Kerry Washington 'refuses to be typecast'

Kerry Washington has reportedly insisted that she has steered away from being typecast as an actress.

In her upcoming film, Life Is Hot In Cracktown, the actress plays a transgendered, crack-addicted prostitute and has admitted she could have been more successful in Hollywood if she would have chosen to play stereotypical roles throughout her career.

Washington told Vibe magazine: "I think in some ways I’d probably be a lot successful if I let myself be typecast.

"But I have a natural need for diversity and I like to stay on top of my craft."

She added: "I didn’t become an actor because I wanted people to like me. I became an actor because I wanted to share stories about humanity. So that’s what I do."