Washington started his TV career in 1968 in the American children's drama series, Daktari, that aired on CBS. "Daktari" is Swahili for "doctor." He had a recurring role in Adam-12 as Officer Miller. Washington is remembered by Star Trek fans in the episode "That Which Survives" as John B. Watkins. In 1970, Washington was cast as a series regular on Hogan's Heroes. He had several guest starring roles throughout the 1970s. In 1989, Washington guest starred on A Different World.