Kerry Washington, renowned for her captivating performances, reflects upon the junctures in her life when she considered walking away from Hollywood, only to be lured back by the allure of an “extraordinary” script.
In a captivating profile featured in W magazine’s W TV Portfolio 2023, Washington candidly unveils her lifelong endeavor to distance herself from the role of an actor.
“This industry and I have often been at odds, with moments where I almost bid adieu,” she confides to W. “Remarkably, just when I’ve contemplated departure, an extraordinary script materializes on my desk. The allure of projects like Ray, The Last King of Scotland, and Scandal has repeatedly drawn me back in.”
The 2023 edition of W’s portfolio also showcases a constellation of television luminaries, including Matthew Macfadyen, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Meghann Fahy.
In his feature, Macfadyen divulges insights from his role in Succession, recalling his initial reaction upon encountering the enigmatic moniker of his character, Tom Wambsgans. “The name carries an elusive, oddly unsettling quality,” muses the Emmy laureate. “It’s a blend of ‘womb’ and ‘glands,’ an intricate concoction that doesn’t quite settle. Tom, an outsider in the Roy family—a lineage linked to the French term for ‘king’—embodies this complex interplay.”
Amidst his revelations, Macfadyen playfully discloses his fondness for one of Tom’s memorable lines: “Buckle up, knucklehead.” He acknowledges the peculiar sensation of pedestrians occasionally double-taking and chuckling upon recognizing him, attributing it to his distinctive on-screen persona.
Fahy celebrated for her portrayal of Daphne Sullivan in The White Lotus season two, sheds light on the origin of the endearing term “Zen Mommy,” a moniker playfully coined alongside co-star Aubrey Plaza.
“Daphne exudes the essence of those Instagram mothers, effortlessly cradling a baby while donning an ethereal yet extravagant gown,” Fahy shares. “Her simplicity resonated with me—she’s my Zen Mommy.”
This accomplished Emmy nominee also recounts a starstruck encounter with Taylor Swift, admitting to an involuntary surge of emotions. “Meeting Taylor Swift left me teary-eyed and overwhelmed,” the Bold Type luminary confesses. “I struggled to regain my composure, fearing my tears would overshadow our interaction. However, Taylor’s reassuring embrace and words assuaged my embarrassment, allowing me to bask in the moment.”
Intriguing narratives of resilience, camaraderie, and star-studded encounters pervade W’s TV Portfolio 2023, presenting an intimate glimpse into the lives of television’s most illustrious personalities.
