The Evolution Of The Kerry Washington Crying Face: From 'Scandal' Meme To 2025's Deepest Roles

The "Kerry Washington Crying Face" is one of the most recognizable and widely discussed expressions in modern television history, a signature piece of performance art that defined a character and launched a thousand memes. This distinctive, often polarizing, look—characterized by a slight lip sneer, wide eyes, and intense emotional strain—became synonymous with her groundbreaking role as crisis manager Olivia Pope on Shonda Rhimes' hit show, Scandal. Now, in late 2024 and looking ahead to 2025, Washington's career has shifted dramatically, moving her emotional depth into new, complex roles in projects like Hulu's *UnPrisoned* and the upcoming Netflix film *The Six Triple Eight*, forcing a re-evaluation of her entire acting technique.

Far from being a one-note emotional trick, the evolution of Kerry Washington’s on-screen anguish reflects a deliberate, nuanced approach to portraying powerful, yet deeply flawed, women. As she takes on roles as an executive producer and director, her control over her characters' emotional arcs—from the political turmoil of *Scandal* to the historical weight of *The Six Triple Eight*—showcases an artist who is actively refining and expanding her emotional palette, proving that the iconic 'crying face' was just the beginning of a much deeper career narrative.

Kerry Washington: Biography, Filmography, and The Rise of the Gladiator

Kerry Washington is an American actress, producer, and director who has become one of Hollywood's most influential figures, known for her blend of artistic excellence and political activism. Her career spans critically acclaimed films and culture-defining television, establishing her as a true Hollywood icon.

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• Full Name: Kerry Marisa Washington
• Date of Birth: January 31, 1977
• Place of Birth: The Bronx, New York, U.S.
• Education: George Washington University (B.A. in Performance Studies)
• Breakthrough Role: Chenille in Save the Last Dance (2001)
• Iconic TV Role: Olivia Pope in Scandal (2012–2018)
• Notable Film Roles: Della Bea Robinson in Ray (2004), Broomhilda von Shaft in Django Unchained (2012), Kendra in American Son (2019)
• Recent TV/Streaming: Mia Warren in Little Fires Everywhere (2020), Paige Alexander in UnPrisoned (2023–Present)
• Upcoming Projects (2025): *Shadow Force* (Action Film), *Knives Out 3* (Confirmed Role)
• Producer/Director Credits: Executive Producer on Confirmation (2016), Little Fires Everywhere, and UnPrisoned. She also directed an episode of Scandal and Insecure.
• Awards & Recognition: Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, NAACP Image Awards, Screen Actors Guild Award.

The Anatomy of the 'Scandal' Crying Face: Why It Went Viral

The infamous "crying face" reached its peak during the seven-season run of Scandal, where Washington played Olivia Pope, a high-powered D.C. crisis manager and political fixer. The character's intense emotional life—often grappling with complex moral dilemmas, a toxic romance with President Fitzgerald Grant, and deep-seated trauma—demanded frequent, high-stakes outbursts.

The 'Lip Sneer' and 'Bug Eyes' Phenomenon

Critics and fans alike identified a specific physical manifestation of Pope's distress, which quickly became a meme. This signature look involves a combination of elements:

• The Lip Curl/Sneer: A characteristic upward curl or sneer of the upper lip, often suggesting a mixture of pain, disgust, and suppressed rage.
• The Wide/Bug Eyes: Washington's eyes would often widen dramatically, a technique that amplified the sense of panic and shock, making her anguish feel overt and almost theatrical.
• The Suppressed Yell: The expression often appeared just before or during a major monologue, giving the impression of a powerful emotion being physically restrained, a perfect fit for a character whose job was to control every crisis.

This style of performance, while magnetic, was polarizing. Some viewers praised it as a brilliant portrayal of a woman under extreme pressure, while others labeled it as "overacting" or a repetitive tic. Regardless of the critique, it cemented Olivia Pope as a cultural touchstone and made Washington an Emmy-nominated actress, demonstrating her ability to fully commit to the melodrama demanded by Shonda Rhimes' writing style.

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From Gladiator to Producer: Emotional Nuance in Current Roles

In the post-*Scandal* era, Kerry Washington has deliberately chosen roles that showcase a different, often more grounded, emotional depth. Her work as both an actor and an executive producer highlights a commitment to nuanced storytelling, particularly in projects focusing on the Black female experience.

The Therapeutic Tears of 'UnPrisoned'

Her role as Paige Alexander in the Hulu comedy-drama *UnPrisoned* represents a significant shift. Paige is a relationship therapist whose life is upended when her father, Edwin Alexander (played by Delroy Lindo), is released from prison. The emotional moments in *UnPrisoned* are less about political crisis and more about intergenerational trauma and personal healing. Washington herself noted that the emotional scenes in *UnPrisoned* felt different from *Scandal*, reflecting a more internal, less overtly dramatic form of emotional expression.

This portrayal requires a quiet, simmering intensity, a contrast to Pope’s explosive outbursts. By producing the show alongside creator Tracy McMillan, Washington has greater control over the character's emotional journey, allowing for a more subtle and therapeutic expression of pain and vulnerability.

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The Historical Weight of 'The Six Triple Eight' (2024/2025)

Looking ahead to 2025, Washington's role in the Netflix film *The Six Triple Eight*, directed by Tyler Perry, promises her most grounded and emotionally challenging performance yet. She stars as Major Charity Adams, the real-life commanding officer of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II.

Portraying a historical figure like Major Adams demands a level of emotional endurance and restraint far removed from the fictional melodrama of *Scandal*. The emotional weight here is not personal heartbreak, but the systemic challenges of racism, sexism, and the pressure of leadership in a war zone. Washington, who is also an executive producer on the project, has spoken about the importance of honoring the legacy of these trailblazing women, suggesting a performance built on dignity, strength, and quiet resolve rather than overt emotional breakdowns.

The Acting Technique: How Washington Channels Emotional Endurance

Kerry Washington's acting process is rooted in deep commitment, whether she is playing a fictional crisis manager or a historical military leader. Her ability to consistently deliver high-stakes emotional performances, including the famous crying face, is a testament to her dedication to the craft.

Washington is known for her Method Acting approach, fully immersing herself in the emotional and psychological landscape of her characters. For intense roles, she has discussed the need for self-care to manage the emotional toll of playing traumatized or highly stressed individuals.

Beyond her on-screen work, Washington’s career as an activist and director further informs her emotional range. Her involvement in political advocacy, including hosting the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), and her work on documentaries like *Daughters* (Sundance 2024), demonstrates a profound engagement with real-world issues. This real-life passion for justice and complexity undoubtedly fuels the raw, visceral quality of her emotional scenes, whether it manifests as Olivia Pope’s famous "lip sneer" or the quiet determination of Captain Charity Adams.

Ultimately, the "Kerry Washington Crying Face" is more than a meme; it is a timestamp in her career, marking the moment she became a cultural phenomenon. Her current work in *UnPrisoned* and *The Six Triple Eight* shows her moving beyond that iconic, high-drama expression toward a more mature, multifaceted emotional landscape, cementing her legacy as one of the most versatile and impactful performers of her generation.