Kerry Washington's involvement with the hit television series 'Scandal' brought her both fame and some unusual challenges, one of which involved reaching out to the White House during Barack Obama's presidency. Washington, who portrayed Olivia Pope, the show's leading character and crisis management expert, recalled her experiences during her recent appearance on 'The View' on December 18.
At 47 years old, Washington shared how she had to call Valerie Jarrett, one of President Obama's senior advisors, to discuss her new role. She recounted, "I just want you to know I’ve been cast in this show. Lil awkward, because on the show, I’m sleeping with the president." It was quite the conversation starter, especially since Washington was also serving on the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities at the time.
She felt it was important to give the Obama administration a heads-up about the character's romantic entanglement with President Fitzgerald Grant III, portrayed by Tony Goldwyn. Washington explained, "I wanted to give them a chance to distance themselves if they needed to." To her relief, the response from the White House was reassuring: "But they were like, ‘It’s fine. It’s TV.’ Again, for art, everything’s okay!"
'Scandal,' which aired on ABC from 2012 to 2018, drew significant viewership with its dramatic portrayal of political intrigue and personal relationships. Washington's character often found herself juggling personal dilemmas alongside national crises, echoing the real-life challenges faced by individuals working closely with political figures. Her performance on the show earned her two Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe nomination, highlighting her as one of the best actresses of her generation.
Interestingly, the show’s premise reflected real-life inspirations. Washington's character was modeled after Judy Smith, who served as deputy press secretary during George H.W. Bush's administration. Smith was also an executive producer on 'Scandal,' providing her expertise to help shape the show's portrayal of political consultancy.
Reflecting on her experience as Olivia Pope, Washington noted the broader cultural significance of her role. She expressed to Variety what she learned from the character: "She reminded our culture...that everybody deserves to be the lead character in the story of their lives, regardless of what they look like, or who they love." Washington added, "On a personal level, it took me being No. 1 on the call sheet to be willing to see myself as No. 1 in my own life." This statement resonates deeply with her fans and the television audience, emphasizing representation and self-worth.
Washington has also spoken fondly about her relationships with her co-stars. Goldwyn, her on-screen love interest, praised her not only for her acting prowess but also for her leadership on set. He said, "She is — in addition to being one of the best actresses in America — an extraordinary team leader on our show. She approaches her work with this ferocious enthusiasm and work ethic.” Goldwyn’s comments reflect the camaraderie and mutual respect shared among cast members during the show's run.
The connection between Goldwyn and Washington was immediate, as he described their unspoken rapport during filming: “We always seem to be coming from the same place... Working with her is just — you're always challenged by her and inspired.” This chemistry contributed to the authenticity of their on-screen portrayal, which captivated audiences and contributed to the show's success.
Washington's experience with 'Scandal' continued even after the series ended. She expressed interest during 'Entertainment Tonight' interviews about collaborating with Goldwyn again on his new show 'Law & Order,' stating, “When Tony Goldwyn tells me to do something, usually the answer is yes.” This willingness to evolve and say yes reflects her approach to both her career and her relationships within the industry.
While Washington navigated the complex dynamics of acting and politics, her ability to engage with high-profile figures and her steadfast commitment to her art continues to define her career. The balance between these worlds, as she skillfully managed the reactions of significant political figures like Obama and former President George W. Bush, reveals her unique position within Hollywood and the political scene.
Washington's reflections on her time during 'Scandal' as well as her distinct method of connecting art with real-world politics demonstrate the influential role actors can play as cultural icons. Her story serves as both an inspiring example of diversity on screen and reflects the significance of narrative ownership, particularly for women of color. The questions surrounding her character's arc serve to challenge and entertain audiences, pushing boundaries and expectations during its airing.
Looking back, Washington's legacy from 'Scandal' highlights not just her talent, but also her commitment to representation, the importance of communication within relationships, and the power of television to impact society. The enthusiasts of her work remain eager to see where her path leads next, as she continues to influence both the entertainment industry and cultural narratives.