DNC: Kerry Washington to help host convention’s final night

Award-winning actress Kerry Washington is set to host the final night of the Democratic National Convention.
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. 
Washington is set to follow other celebrities leads during the DNC including Scandal co-star, Tony Goldwyn, who played the role of president on the hit series and spoke during Monday night. Political commentator and “The View” co-host Ana Navarro hosted Tuesday night while Mindy Kaling took her turn hosting at the DNC hosting Wednesday.
The list of guest speakers this week also included President Biden, former President Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.
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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:
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Washington, 47, is a Black actress who was born in the Bronx, New York.
The daughter of a real estate broker and education professor, she graduated from George Washington University, where she earned a degree in performance studies. She is married to former NFL Raiders cornerback turned actor, Nnamdi Asomugha. The pair wed in June 2013.
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 Democratic National Convention began Monday and runs through Thursday, Aug. 22.
The Democratic National Convention is taking place in Chicago.
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.
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).
USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the DNC through Thursday.
Contribution: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.