Carrie Washington Shines on Talk Show: Root Canals, Allergies, and “Wake Up Dead Man”

Carrie Washington brought her signature charm and humor to the stage, chatting about everything from a recent medical drama to her latest film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.

Washington revealed she underwent a root canal so severe that she had to be put under anesthesia—a level of dental drama most fans would never expect from the usually composed star. “They had to knock me out,” she explained, adding, “I was out. Didn’t even count backwards.” Despite the ordeal, she assured everyone she’s feeling great now.

She also spoke about her stint as “principal for a day” at the Royal School for Film and Television Production in Los Angeles, where she got to experience the challenges—and joys—of leading a school preparing students for careers in the entertainment industry.

Washington opened up about her severe food allergies, which include all seafood, sesame, and most nuts, as well as her creative workaround: cooking meals with ingredients she’s allergic to for her family while avoiding risks herself. “I sacrifice,” she joked, adding that she even has allergy cards translated for international travel.

The conversation then turned to her newest project, Wake Up Dead Man, which opens in theaters next Wednesday and premieres on Netflix December 12th. She compared the film’s ensemble cast to a family, similar to her experience on Scandal, highlighting the camaraderie and collaborative spirit on set.

Finally, in a playful segment, Washington was blindfolded and asked to identify her co-stars using only touch and smell—a challenge she approached with humor and good-natured confusion.

Washington’s blend of grace, humor, and relatability left the audience laughing and rooting for her, proving once again why she’s not just a star on screen, but a beloved personality off it.