Exclusive: Kerry Washington Talks ‘Imperfect Women,’ Boss Moves, & Why “Perfect” Is a Myth

Kerry Washington is stepping into a new chapter with ‘Imperfect Women’ – a project that sees her not only starring on-screen but shaping the story behind the scenes.

Adapted from ‘Imperfect Women’ by Araminta Hall and shepherded by showrunner Annie Weisman, the eight-episode drama follows a crime that unravels a decades-long bond between three women.

Produced by Washington alongside Elizabeth Moss and boasting an ensemble that includes Kate Mara and Leslie Odom Jr., the show serves up secrets, betrayal, and friendship pushed to the brink.

In an exclusive chat with That Grape Juice, the multihyphenate maven opened up about what drew her to the layered series, how it challenged her creatively, and why the idea of “perfection” sits at the heart of its narrative.

Full story below…

That Grape Juice (Sam): ‘Imperfect Women’ feels very rooted in complexity and perspective. What drew you to this story and the character of Eleanor?

Kerry Washington: The first thing that drew me to this project was Elizabeth Moss, because she had optioned the book in 2019. When she called me in 2023 or 2024, I was so delighted to hear from her because I’m a huge fan. I think she’s an extraordinary talent. I also knew that, like me, she loves to direct and produce, not just act, so I thought it would be really fun to work together.

I was hoping the material would be as spectacular as she is, and when I read Armen Hall’s beautiful novel, I was completely sold. Elizabeth had also worked with our showrunner Annie Weissman to build out a wonderful deck and outline for adapting the book for television, and I loved it. I especially loved the role of Eleanor. Elizabeth had already chosen to play Mary and felt I’d be a great fit for Eleanor, which I agreed with. From there, we started building out the rest of the cast, including Nancy and the other roles.

That Grape Juice: It’s amazing that you’re not just starring in this, but producing it as well via your Simpson Street imprint. What did you want to protect or shape most about the project from behind the scenes?

Kerry Washington: That’s hard to say. I truly love producing. I enjoy every part of the process, from casting and choosing locations to building the writers’ room. During filming, I love supporting the actors and department heads, and I’m equally passionate about post-production, from selecting the music to marketing. As a producer, I enjoy having my fingerprint on every stage of the process.

That Grape Juice: The title “Imperfect” is obviously quite loaded. What does imperfect mean to you in the context of the show?

Kerry Washington: Human. Human. Human. I think what we’re leaning into is the pressure so many of us feel, both men and women, in this social media age to present a perfect version of ourselves. There’s often a disconnect between that projected image and who we authentically are. The show explores what happens when we’re forced to confront our real selves, not just the versions we present to the world.

That Grape Juice: Without giving too much away, what can you tell us about your character and the lens they bring to the narrative?

Kerry Washington: Each of these women is pursuing her own version of female perfection. Nancy is drawn to the idea of being the perfect wife, Mary the perfect mother, and Eleanor the perfect professional woman. The show also explores how they evolve over time and how their friendship must grow with them.

Sometimes, when we’re close to people, we fear that if we share our full truth, they might judge us or leave us. That fear of abandonment can lead us to hide parts of ourselves, even from the people we love most.

That Grape Juice: You’ve played so many amazing, strong women over time. How did this role challenge you?

Kerry Washington: We were joking that Elizabeth Moss, Kate Mara, and I have all played women up against massive institutions of power. Whether it’s the army, the White House, or the oppressive systems in The Handmaid’s Tale, we’ve taken on these external forces in our past roles.

What’s different here is that the real challenge is internal. The “big bad” isn’t an external system, but our own understanding of ourselves, our denial, and the truths we suppress. That’s what we’re battling. It’s a much quieter, more internal form of power.

That Grape Juice: How intentional are you about telling stories centered on women?

Kerry Washington: We gravitate toward stories that center complexity and humanity. Often those stories focus on women, but not always. For example, with ‘Reasonable Doubt,’ which is going into its fourth season, I’m incredibly proud of that show even though I’m not on screen.

At the same time, even with ‘Imperfect Women,’ we wanted to ensure the male roles were equally strong and well-written so we could work with actors we respect. At our company, we like to stand at the intersection of what makes us unique as individuals and what makes us the same. We all want to be loved, accepted, healthy, and free to pursue our dreams. Finding that shared humanity within unique stories is what excites us most.

That Grape Juice: Rounding down, what do you hope audiences take away from watching ‘Imperfect Women’?

Kerry Washington: My answer is twofold. When Elizabeth and I first started producing together, we talked about what success would look like. She said she wanted the show to be fun, juicy, and messy. She wanted viewers to be guessing constantly about relationships, betrayals, and what’s really going on. That sense of excitement was important to us.

She was also passionate about preserving the novel’s structure, which shifts perspective between three protagonists. That approach allows the audience to see how different viewpoints shape the truth. It’s a powerful reminder that when we pause and consider someone else’s perspective, we gain a deeper understanding of the story. In a time when people can become fixed in their own viewpoints, that feels especially meaningful.

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