Kerry Washington Returns to the District—Sort of—with ‘Scandal’


May 10, 2012

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SCANDAL - ABC's "Scandal" stars Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope. (ABC/CRAIG SJODIN)

ABC’s new show “Scandal” has all the makings of a hit: mystery, romance, controversy—and a GW alumna for a star.

Board of Trustees member Kerry Washington, B.A. ’98, plays Olivia Pope, a District lawyer-turned-crisis communications consultant who helps her high-profile clients navigate some pretty juicy problems—and stay out of the local newspapers.

Ms. Washington, who recently adopted Savoy Elementary School in Anacostia under President Obama’s Turnaround Arts Initiative, spoke with George Washington Today about her new show and the chances of GW being featured on an episode.

Q: Your character is based on Judy Smith, a local crisis consultant who helped clients such as Monica Lewinsky and Michael Vick. Were you familiar with her before you were cast?

A: No, I had never heard of Judy and didn’t really know anything about “crisis management” (which incidentally used to be the title of the show). Before doing press for “Scandal”--and also for her recently released book, “Good Self, Bad Self,” which I highly recommend—it was virtually impossible to find information about or pictures of Judy anywhere! It did not take me long to realize that her ability to maintain a low profile was part of what allows her to solve problems so covertly.

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration for playing Olivia Pope? Do you identify with her?

A: I draw inspiration for Olivia mostly from the exquisite writing. From the very first episode her depth and complexity were right there on the page. I am forever indebted to [“Grey’s Anatomy” creator] Shonda Rhimes for writing this beautifully complicated character and then entrusting me with the responsibility to play her.

Q: Olivia and her team have covered a lot of local ground so far. Do you have any favorite D.C. spots you hope get mentioned on the show?

A: Great question. It’d be fun to shoot at a Colonials basketball game in the Smith Center. Or at Thurston where I was a resident assistant during my junior year. Also Lisner is such an institution.

Q: How do you feel about all the positive press about the show?

A: I try not to read reviews, but I am thrilled that people are enjoying the show - especially D.C. insiders. I was recently at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner and was delighted to get such enthusiastic positive feedback from inside the Beltway.

Q: Is the experience of filming a TV show markedly different from filming a movie?

A: Yes. TV combines some of the things that I love most about film (the intimacy of on-camera acting, the technical complexities, the relationship with the crew, new scenes every day) with the things that I love most about theater (the ability to stay with a character and discover who they are over a longer period of time, a focus on language, the unity of the cast).

Q: Any chance GW will be featured on the show soon?

A:I'll see what I can do! Ha! We shoot the show entirely in Los Angeles, but it would be fun to get a GW mention in there.

Q: If you could play any character on TV, who would it be?

A: That’s easy. Olivia Pope.