The Private Life of Kerry Washington: Balancing Fame and Family
When you think of Kerry Washington, it’s easy to immediately associate her with her remarkable talent and iconic roles. Yet, beneath the surface of Hollywood glamour lies a dedicated wife and mother of three, a dynamic that Washington deliberately keeps out of the public eye. As the cover star for InStyle, she recently shared some illuminating insights into her life as a woman in the spotlight, navigating both personal and professional realms.
A Deliberate Choice for Privacy
In her candid interview, Washington discussed the challenges and rewards of keeping her family life predominantly private. She’s married to Nnamdi Asomugha, a former NFL player and actor, and together they share two children—a daughter, Isabelle, and a son, Caleb—along with a teenage stepdaughter. Despite the inevitable temptations of social media, Washington has consistently chosen to keep her children away from public scrutiny.
“It was very hard,” she admitted when recalling the initial struggle of maintaining that boundary. As her children grow and reach new milestones that parents often want to share, she remains steadfast in her decision for their privacy. “Our kids get to be who they are, not who the world has decided they are,” she emphasized, reinforcing her commitment to shielding their identities from public perception.
Navigating Public and Private Life
Washington acknowledges that her life, intertwined with the public sphere, often presents challenges when trying to maintain a sense of privacy. Both she and Asomugha are actors who strive to convey authenticity in their performances, yet they remain protective of their personal truths, which they believe should not be public consumer goods.
After a decade of marriage, Washington recalls a pivotal moment when she felt compelled to share a glimpse of her relationship with Asomugha. At a couture show in Italy, a stunning photograph was taken of the couple, prompting Washington to express her desire to share it online. “We had been married 10 years and never posted a picture of ourselves together,” she reflected, highlighting the careful consideration they give to what aspects of their relationship are shared publicly.
The Joy of Co-Parenting
During appearances and interviews, including on “The Breakfast Club,” Washington has spoken fondly about her partnership with Asomugha. She emphasized how much she values their teamwork in parenting. “I love parenting with my husband, you know, I love our marriage,” she shared. This strong sense of partnership is a cornerstone of their family dynamic, illustrating how they tackle parenting challenges together while fostering a nurturing environment for their children.
Emphasizing a Balanced Ambition
Washington is currently at a juncture in her life where she prioritizes being present for her children. In her conversation with InStyle, she articulated a desire to pursue ambitions that extend beyond her professional career. “I want to be ambitious for things other than professional success,” she stated, an ethos that reflects a conscious decision to invest time and energy into her family life.
While she remains committed to her career and acknowledges that work is a significant part of her life, Washington aims to live a full, rich life that balances both her passions for acting and her devotion to her family. This holistic approach emphasizes a deliberate ambition—not just in her profession, but in nurturing her marriage and being an engaged parent.
A Reflective Approach to Life
As Kerry Washington continues to grace our screens, her reflections on family, love, and ambition offer a refreshing perspective. By maintaining a careful balance between her public persona and private life, she redefines what it means to live authentically in the limelight. Her commitment to her family’s privacy, her values in parenting, and her ambition for a well-rounded life serve as touchstones for anyone grappling with the interplay of personal and public identity.