Net Worth: $50 Million
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ToggleWhat Is Kerry Washington’s Net Worth? A Look at the Star’s Successful Career
Kerry Washington’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. Washington is a celebrated actress, producer, and director widely recognized for her diverse and commanding roles. She is known to millions of fans for her iconic portrayal of Olivia Pope in the hit political drama “Scandal.” Aside from her acting prowess, Washington is also a savvy businesswoman. Her impressive career and strategic ventures have amassed her a substantial fortune from films, television, endorsement deals, and other income streams.
Introduction to Kerry Washington
Born in the Bronx, New York, Kerry Washington honed her acting skills at George Washington University, graduating with a double major in anthropology and sociology. A powerhouse on and off-screen, her career highlights include Emmy nominations for her roles in “Confirmation” and “Little Fires Everywhere” alongside multiple NAACP Image Awards.
Earnings from Movies
Kerry Washington has starred in an array of commercially successful films. Her notable film appearances contribute significantly to her net worth. Among her most significant Hollywood paychecks is the $2 million she reported made for her role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained.”
While we don’t know her average film pay, she likely netted millions from other roles in successful films, which have included:
- Ray (2004): Her portrayal of Della Bea Robinson in the biographical film about Ray Charles showcased her dramatic range and earned Washington a ton of critical and fan praise.
- The Last King of Scotland (2006): As Kay Amin, the wife of dictator Idi Amin, Washington delivered a complex and moving performance that showcased her true range as an actor.
- Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007): Washington brought her intelligence and strength to the role of Alicia Masters in these superhero films.
- The Prom (2020): This Netflix musical-comedy featured Washington in a prominent role, adding to her diverse filmography.
- American Son (2019): In this adaptation of the Broadway play, Washington delivered a raw and emotional performance, further solidifying her dramatic impact.
How Much Did Kerry Washington Earn From Scandal
The bulk of Kerry Washington’s net worth derives from her work in television, where she commands top dollar for her talent. Her most successful TV role came from her work as political operative Olivia Pope in the massively successful TV series “Scandal,” which ran from 2012 to 2018.
Washington reportedly earned $80,000 per episode during the show’s early seasons, according to TVLINE. As Scandal increased in popularity, her salary reportedly climbed to $250,000 per episode.
The series ran for seven seasons. If we assume Washington was making around $1.5 million for the first three seasons and closer to $4.5 million per season for the final four seasons, her total pay before taxes agent fees, and other expenses, would be around $20 million to $25 million. That total would not include any royalty and other back-end deals that may not have been made publicly available.
How Much Did Kerry Washington Earn From Little Fires Everywhere?
“Little Fires Everywhere” ran for eight episodes in 2020. Thanks to her portrayal of Mia Warren, the Hulu miniseries helped grow Kerry Washington’s net worth by millions of dollars.
Playing a mysterious and enigmatic artist while co-starring alongside Reese Witherspoon in the series earned Washington a reported $1.1 per episode or $8.8 million, according to celebrity news site TheThings.
With a net worth estimated at $50 million, Washington has made a considerable percentage of her fortune from just two TV-based roles. Kerry’s per-episode pay also puts her in a special league of women who earn more than $1 million per episode, women who include Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.
Kerry Washington’s Endorsement Deals Have Been With Huge Brands
Kerry Washington’s popularity and positive image make her a highly sought-after brand ambassador. Her endorsement deals have undoubtedly contributed to her Kerry Washington net worth. Let’s look at some of her notable partnerships.
Washington has been endorsing Neutrogena since 2014, appearing in multiple commercials and other advertisements with the company. Given the longevity of her relationship with the company, she has likely earned millions from her brand ambassadorship.
Kerry also partnered with premium cable network Showtime in 2018 and was an ambassador for various programs showcased on the TV network.
Kerry Washington’s net worth was also likely rewarded nicely for her work with Walmart. In 2020 Washington signed on to showcase her brand of style with curated fashion collections from the company.
With brand endorsements and curated products, Kerry Washington’s net worth has likely been very well rewarded throughout her career.
Other Net Worth Considerations From Kerry Washington’s Career
Kerry Washington’s wealth extends beyond her film, television, and endorsement earnings.
Washington’s production company, Simpson Street, has helped bring various diverse stories to the forefront of filmmaking for both TV and film. Among her produced projects are “Little Fires Everywhere,” American Son,” “Unprisoned,” and “Reasonable Doube” among others.
The revenue of Simpson Street is not known but given the lucrative nature of the business, the company has likely added a nice bit of additional revenue to Kerry Washington’s net worth.
Kerry Washington’s impressive net worth reflects her unwavering talent, determination, and business acumen. From captivating cinematic performances to groundbreaking television roles and influential brand partnerships, Washington continues to elevate her career and cement her legacy as a multifaceted star. Beyond her professional success, Washington remains dedicated to promoting social justice and amplifying diverse voices, solidifying her role as a significant voice in Hollywood and beyond.