Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood star Kerry Washington, best known for her role as Olivia Pope on "Scandal," made a shocking personal revelation while speaking at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 20. The actress discovered that her father, Earl, is not her biological father, a secret that came to light just as she was about to pen her memoir, "Thicker Than Water."
Initially planning to write about the lessons learned from her iconic TV role, Washington's focus shifted dramatically with the news. Feeling compelled to honor the truth, she contemplated returning her book advance, unsure of how to proceed. Eventually, she decided to rewrite her memoir, incorporating this transformative experience, not only for herself but as a legacy for her children.
The revelation, while startling, brought Washington closer to her parents. She shared that confronting the truth allowed them to remove barriers and deepen their relationship, emphasizing the importance of transparency and love in her family dynamics.
Washington also reflected on other significant roles in her career, such as Mia Warren in "Little Fires Everywhere," a role she cherishes deeply, introduced to her by co-star Reese Witherspoon.
Washington's journey through personal discovery and professional reflection in "Thicker Than Water" highlights the strength found in facing the truth and the deeper connections that can emerge from vulnerability.