Kerry Washington rose from talented teen to Hollywood powerhouse. She’s an acclaimed actress, producer and activist. Through the process, Washington’s also built a wealthy fortune through major roles, savvy business moves and strategic investments.
Her iconic portrayal of Olivia Pope in “Scandal” and her hit show “Little Fires Everywhere” solidified her status. Meanwhile, her production company, brand deals and real estate portfolio confirm she’s more than just a star, but a mogul.
How Did Kerry Washington Become Famous?
Born Jan. 31, 1977, in the Bronx, New York, Washington began performing in theater. Next, she entered the acting industry through early film roles like “Save the Last Dance” and “Ray.” Her career soared when she landed the lead in Shonda Rhimes’ political drama “Scandal,” making history and allegedly earning hundreds of thousands of dollars per episode at its peak. The show, which aired in 2012, made Washington the first Black woman to lead a network drama in nearly 40 years.
What Are Kerry Washington’s Biggest Roles & Paydays?
Her portrayal of Olivia Pope across seven seasons of “Scandal” earned her roughly $20 to $25 million in salary alone, according to The Times of India. The outlet also mentions that in the early seasons of “Scandal,” Washington made around $80,000 per episode, before earning around $250,000 per episode.
In 2020’s Hulu adaptation “Little Fires Everywhere,” she earned $1.1 million per episode. According to the outlet, she added about $8.8 million to her net worth from that single series. Her film credits include “Django Unchained,” “Ray,” “The Last King of Scotland,” and others, likely bringing in millions more.
What Business Ventures Does Kerry Washington Own?
Through Simpson Street, her production company launched in 2016, Washington produced and starred in acclaimed projects, like “American Son,” “Little Fires Everywhere,” and “Reasonable Doubt.”
“When I was a kid I wasn’t like, ‘I want to be a producer one day!’ But I think I have always been — my mother would vouch for this — a person with a lot of opinions and a person who’s wanted to contribute to the environments that I’m in,” Washington told Variety in 2020. “I’ve always wanted to be able to share my perspective and have a seat at the table and have a voice in the process, and producing allows me to do that.”
In 2023, she released her memoir “Thicker Than Water,” and probably received book royalties from it.
“If you had told me six years ago that I was going to write a memoir, I would have said you were on drugs,” she said with a laugh. “I have been so private. I’ve built a career out of playing other people, and talking about myself this much is very weird,” Washington said to The Hollywood Reporter.
What Endorsements Does She Have?
Washington’s powerful brand appeal has attracted major endorsements and collaborations. Since 2005, the actress has been a brand ambassador for the timepiece line Mavado. In 2013, she became a creative consultant at Neutrogena. Then, in 2015, she signed with nail polish brand OPI to become the brand’s creative ambassador.
What Real Estate Does She Own?
Back in 2015, the Los Angeles Times reported that Washington and her husband, Nnamdi Asomugha, were listing their home. The mansion in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, featured five bedrooms and five full bathrooms. The couple reportedly purchased for over $1.6 million. Although the sale price remains unclear, the house likely sold for much more than what Washington and Asomugha originally paid. The couple reportedly purchased for over $1.6 million. In 2019, Washington reportedly rented a luxurious New York City apartment overlooking the Hudson River on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
“We spent a lot of time looking for a place that had enough space for our whole crew, our posse. We spend a lot of time outdoors in L.A., so it was important to me that my family could still feel that connection,” she told Architectural Digest in 2019.
What Philanthropy and Activism Is She Known For?
Washington is a vocal advocate for racial justice, women’s rights, arts education, and LGBTQ+ causes. In 2016, she became an ambassador for the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse. She was part of the insurance company’s campaign, which protects against financial abuse and domestic violence. Her philanthropic efforts amplify her cultural impact beyond entertainment.
“I know how disempowering it can feel to not feel financially literate,” Washington said. “Sometimes, as women, we just don’t want to be involved in the details and don’t want to ask the questions. And because it’s not something that we’re necessarily taught, we’re not sure if it’s something we should know. Abuse is a multi-layered issue, so there are obviously sociological and psychological issues that need to be addressed, but when you can at least give a woman the tools to walk away, then you can start to do that bigger work,” Washington said at the 2017 Forbes Women’s Summit.
What Is Kerry Washington’s Net Worth?
As of 2025, her net worth is an estimated $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. That total stems from her high-profile roles, production credits, endorsements, real estate.
Washington’s net worth isn’t just a byproduct of fame. It’s the result of smart career moves, creative control, and purpose-driven work. From breaking barriers in Hollywood to launching her own production house and leveraging brand influence, she’s a symbol of success.
Top Awards & Recognitions
Washington has received numerous top awards and recognitions. TIME named her one of its Women of the Year in 2022. The list also includes a Primetime Emmy Award in 2020 as a producer for ABC’s “Live in Front of a Studio Audience.”
She has earned Golden Globe and SAG nominations for Scandal, as well as NAACP Awards and the GLAAD Vanguard Award. Additionally, she received Tony Award nominations as a producer in the Broadway productions “Purlie Victorious” and “Gypsy.” In 2016, Washington was named Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kerry Washington Own a Production Company? Yes, she founded Simpson Street in 2016, which has produced multiple award-winning projects and earned her an Emmy.
Is Kerry Washington Still Acting? She’s starring in the upcoming Apple TV+ limited series “Imperfect Women.”