Kerry Washington Learns Dad Isn't Her Biological Parent & Writes Memoir To Let Fans 'Know My Story'

Sep 28, 2023

Kerry Washington, the renowned actress for her role in the hit series "Scandal," is peeling back the layers of her life in her upcoming memoir, "Thicker Than Water." In a revealing interview, she disclosed that her father, Earl Washington, is not her biological parent. This revelation has ignited a profound journey of self-discovery as an adult.

In an exclusive interview with People, the actress disclosed that her parents had kept the secret of her paternity closely guarded for decades. However, the bombshell came to light in 2018 when Kerry, then 41 years old, decided to participate in "Finding Your Roots," a PBS series where celebrities delve into their ancestral history through DNA testing. 

Earl and the actress' mom, Valerie, sought guidance from the show's host, Henry Louis Gates Jr., who advised them to disclose the truth to Kerry before they started filming. The revelation prompted a family meeting, and Kerry recalled maintaining her composure as she asked numerous questions, recognizing the difficulty of the moment for her parents as well.  

Kerry discovered that her parents resorted to an anonymous sperm donor due to their difficulty in conceiving but had resolved never to reveal this to her. To be told the truth, however, finally made sense to her, especially after she always felt there was a "missing puzzle piece" in her life.

Born in the Bronx in January 1977 to a real estate broker and an educator, Kerry is the only child of Earl and Valerie. Raised in a family that "colored inside the lines" and never broke the rules, Kerry had an idealized image of perfection growing up, per USA Today. She admitted, however, that she felt the anxiety to meet her parents' expectations and the longing for an authentic connection at such a young age. 

"It really turned my world upside down," Kerry said and admitted that there was a sense of relief to the revelation. "When I got this information, I was like, 'Oh. I now know my story.’ I didn't know what my story was, but I was playing the supporting character in their story."

Kerry reflected that this concealed truth may have contributed to her past struggles with mental health during her youth, suggesting that these may have been manifestations of her subconscious awareness of her parents' secret.

Empowered by this newfound knowledge, the actress decided to share her true story with the world, culminating in the creation of "Thicker Than Water." She emphasizes that the book represents her journey to understand her life in light of this pivotal revelation. In a way, writing her story became the tool for her healing.

"My parents were not thrilled about me writing this," Kerry confessed. "This really is a book about me. I now get to step into being the most important person in my life."

The experience of processing the missing pieces also deepened her connection with her parents, developing "so much more love and compassion and understanding" for Earl and Valerie. 

In addition to her paternity revelation, Kerry's 2023 memoir uncovered other family secrets, shedding light on her grandparents and her parents' dreams, disputes, and burdens. One revelation involved her father's involvement in an IRS investigation related to real estate, drug dealers, and tax evasion. Despite her discomfort, she wrote a letter to the judge in an effort to assist her parents' case, although she felt their attorney was more informed about them than she was.

"Thicker Than Water" also offers an intimate exploration of her career as an artist, her advocacy, entrepreneurship, motherhood, daughterhood, and her identity as a Black woman.

Kerry Washington gained clarity about her life by writing a memoir, and she inspires others to embrace their own narratives. What do you think about the actress? Celebrate the power of personal growth with the actress by passing along this story to your family and friends!