Zuri Sanah Washington (whose given names are derived from the Swahili word for "beautiful" and the Arabic for "brilliant") is a city girl from the Bronx whose lifelong love for entertaining is in her blood. Her family consists of award-winning Jazz vocalist Lynette Washington and award-winning pianist and producer Dennis Bell (founder of the group New Voices of Freedom). Her cousin, Sidra Bell is an award winning dancer and founder/artistic director of the company Sidra Bell Dance NY. Surrounded by art on all sides, it was only a matter of time before Zuri made the leap as well.
Photo by David Makman
Photo by David Makman
Zuri went to the Dalton School for 11 years and graduated, joining the alumni ranks of artists such as Barrett Foa, Jennifer Grey, Chevy Chase, and Claire Danes. She has been actively pursuing a career in theatre and the arts since she was 14 years and later moved on to college and graduated with a BFA from Point Park University; magna cum laude with honors.
After graduating, she took on the lead role of Danielle in the national tour of Bring it On: The Musical helmed by renowned choreographer Andy Blankenbeuhler ("Hamilton", "In the Heights", etc.). She then went on to star in the national tour of Memphis.
Most recently she understudied the leading role of Temula in the new musical Other World, which had it’s world premiere at the Delaware Theatre Company.
She is currently represented by the superstars at The Hell's Kitchen Agency and is a proud member of the Actor's Equity Association.