Kerry Washington: Power, Perfection & Olivia Pope - Call Her Daddy Recap

Podcast: Call Her Daddy

Published: 2026-03-18

Duration: 1 hr 23 min

Guests: Kerry Washington

Summary

Kerry Washington discusses her iconic role as Olivia Pope in 'Scandal', the impact of the show on representation in media, and her personal journey with family secrets and challenges, including her experiences with an eating disorder and abortion.

What Happened

Kerry Washington reflects on her role as Olivia Pope in 'Scandal' and the cultural impact of being one of the first black women to lead a network drama in decades. She describes the pressure she felt to succeed, knowing it could set a precedent for future shows featuring women of color. Washington also shares how the character taught her about leadership both on and off screen.

She reveals her initial hesitation about acting in 'Scandal', sharing how the business side of Hollywood can sometimes overshadow her love for acting itself. Washington highlights the duality of Olivia Pope, who maintained a powerful facade while dealing with personal turmoil, a dynamic that resonated with her own life experiences.

In a candid conversation, Washington opens up about her decision to produce, which gave her more control over her career and allowed her to create her own opportunities. She discusses her production company, Simpson Street, and the freedom it provided her to tell stories that matter to her.

Washington discusses her personal journey, revealing the pivotal moment when she learned her father was not her biological parent due to her parents' use of a sperm donor. This revelation was both disorienting and liberating, allowing her to embrace her true identity and deepen her connection with her parents.

She also touches on her struggles with an eating disorder, emphasizing the importance of therapy and building a supportive network. Washington shares how her experience with suicidal ideation led her to seek help and ultimately find healing through therapy and group support.

The conversation delves into Washington's advocacy for reproductive rights, including her own abortion experience. She explains how she felt empowered to share her story publicly, highlighting the importance of bodily autonomy and privacy for women. Washington's memoir serves as a platform for these personal revelations, encouraging others to share their truths.

Lastly, Washington talks about her new show, 'Imperfect Women', which explores themes of secrets and authenticity in relationships. She describes the complexity and relatability of the characters, drawing parallels to her own experiences with family secrets and the desire for authenticity in personal connections.

Key Insights

• Kerry Washington's production company, Simpson Street, provides her with creative control and the ability to produce stories that resonate personally, allowing her to shape her career trajectory independently.
• Washington's personal discovery that her father was not her biological parent, due to her parents' use of a sperm donor, was a transformative experience that deepened her familial connections and understanding of her identity.
• Washington's experience with an eating disorder and suicidal ideation led her to seek therapy and build a supportive network, highlighting the role of mental health resources in her healing process.
• Her advocacy for reproductive rights is informed by her own abortion experience, emphasizing the significance of bodily autonomy and privacy for women, which she publicly addresses in her memoir.