Kerry Washington, widely known for her role as Olivia Pope in Scandal, is usually private about her personal life but recently shared a rare moment with her husband, Nnamdi Asomugha. On August 13, the actress posted a playful video on Instagram featuring the couple as they promoted Asomugha’s new horror film, The Knife, giving fans a heartwarming look behind the scenes.
Washington and Asomugha, a former NFL cornerback turned filmmaker, married quietly in June 2013. Their wedding was described by a source as “really simple and sweet.”
In the clip, Washington introduced Asomugha with humor, saying,
You guys, I am here with the writer, director, producer and actor of ‘The Knife,’
before laughing and revealing he declined to give her an interview. She encouraged fans to watch the movie, which premiered in theaters on August 15.
Why Kerry Washington Chooses to Keep Her Family Life Private
Washington’s tendency to limit public insight into her family is a deliberate choice rooted in her personal views on fame. In a 2017 Global Grind interview, she shared her complex feelings about being in the spotlight, stating,
I’ve always had a tenuous relationship with fame. I’ve always been kind of nervous about being in the public eye, and resistant to what that means.
She emphasized the importance of privacy for her and her family, adding,
It means everything to me. It’s easier for me as an artist to become other characters when you know less about me. Cause I’m more of a clean slate.
As a devoted dog mom, Washington also explained her wish to shield her loved ones from public attention:
What my husband does, and what my kids do, who they are – that should be theirs to share with the world. Not mine.
Kerry Washington’s Perspective on Fame and Storytelling
Despite her widespread recognition, Washington revealed she never sought fame for its own sake. Rather, her motivation comes from a deep passion for storytelling. Reflecting on her journey, she said,
For me, I came to this work because I love to be a storyteller. I love to tell stories, I love to move people’s hearts, I love to be able to shift somebody’s perspective and be able to make their heart open up a little bit,
illustrating her artistic purpose.
She further shared her lack of focus on celebrity status:
For me it’s never been about being on the cover of a magazine, and I really never thought that I would be. So I think part of my brain still doesn’t think it’s a big deal.
Washington, an anthropology major, explained that her goal is to
continue to have a career where I’m able to do work that I love.
Her acting has made her one of the most recognizable faces on television, notably for her chemistry with Tony Goldwyn, famous as the voice of Tarzan, in a memorable forbidden romance on ABC.
Recent Recognition and Public Appearances
In December 2024, Washington was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. During her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude and connection with her audience, saying,
My prayer today is that my starlight continues to connect me to the light that shines in each of you.
This accolade marks another milestone in Washington’s career, highlighting her lasting impact on the entertainment industry while maintaining her commitment to privacy and meaningful work.
