Bronx Native Kerry Washington to Receive Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Iconic Career
Kerry Washington- Close Up With The Hollywood Reporte Season: 2-Air Date: 01/05/2017-Photo Credit: SundanceTV
Kerry Washington, acclaimed actress, and proud Bronx-Native, is set to receive her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony will take place on Monday, December 2, at 11:30 a.m. PT, at 6258 Hollywood Boulevard.
Washington's star will mark the 2,796th addition to the iconic Walk of Fame, recognizing her outstanding contributions to television. Tyler Perry and Shonda Rhimes, both close collaborators of Washington, will join emcee Steve Nissen to celebrate her achievements.
Images of Jamie Towers Building 1 at 2050 Seward Avenue Photo Courtesy of Emily Swanson/Bronx Times - and Kerry Washington on season 2 of The Writers' Room Photo JC Dhien/SundanceTV
Kerry Washington grew up in New York City, and her connection to where she grew up remains strong. She lived in Jaimie Towers on Pugsley Avenue in the Castle Hill neighborhood of The Bronx. On Live From the Bronx!, in honor of Hip-Hop's 50th anniversary, Washington was asked to share her MC name using the playful formula of combining the name of her first pet with the street she grew up on.
Washington jokingly said, "My MC name would be Trick or Treat Pugsely," combining her childhood hamsters, Trick and Treat, with Pugsley Avenue. She has often reflected on her upbringing in the Bronx, emphasizing how her experiences there have shaped and remain a part of her identity.
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(L to R) Image of Kerry Washington, Patti Lupone, and Kathryn Han at the Disney Advertising Upfront on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at North Javits in New York City: Image Courtesy of Al Drago/Disney
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has expressed excitement and admiration for the actress. Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremonies, praised Washington for her remarkable career.
"The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is honored to welcome actress Kerry Washington to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her extraordinary talent and dedication to her craft have not only made her a beloved actress but also an inspiration to many," Martinez said. "Honoring her with this special award is a celebration of her remarkable contribution to the world of entertainment."
Kerry Washington in The Six Triple Eight (2024)-Image Courtesy of Bob Mahoney/Perry Well Films 2/Netflix
Known for her versatility in acting, directing, and producing, Washington broke new ground as the first Black woman to lead a network TV drama since 1974 with her role in Scandal.
Her portrayal of the crisis-management expert made history and solidified her status as a television icon. Beyond Scandal, Washington also delivered memorable performances in Spike Lee’s She Hate Me and the Hulu series Little Fires Everywhere. She also stars in the comedy-drama series UnPrisoned and recently completed production on Netflix’s The Six Triple Eight and Knives Out 3: Wake Up Dead Man.
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Kerry Washington at the Drama Actress Roundtable, hosted by The Hollywood Reporter, where seven of TV's top actresses discuss their craft, careers, and the industry as a whole: Photo Courtesy of SundanceTV
Beyond her acting career, Kerry Washington has been a passionate advocate for inclusion and representation. She founded Simpson Street, a production company named after the Bronx street where her mother grew up, with the goal of telling diverse stories that resonate with audiences from all walks of life.
On the Simpson Street website, Washington shares her vision: "On Simpson Street, everyone is welcome - to see themselves, to hear themselves, and to be themselves." This commitment to inclusivity is at the heart of the company's mission, which has brought critically acclaimed projects like Little Fires Everywhere and Reasonable Doubt to life.
On Instagram @simpsonstreet
Washington is not only a talented actress and businesswoman but also a passionate advocate for social justice. In 2013, she served as an honorary chairperson of the GLSEN Respect Awards, showcasing her support for LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusive education.
Her advocacy continued in 2015 when she received the GLAAD Vanguard Award for her efforts in championing LGBTQIA+ rights.
By 2022, Washington furthered her impact by helping establish The Roybal School of Film and Television Production, designed to support students from underserved communities in breaking into the entertainment industry.
Most recently, in 2024, she participated in Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign rally in Charlotte North Carolina, and collaborated with Mariah Carey on an election-themed video to encourage voter turnout.
(L to R): Julianna Margulies, Sarah Paulson, Jennifer Lopez, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Constance Zimmer, and Kirsten Dunst - Close Up with the Hollywood Reporter Courtesy of Ruven Afanador/The Hollywood Reporter
As Washington prepares to receive her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, her achievements both on and off the screen are a testament to her talent and dedication.
For her Bronx community and fans worldwide, Kerry Washington’s story is a reminder that greatness can be achieved while staying true to one’s roots. The December 2 ceremony promises to be a moment of pride and celebration for a remarkable actress and advocate.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame, managed by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, is a historic landmark celebrating artists in the entertainment industry. The star ceremonies are a tradition that connects fans with their favorite stars and honors their contributions to the arts. For more details and to watch the ceremony live, visit walkoffame.com.
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