Kerry Washington on Landing Her Iconic Scandal Role Against All Odds
Kerry Washington opens up about her unforgettable turn as Olivia Pope in Scandal, sharing how she knew the role was meant for her even as she faced tough competition. The series became a cultural phenomenon and transformed her career.
Some television characters become so closely tied to the actors who play them that it ’s hard to picture anyone else in the part. Think Bryan Cranston as Walter White in Breaking Bad, James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano, or Jon Hamm as Don Draper in Mad Men. For Scandal, Kerry Washington’s portrayal of Olivia Pope is just as essential—her performance defined the show and left a lasting mark on TV history.
Network TV’s Standout Amid Streaming Giants
When Scandal premiered, network television was starting to lose ground to cable and streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video, which were producing more daring dramas. Despite the limitations of network TV, the series became a breakout hit, earning critical acclaim and two Primetime Emmy nominations for Washington. She played a sharp, resourceful crisis manager who finds herself entangled in high-stakes secrets involving her former boss, President Fitzgerald Grant III, played by Tony Goldwyn. The show’s gripping storylines about political intrigue and personal scandal kept viewers hooked for seven seasons.
Washington’s Unshakable Connection to Olivia Pope
In an interview, Washington described how deeply she felt the role was meant for her, even though she knew she wasn’t the only one who wanted it.
“I read the Scandal script, and I was like, ‘Oh, I’m screwed, this is so good’,”
she recalled.
“I got really scared, because I did feel like it was written for me. You know, in some divine way, this was mine, but there were 15 other actresses who felt the same.”
Working with Shonda Rhimes, the powerhouse behind hits like Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, was a major draw. Washington noted that Rhimes’s reputation meant the casting process was especially competitive.
“Shonda auditioned everyone and their mother, ”
Washington said.
“For African-American actresses, this was the glass slipper, so she let everyone try it on.”
A Defining Moment and Lasting Impact
Washington’s passion for the project ultimately helped her secure the role she felt destined to play. She poured herself into the character, ensuring Olivia Pope evolved and grew throughout the series. Unlike many long-running shows that lose steam, Scandal maintained its momentum, with the final season receiving just as much praise as the first.
The show’s success propelled Washington’s career to new heights. She went on to earn acclaim for her work in the TV movie Confirmation, picked up another Emmy nomination for the Hulu miniseries Little Fires Everywhere, and joined the cast of the ensemble mystery Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Still, Scandal remains the project that defines her legacy—no matter what comes next, she’ll always be remembered as Olivia Pope.