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Kerry Washington’s star is quickly rising to the top and we’re supporting her the whole way. We’ve got the skinny on “Scandal” fashion, Kerry’s secret to staying fit and lots of reasons to love one of our favorite A-list celebrities.

She’s A Great Role Model

With all the ratchet reality stars out there, we love that Kerry keeps it classy at all times.

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She Stands Up For LGBT Rights

Kerry’s not afraid to speak up about homophobia in the black community. She recently told Advocate magazine that she hopes that African American fans who watch “Scandal” for entertainment will have their minds opened at the same time:

“Something that brings me great joy is knowing what Scandal’s audience looks like in terms of African-American households and knowing that so many African American people and families are being introduced to our characters James and Cyrus.

It’s really exciting that millions of viewers each week are living life with this amazing, complex couple, stepping into their gay marriage and adoption experience, which is such a vital storyline in our show.”

Olivia Pope’s Fashion Sense

It’s half the fun of watching”Scandal.” We’ve heard rumors that there’s going to be a Scandal fashion line coming out soon. But until then, check out this collection of every single outfit Olivia’s worn on Scandal so far.

She Works It Out

Kerry is serious about keeping her figure camera ready. Her workout routine consists of hard-core Pilates, dance classes, Gyrotonic training, hiking and the elliptical machine. And we can tell…BRB, ’bout to hit the gym.

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Kerry’s Classic Style

Olivia Pope isn’t the only one with fashion sense. On stage and off, Kerry Washington is quickly becoming a fashion icon.

She Can Sing

Check out the video of Kerry Washington and Jordin Sparks singing “A Whole New World” during a 2013 Teen Choice Awards interview. Who doesn’t love to sing along to Disney? And your girl can carry a tune!

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She Keeps Her Private Life Private

Turns out it’s not hard to get the paparazzi to mind their own business: just don’t tip them off to what you’re doing. Kerry got married in private and only let the baby news slip when she started showing. And she’s gone on the record to say that’s the last personal detail fans will get for a while. We’re sad but we’re not mad.

The Olivia Pope Stomp

If 2013 could have a signature walk, this would be it. Get your heels ladies, this is how you hit the scene and shut it down.

She’s Bringing Diversity to SNL

Keenan Thompson has been complaining about the lack of black female comedians on SNL for a minute. And Kerry came to the rescue. Did you know she was only the ninth black woman to ever host the show in 38 years? Hopefully her appearance wil spark some changes over at NBC.

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She Hit the Books First

Kerry got her first big acting break at 17 with an ABC After School Special spot called “Magical Make-Over.” But instead of diving right into acting, Kerry graduated with honors from George Washington University with a degree in theater — on a full scholarship.

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She Married Nnamdi Asomugha

His career as an NFL star may be over, but he’s also an activist and philanthropist. He started the Asomugha Foundation which provides food, shelter, and scholarships to Nigerian orphans. Kerry saw a good man and nabbed him quick.

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She’s Adventurous

Kerry Washington isn’t afraid to step outside of the box and see the world. Did you know that after college, she went to India for a year to study yoga and traditional theater?

She’s a Work Horse

Kerry’s blockbuster roles didn’t come out of the blue. She worked hard to get where she is. Before “Scandal,” Kerry had over two dozen roles in film and television. Kerry says, “I come from a family with a really strong work ethic — not just my parents, but my aunts, uncles and cousins. It rubbed off on me. I have a cousin in The Bronx who says I’m like the longshoreman of actors. I am a worker.”

She Knows That Love Is Complicated

Carrie lets Olivia Pope shade roll right off of her back:

“When people say this show celebrates infidelity, I say, ‘No.’ It is a show that celebrates real love. Is it wrong to be with the person you love, or is it worse to marry someone for other reasons? I think the show is really about that question. How important is being in love with someone?”

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She’s An Activist

Kerry Washington isn’t just an artist; she’s a gladiator helping to preserve art in America. She testified before Congress with Robert Redford and John Legend in support of the arts. And she’s an active member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, chaired by Michelle Obama.