Kerry Washington's Life-Changing Text In Memoir

Have you ever wondered about Kerry Washington’s life-changing text? In this article, we’ll delve into the intriguing story behind the message that transformed the trajectory of actress Kerry Marisa Washington’s life.

**Kerry Washington at the launch event. Image source (Instagram)**

Table of Contents

Discovering Kerry Washington

Before we unveil the pivotal text, let’s get to know Kerry Washington a bit better. This versatile actress gained widespread recognition for her remarkable portrayal of Olivia Pope, a crisis management specialist, in the ABC hit series, Scandal.

Rise to Stardom

Kerry Washington’s talent and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Her exceptional performance as Olivia Pope earned her not one, but two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
In addition to her Emmy nods, she also garnered a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Dramatic Television Series, further solidifying her status as a Hollywood powerhouse.

**Kerry Washington and USA vice president. Image source (Instagram)**

Emmy Honors and Beyond

But that’s not all—Kerry Washington’s excellence extends beyond Scandal.

She earned yet another Primetime Emmy nomination, this time for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie.
This honor was bestowed upon her twice, first for her portrayal of Anita Hill in the HBO political thriller Confirmation (2016) and later for her compelling performance as Mia Warren in the Hulu miniseries Little Fires Everywhere (2020).

A Stellar Filmography

Kerry Washington’s cinematic journey is equally illustrious. Her roles span a wide range, showcasing her versatility and talent.
Some of her notable film credits include Della Bea Robinson in Ray (2004), Kay in The Last King of Scotland (2006), Alicia Masters in the 2005 and 2007 live-action Fantastic Four movies, and Broomhilda von Shaft in Quentin Tarantino’s 2012 masterpiece, Django Unchained.

Kerry Washington’s Astonishing Discovery: Unraveling Family Secrets in ‘Thicker Than Water’

In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, the 46-year-old actress unveiled the shocking truth: Earl Washington, her presumed father, is not her biological parent. This revelation, which came to light while preparing for her appearance on Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s Finding Your Roots, had a profound impact on Washington’s life.¹

**Kerry Washington holding her launch book.Image source (Instagram)**

A Secret Well Guarded

For decades, her parents, Valerie and Earl, concealed the truth from their beloved daughter, opting to use an anonymous sperm donor to overcome fertility challenges.
Their decision to keep this secret weighed heavily on Kerry, who had long sensed that something was amiss within her family dynamics.

The Revelation

Upon learning the secret, Kerry approached the situation with grace and empathy. She recognized the inner turmoil her parents had endured in concealing their choice.
This newfound knowledge offered her clarity about her own life and identity, dispelling the sense of being a supporting character in someone else’s story.

The Hidden Struggles

Washington’s journey of self-discovery sheds light on the struggles she endured throughout her youth. Anxiety, self-esteem issues, and an eating disorder plagued her for years, potentially stemming from an unconscious awareness of her parents’ undisclosed secret.

Embracing Her Truth

Armed with this revelation, Kerry Washington decided to share her authentic story with the world through ‘Thicker Than Water.’
The memoir serves as a personal exploration of her life, with the newfound knowledge acting as the missing puzzle piece that completes her narrative.

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A post shared by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington)

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Through this deeply personal project, Washington aims to offer readers an intimate glimpse into her multifaceted life.
She explores her roles as an artist, advocate, entrepreneur, mother, daughter, wife, and a Black woman. Her memoir is a testament to vulnerability, inviting readers to cultivate compassion for themselves and others.

Strengthened Bonds

Though her decision to share this family secret initially unsettled her parents, it ultimately brought them closer. Washington gained a newfound understanding and compassion for her parents, recognizing the sacrifices they made throughout their journey.

The Unveiling

Kerry Washington’s revelation about her paternity is just one facet of the compelling narrative within ‘Thicker Than Water.’ This eagerly anticipated memoir, set to release on Tuesday, Sept. 26, promises readers an intimate and eye-opening exploration of her life’s profound tapestry.
In Washington’s own words, “Writing a memoir is, by far, the most deeply personal project I have ever taken on. I hope that readers will receive it with open hearts and I pray that it offers new insights and perspectives, and invites people into deeper compassion—for themselves and others.”

Overcoming Adversity: Kerry Washington’s Journey from Eating Disorder to Triumph

In the heart-wrenching interview, the 46-year-old actress shared her painful journey of self-destruction, confessing that she was “trying to destroy myself.” These haunting words underscore the severity of her ordeal. Washington also offered a glimpse into her upcoming memoir, ‘Thicker Than Water,’ set to release on September 26th, where she delves further into her turbulent relationship with food and her body.²

**Kerry Washington and her friend.Image source (Instagram)**

A Toxic Cycle of Self-Abuse

By the time Washington reached college, her connection with food had morphed into a toxic cycle of self-abuse.
She described this relentless struggle as a combination of starvation, binge eating, body obsession, and compulsive exercise. It had become a vicious, never-ending cycle that seemed impossible to break free from.

Confronting the Abyss

During the interview, Washington bravely revealed how she felt that her self-destructive behavior was a means to inflict pain on herself, almost as if she didn’t want to continue living.
This revelation deeply alarmed her, as she confessed, “It scared me that I could not want to be here because I was in so much pain.” When asked if she had contemplated suicide, her response was a resounding “Yes.”
Her actions, she explained, were a series of small acts aimed at self-destruction.

#ThickerthanWater drip ???? pic.twitter.com/E8NCNISjvE

— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) September 24, 2023

A Cry for Help

The star of ‘Scandal’ also admitted that she turned to prayer for assistance as her eating disorder spiraled out of control.
She struggled to maintain her image of perfection in the eyes of the world. She confessed, “I was good at performing ‘perfect.’
I was good at control. I could party all night, drink, smoke, have sex, and still show up with good grades.”

However, the one thing she couldn’t control was her relationship with food. It was a battle that had become beyond her ability to manage, leading her to realize that she needed help from something greater than herself.

Finding Redemption

While Kerry Washington has made significant strides in her battle with her eating disorder, she acknowledges that she still has to be vigilant.
She shared, “I wouldn’t say that I never act out with food, but it’s very different now.” Her struggles have evolved, but they no longer push her to the brink of suicide.
She has reached a place of greater understanding and control, and she now knows how to identify and address moments of discomfort.

A Purpose in Sharing

Despite her usual privacy regarding her personal life, Kerry Washington has chosen to share her story for a purpose greater than herself.
She emphasized, “I’ve never wanted to share my private life for the sake of fame or attention.” Instead, her intention is to inspire and offer hope to others who may be battling similar demons.

In recounting her arduous journey from the depths of despair to her current state of resilience, Kerry Washington serves as a beacon of strength and hope for those grappling with eating disorders. Her story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is a path to recovery and redemption.