Quotes from Kerry Washington

I have to make sure that I don't silence myself about the things that I believe in, because sometimes the fear creeps in of 'What if fewer people watch the show or fewer people hire me because I express my politics?' For me, the commitment is to never be quiet just because I'm in the public eye.

The breakdown of the black community, in order to maintain slavery, began with the breakdown of the black family. Men and women were not legally allowed to get married because you couldn't have that kind of love. It might get in the way of the economics of slavery. Your children could be taken from you and literally sold down the river.

The No. 1 reason women stay in abusive relationships - because they're not able to take care of themselves financially. It's also the No. 1 reason why women go back.

I don't think I'm even close to fulfilling my potential. And I think also that, unlike a pianist or a flutist, an actor has an instrument that is constantly changing.

I guess because I came to it later in life, I realized, 'Oh, going to a fashion show is like going to the opening of Degas at the Met or going to see Swan Lake.'

If I ever have a family one day, everything else will pale in importance to that.

That's what acting is - it's about having the courage to allow your audience into the private moments of your characters' lives.

I'm always working. My cousins call me the longshoreman of actors.

When I think about any of the missteps in my life that I've made, all of which I'm grateful for, it's because I just so wanted to be truly seen and heard for who I am and was afraid I wasn't or wouldn't be.

I get through the tough times through prayer and meditation. And I have really good friends and family, and a great therapist.

You're able to make a real difference. If a woman's able to step away financially, she's able to begin to do all the other work.

I don't talk about my personal life in the press that's how I kept my wedding a secret.