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n September 26, Kerry Washington released her highly anticipated memoir, Thicker Than Water — a book that has sent shock waves through her fan base. Renowned for her roles in Scandal and Little Fires Everywhere, Washington’s revelations have not only captivated her audience but also sparked unexpected reactions. Even right-wing columnist, Matt Walsh from The Daily Wire expressed his disgust at the content, particularly the actress’ poetic expression about her abortion, questioning her qualifications to pen a memoir. But what additional message can we discover in Thicker Than Water?
Let’s explore the key highlights from Kerry Washington’s memoir…
#1. A surprising family revelation
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One of the most shocking revelations in Kerry Washington’s memoir is the revelation that the father she knew growing up was not her biological dad. Her mother, Valerie, disclosed that Kerry was conceived through a surrogate, using a sperm donor. This discovery left the actress stunned. But it also brought a sense of liberation as it allowed her to finally know the truth about her heritage.
#2. Childhood panic attacks
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In this book, Washington reveals that she grappled with anxiety from a very young age. As a matter of fact, she began experiencing panic attacks at just seven years old. She vividly recounts one incident when her parents’ argument triggered an attack, leading her to confront them in a bid to stop the conflict.
#3. High school adventures
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Although Kerry Washington’s memoir doesn’t delve into explicit details, it offers tantalizing hints about her teenage years — a period that saw her embrace experiences that surpassed her age. She provides glimpses into her high school adventures, which include dating, socializing with friends late into the night, enjoying drinks, and even attending iconic Manhattan parties. Through these engaging anecdotes, readers are transported back to the youthful escapades of a Hollywood star in the making where we witness the early stages of her journey to fame and success. These glimpses of her youthful endeavors add depth to her life story, underscoring the vibrant and relatable aspects of her journey.
#4. Battling with an eating disorder
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In college, the actress faced a difficult battle with an eating disorder, marked by binge eating, body obsession, and excessive exercise. She recounts deeply personal moments where she found herself on her knees, seeking guidance from a higher power to overcome her struggles. Her candid discussion of these challenges offers a glimpse into her journey of self-discovery and healing.
#5. Rejecting stereotypical roles
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Kerry Washington has earned a reputation for actively pushing against stereotypes within the entertainment industry. Her memoir provides a glimpse into a significant turning point in her career when she made a conscious choice to decline roles that typecast her as the “white girl’s best friend.” Washington’s unwavering commitment to breaking away from such limiting roles is evident as she articulates her strong desire for characters with substantial depth and individual narratives. This decision, highlighted in her memoir, offers valuable insights into her early efforts to promote diversity and advocate for roles that carry genuine meaning in the world of entertainment.
#6. Django Unchained
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Kerry Washington’s memoir touches on her experience while filming Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. She reveals that an originally planned brutal rape scene was removed from the film, which brought her immense relief. This behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process underscores the importance of actors’ voices in shaping the content they participate in.
#7. Personal abortion decision
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One of the most talked-about parts of Kerry Washington’s memoir is the abortion she had in her late twenties. Later, in her role as Olivia Pope on the TV show Scandal, she had to act out the character going through an abortion. During her real-life abortion, the nurse who cared for her recognized her as a famous actress. She said the conversation with the nurse made her know that her name belonged to public spaces in a way that made privacy unavailable to her.
In all, the revelations contained in Thicker Than Water go beyond table-talk gossip but serve as a reminder of Washington’s strength of character made possible by her unique life experiences. Therefore, it reiterates that regardless of how difficult our paths may be, no force is powerful enough to stop a person who pushes against all odds.
Featured image: @kerrywashington/Instagram
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