Monáe, Macro’s Charles D. King, filmmaker Kasi Lemmons, the cast of “Eve’s Bayou,” and more.
After describing the dress on Jimmy Fallon, Washington also teased her upcoming autobiography.
In honor of Black History Month and in the spirit of the Winter Olympics, Kerry Washington gives a nod to ‘HERstory’ by posting a tribute to one of the greatest Olympic athletes of all time, Wilma Rudolph. Her tribute included a makeover to look like her as well as a brief lesson on the Olympic athlete. In the post, she stated that “Wilma Rudolph was not the first Black nor Female athlete but she was the first ATHLETE ever to win three gold medals”. She also took the time to thank all the phenomenal athletes on Team USA, specifically shouting out Erin Jackson who made history this week as the first Black American Woman to win a speed skating world cup race at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Kerry showed her love to the icon, by dressing in full character and posting a carousel of photos to her Instagram in which she changed up her hair wearing a retro, tousled pixie cut that looks just like Rudolph’s, including a USA sweatshirt donning a gold medal, with the new look. See Below for Kerry’s full look and history lesson caption.
Today in #BlackHERstory we honor “The Black Gazelle” herself, Wilma Rudolph. At the Olympic Games in Rome in 1960, Wilma Rudolph won three Gold Medals and held three world records. YEP. She wasn’t the first Black athlete or the first female athlete to win three gold medals, she was the first ATHLETE. Wilma ran (literally!) so that Black athletes and Olympians could run too. And show the world our magic, our talents, and our determination. Thank you Wilma!!!!! And thank you to all the phenomenally talented athletes on #TeamUSA that continue to pave the way! Including @speedyj who made Olympic history and HERstory yesterday winning the Speed Skating 500m gold medal!!!!!!
