Thicker Than Water
A Memoir
BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR
by Kerry Washington
5/23/20247 min read
Welcome to the book summary “Thicker than Water - A Memoir” by Kerry Washington, written and narrated by Janky Mind.
Introduction
Kerry Washington’s story is like a thrilling movie plot! From her childhood in the Bronx to becoming a Hollywood icon, she’s always been all about acting, standing up for what’s right, and making sure everyone’s voice is heard. She’s not just the star of Scandal; she’s a hero in real life too, fighting for equality and mental health.
Her book is like a backstage pass to her life. It shows us how her New York upbringing filled her heart with love for her community. We’ll see how she went from college plays to lighting up our TV screens and making a name for herself.
But Kerry’s not just about the glitz and glam. She’s a warrior for important causes, like making sure women can talk openly about the tough stuff, like having babies later in life. And she’s not stopping there. Her production company is all about bringing new and different stories to the spotlight.
Want to know more about Kerry Washington, the superstar who’s changing the game both on and off the camera? Dive into this summary and join her inspiring journey!
Chapter 1: Shooting Star
Once upon a time in the Bronx, a little girl named Kerry Washington dreamed of stardom. Her journey wasn’t easy—her parents split up, and she lived two lives: one in cozy Bronxville with her mom and the other in the bustling city with her dad. Kerry learned to fit in everywhere, thanks to the courage she inherited from her family.
Kerry’s world was pretty normal, but she knew she had advantages that her ancestors never did. They had fought through tough times, and she wanted to make a difference just like they did.
High school was where Kerry’s star began to shine. She got the main part in a play and loved it! She went to George Washington University and studied a lot, but acting was her true love.
College was where Kerry decided to chase her acting dreams for real. She got some small gigs and even studied acting in the Big Apple.
After college, Kerry worked hard, going to auditions and learning more about acting at Fordham University. She did all sorts of jobs to keep going.
Then, in 2002, Kerry’s big chance came on a show called 100 Centre Street. She did more TV and movies, but it was her role on Boston Legal that really kicked things off.
Kerry kept at it, even when it was tough to find roles as a black actress. She wanted to open doors for others like her in Hollywood.
And then, boom! In 2012, Kerry became the amazing Olivia Pope on Scandal. She was the hero of the show, and everyone loved her. Scandal made Kerry a star, and she showed everyone what she was made of. 🌟
Chapter 2: The Story Behind the Smile
Kerry Washington’s life story isn’t just a fairy tale. It’s got some tough chapters too. When she was just a little kid, her parents decided to live apart, and that changed everything.
Imagine being seven and feeling like you’re in the middle of a tug-of-war. That was Kerry. She remembered the quiet fights and the lonely nights when her mom and dad were just not getting along.
Then came the big split. Kerry’s weekdays were with her mom in a nice house, but weekends meant squeezing into her dad’s tiny place. She was always careful, trying not to make things worse between her mom and dad.
Growing up was like juggling two lives for Kerry. At school, she switched between fitting in with her friends from different backgrounds. She smiled a lot, but inside, it was really hard.
Her mom, the teacher, pushed for A’s and gold stars, while her dad taught her to be proud of her heritage. Kerry felt the weight of the world on her shoulders, trying to make everyone proud.
But it was lonely. Her parents were dealing with their own stuff, and sometimes Kerry felt pretty invisible. She got really good at acting like everything was okay, even when it wasn’t.
Now, Kerry looks back and sees the tough times for what they were. She’s worked through a lot of that old hurt and learned to be real with herself and others.
She’s not so private anymore. Kerry talks about the hard stuff because she knows it might help someone else. She wants kids going through rough times to know it’s okay to feel sad and to talk about it.
Even though her parents’ divorce was a big deal, Kerry found a way to heal. She learned that being honest and true to yourself is the best way to be. 🌈
Chapter 3: Spotlight and Change
Kerry Washington’s leap to fame with “Scandal” wasn’t just about the glitz. As she stepped into the limelight, she faced a whole new set of challenges off the screen.
Zooming to the top of Hollywood, Kerry knew she had to help others climb up too. She spoke up for fair pay and more diversity, shaking up the entertainment world.
Kerry stood tall, proud of who she was, and didn’t let Hollywood’s narrow beauty ideals tell her otherwise. She worked hard to make sure people of color got their fair share of the spotlight in her projects.
But for Kerry, it wasn’t just about getting roles; it was about lifting others along the way. She helped start Color of Change to make sure everyone got a fair chance.
Olivia Pope, her character on “Scandal,” could handle anything. But Kerry saw that some fights needed to be out in the open. She didn’t shy away from tough talks about what’s right and wrong.
When voices rose against unfairness, Kerry was right there, marching and making sure people listened. She even took her voice to the political stage, rallying folks to vote and stand up for what they believe in.
Kerry thought long and hard about how to use her fame for good. She didn’t want to just talk; she wanted to make a real difference for real people. 🌟
Chapter 4: The Heart of the Home
Kerry Washington, a star who had shone on many stages, was ready for her most cherished role yet: becoming a mom. She had climbed the career ladder and now, in her late 30s, it was time for a new adventure.
Kerry’s heart was set on giving her child the warm, loving home she missed out on. But the clock was ticking, and starting a family wasn’t easy.
At 40, after many tries and no baby, Kerry turned to doctors for help. The journey was tough, with lots of ups and downs, but she kept her acting spark alive.
Then, the magic happened—she was going to be a mom! It was a mix of joy and worry, but with a little help from meditation and therapy, Kerry got ready for the big day.
In 2014, her daughter arrived, and everything changed. Kerry discovered a new respect for all the moms and dads out there. She juggled scripts and lullabies, making sure to be there for her little girl.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Being perfect on set was one thing; being a perfect mom was another. Kerry learned to be kind to herself and to share her feelings, even when it was hard.
As her daughter grew, Kerry’s heart grew too, and soon, a little boy joined the family. Life got busier, but Kerry made sure to fill it with stories, games, and lots of love.
Motherhood taught Kerry to embrace herself, just as she was. She started talking about the tough stuff, hoping to help others feel less alone.
Kerry showed her kids that being real is the best kind of beautiful. And as a mom, she fought for other moms, making sure they got the care they deserved.
Kerry’s journey to motherhood is a story of bravery and love. It’s about finding joy in the little moments and strength in the tough ones. For Kerry, home is where her heart is, and her heart is with her family. 💖
Chapter 5: Reflections at 45
At 45, Kerry Washington decided to pen down her life’s story, a bit earlier than most. She felt it was time to share the highs of fame and the joys of motherhood, offering a glimpse of her path so far and the road ahead.
Kerry looks back and sees how her tough childhood and the grind of auditions fueled her ambition. Now, she’s making peace with those days by telling her story.
She peeled back the Hollywood glam to show the real struggles with infertility and self-doubt, proving that stardom isn’t all sparkle. Kerry knows too well the juggle of trying to have it all.
Opening up wasn’t easy for Kerry, but being real with her fans felt right. She’s showing the world her true self, every flaw and quirk.
Her kids inspired her to share her tale, hoping to shield them from old pains. She’s teaching them that it’s okay to be open and vulnerable.
Kerry understands that not everyone gets to write a memoir. She’s using hers to spark conversations and inspire change on tough topics like inequality and mental health.
Acting is still her first love, but writing has given her a new way to speak out. She’s keen on bringing more diverse voices into the world of books.
Kerry’s story is a reminder that it’s never too early to look back and learn. Her memoir is a testament to the power of sharing your journey, no matter where you are in life. 📖
Final summary
Kerry Washington’s life is like a mosaic, made up of pieces from her past that fuel her drive for change. She’s not just the face we see on screen; she’s a voice for the voiceless in Hollywood, fighting for fairness and diversity. Kerry’s open heart about her personal battles with infertility and mental health, and her tough childhood, shows us the strength in being vulnerable. It’s not about when you tell your story, but the bravery in telling it truthfully.
About the author
From lighting up the big screen in hits like “Ray” and “Django Unchained” to ruling TV as Olivia Pope on “Scandal,” Kerry’s talent shines bright. Her Broadway bow in “American Son” not only wowed audiences but also earned her a nod from the Tony Awards. Offstage, she’s a powerhouse producer, director, and activist, leading the charge with Simpson Street to bring new, diverse voices into the spotlight. 🌟