Washington played the role of Olivia Pope, a former media consultant and crisis manager to the U.S. president on Shonda Rhimes ' ABC drama "Scandal." In real life, Washington appears to be ready to now potentially maneuver real-world politics.
When Vice President Kamala Harris announced last month she was running for president, Washington, previously a supporter of President Barack Obama 's campaign, posted on X : Harris "can and will win this... I believe in her and I believe in us. Let's gooooooooooooo!" She also hosted before at the virtual DNC in 2020, campaigning for President Joe Biden .
Kerry Washington leaves The Mark Hotel for the Met Gala, the annual fundraising gala held for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The award-winning actress is set to host the final night of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 22, 2024. Jasper Colt, Jasper Colt-USA TODAY
The list of guest speakers this week also included President Biden, former President Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama .
The Democratic National Committee convention is in Chicago through Thursday, when Vice President Harris is slated to formally accept the party's nomination for the 2024 election.
Here's what to know about Washington and her upcoming hosting job:
In addition to "Scandal," the Emmy-nominated actress known for her roles " Django Unchained ," "Save the Last Dance," and the comedy slash action film "Bad Company." She also played the wife of the legendary blind musician Ray Charles in the movie "Ray."
In her 2023 memoir , " Thicker Than Water ," she wrote, "Olivia Pope became an icon. For many in the Black community, this character "represented a version of Black excellence that allowed us to see ourselves in our smarted and most powerful forms… She was smart, she was beautiful, she was messy."
The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, will be the main venue for the DNC.
Chicago has hosted the Democratic Convention 11 times, most recently in 1996 when the United Center saw President Clinton was nominated for a second time.
How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC
The rest of the convention will air live on its website , from the United Center in Chicago Thursday from 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central).
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