Isaiah Washington

Isaiah Washington IV is an actor, author and activist. A veteran of several Spike Lee films, Washington is best known for his role as the gifted cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Preston Burke on the ABC medical drama "Grey's Anatomy." His portrayal earned him two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award. He was then recognized on TV Guide’s “TV’s Sexiest Men” list in June 2006 and named one of People’s “50 Most Beautiful people” in May 2006. Then from 2014 to 2018, Washington portrayed Thelonious Jaha on The CW's science fiction television series "The 100." Washington began hosting a travel and cooking show "Isaiah Washington: Kitchen Talk" on Fox Nation in 2020.

Now focusing his efforts off-screen, Washington is a devout supporter of Sierra Leone, working to give back to the land to which his ancestry has been traced. In 2007, he founded The Gondobay Manga Foundation, advocating cooperative planning to achieve positive, timely improvements in the lives of the people of Sierra Leone. By uniting passionate people, The Foundation strives for immediate impact by addressing one village at a time. In November 2007, Washington and the Gondobay Manga Foundation opened its first school, Chief Foday Golia Memorial School, in the Njala Kendema village for 150 students in grades K-5. In addition to building the school, Washington and the Gondobay Manga Foundation donated uniforms and school supplies for each student. Washington was the Master of Ceremonies for the first White House Summit on Malaria to fight the war against malaria in 15 African countries, and in 2008 attended the 63rd United Nations General Assembly in New York City as an advisor to President Ernest Bai Koroma of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Following this event, President Koroma traveled to Washington, D.C. and announced that Washington would be granted full citizenship of Sierra Leone. Washington continues in his efforts to help strengthen the communities of Sierra Leone, working towards creating a better future for its people and its children.

Washington was one of the first graduates from Willowridge High School in 1981. Washington went on to serve in the United States Air Force and attended Howard University. Washington married Jenisa Marie Garland on February 14, 1996. The couple have three children, Isaiah V, Tyme and Iman.