In a new interview on “Good Morning America,” actress Kerry Washington spoke openly about herself and her family. This is rare for her. While some celebrities often keep their private lives in the public eye, Washington usually keeps her private life, well, private.

The interview was a way of Washington getting the word out about her new memoir titled “Thicker Than Water,” but she didn’t just talk about the book. She shared details about her life that she has never revealed publicly before.

Robin Roberts asked Washington what she meant by the line in her book saying that she “lived among a family of performers, and the magic trick was in pretending.” Washington was happy to clarify. She explained, “When people ask me if I’m the first in my family to go into show business, I always say I’m the first person to get paid for it.”

While Washington praised her parents and called them “extraordinarily loving people,” she also shared about their loud fights at night and a secret that would forever change her life.

This earth-shattering secret was that Washington’s father, the man who she has known as her dad all of her life, is not actually her biological father. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she shared that his revelation “really turned my world upside down.”

Washington’s parents probably would’ve kept this secret from her forever, but when she decided to appear on a reality show called “Finding Your Roots,” they knew she would find out the truth even if they didn’t tell her. The show features celebrities who take DNA tests in order to discover their family history.

Back in 2018, before the taping of the show, Washington’s parents invited her over to tell her the truth in person. Her reaction was thinking, “Oh. I now know my story.” She actually felt relieved after hearing the secret. 

Washington learned that her parents used an anonymous sperm donor because they were having fertility issues. They weren’t planning on telling her the truth, but she’s glad they did.

Watch the video below to see more of Washington’s interview with Good Morning America and to hear what her parents think about the family secrets she’s sharing in her new book.

Washington’s book “Thicker Than Water” is for sale starting today, September 26, 2023.

How would you react if you learned that your mom or dad wasn’t actually your biological parent?