Kerry Washington posted a catalog of some of her most famous roles to Instagram earlier this week in order to share an important message. No, it wasn’t about representation in film, the importance of creating more opportunities for women in leadership positions or the Black Lives Matter movement (all causes the actor has championed in the past). This message was short, sweet and to the point: Wear a damn mask.
Anita Hill, Olivia Pope and Broomhilda von Shaft All Have a Very Important Message for You
As cases of Covid-19 continue to rise in many parts of the U.S., the CDC still recommends wearing a face mask whenever leaving home, whether you’re picking up groceries, enjoying a cocktail to go or heading out for a run. And while attempting to change the minds of those who are reluctant to do so can be a contentious endeavor, Washington decided to take a more lighthearted approach.
The Little Fires Everywhere actress photoshopped medical masks onto eight of her most iconic movie and TV characters, as well as some of her costars, to stress that everyone, from White House fixer Olivia Pope to Della Bea Robinson, wife of Ray Charles, can and should continue to do this one small thing in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The post contained shots of Washington as Anita Hill in Confirmation, Olivia Pope in Scandal, Broomhilda von Shaft in Django Unchained, Fatima Goodrich in She Hate Me, Nikki Tru in I Think I Love My Wife, Della Bea Robinson in Ray and Lisa Mattson in Lakeview Terrace.
Washington’s plea for people to follow proper health and safety protocols comes shortly after Jennifer Aniston posted a rare selfie with the same message. As Aniston mentioned in her Instagram caption, “I understand masks are inconvenient and uncomfortable. But don’t you feel that it’s worse that businesses are shutting down…jobs are being lost…health care workers are hitting absolute exhaustion. And so many lives have been taken by this virus because we aren’t doing enough.”
So there you have it. Jennifer Aniston, Kerry Washington and all the inspiring, wonderful characters she’s ever played want you to please wear a mask.