Kerry Washington explains theory behind Red Carpet Kerry

Kerry Washington has developed an off-screen persona to help with her acting career.

The 49-year-old actress has revealed that she consciously developed an It Girl-type persona, called Red Carpet Kerry, in an effort to boost her career, after previously being overlooked for a coveted role.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Kerry explained: "It came about because there was a particular project that I was auditioning for — one of those, 'I want this so badly; it lives inside me' roles. And, in the end, it wound up going to another actress.

"When I was talking about it with my team and other people that I respect in the business, there was an idea that [the actress who booked it] was more of an “It” girl. She was utilising her personal marketing in a way that gave her more leverage. I didn’t want to prioritise marketing over craft, but I started asking myself if I was hiding and if I needed to challenge myself to step forward into hair and makeup and fashion in a different way where I could still feel true to myself."

Kerry has made a conscious effort to project herself in a certain way in recent years.

The movie star explained: "I would be in these situations on a carpet and feel terrified of it. I just thought, 'OK, there has to be some other version of me. Still me but a version of myself that wasn’t entirely vulnerable and naked, that I could step into and show up in a different way.'"

Last year, Kerry claimed that her red-carpet style influences her career success.

The actress believes she lost out on some sought-after roles earlier in her career because she didn't "play the game" at the time.

Speaking to InStyle, Kerry shared: "[Earlier] in my career, there was this project that I really loved and it went to another actor. I knew that part of why she got it was she was more of a red carpet It Girl.

"I was asleep at the wheel of my own marketing. I thought if you’re just a good actor, you’ll get the roles. But it turns out, no, you also have to market yourself because, again, you are your instrument. You are walking around in the car you’re trying to sell. It should be shiny and waxed.

"I didn’t understand that that was part of the game. But I realised there’s a possibility that I could optimise my opportunities if I step into this world."