Kerry Washington, celebrated for her talent and versatility, has opened up about her decision to reject a series of roles where she found herself cast as the “white girl’s best friend.” In her newly released memoir, titled “Thicker Than Water,” the acclaimed actress sheds light on her journey in Hollywood and her determination to break away from such limiting stereotypes.
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A Career Shaped by Choices
Washington’s revelation revolves around her role in the 2004 boxing drama “Against the Ropes,” where she starred alongside Meg Ryan and Omar Epps. In the film, Washington played Renee, Jackie Kallen’s (Meg Ryan) best friend and confidante. Reflecting on her career choices, Washington expressed how “Against the Ropes” marked her third consecutive project where she played the supportive best friend to a white female lead.
Her journey into such roles began with the 2001 hit “Save the Last Dance,” where she portrayed the best friend of Julia Stiles’ character. This was followed by a pilot for the 2004 Fox dramedy series “Wonderfalls,” in which she was slated to play the best friend of Caroline Dhavernas’ main character, a role later assumed by Tracie Thoms. It was after these experiences that Washington made a conscious decision to break free from this pattern, mainly because of her deep admiration for Meg Ryan.
A Meg Ryan Fan’s Dilemma
“‘When Harry Met Sally’ is, to this day, one of my top three movies of all time, so once I’d played Meg Ryan’s best friend, playing the role against anyone else would have been a lateral move,” Washington writes in her memoir. She adds, “It’s not that I wanted to be the star of the film; I wanted my characters to be in a story of their own. I didn’t want to be an accessory to a white woman’s journey.”
Embracing Diverse and Impactful Roles
Following her decision to break away from the “white girl’s best friend” roles, Washington’s career continued to flourish with more diverse and complex characters. Notably, she played Della Bea Robinson opposite Jamie Foxx in “Ray” and Kay Amin opposite Forest Whitaker in “The Last King of Scotland.” Both Foxx and Whitaker went on to win the Oscar for Best Actor for their respective performances, demonstrating Washington’s remarkable talent in more substantive roles.
“Thicker Than Water” – A Candid Memoir
Kerry Washington’s memoir, “Thicker Than Water,” provides readers with a candid glimpse into the actress’s life, career, and the choices she has made to redefine her path in Hollywood. Her decision to steer clear of stereotypical roles reflects her commitment to championing diversity and seeking more profound narratives.
The memoir is now available for purchase, offering readers a chance to delve deeper into the mind of one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses and advocates for change. Kerry Washington’s journey is a testament to the power of choice and the determination to carve one’s own unique path in the entertainment industry.
Source: https://dominioncinemas.net
Category: Film