Series creator Shonda Rhimes reveals that ABC wanted a white woman to play Olivia and the 'Nashville' alum was the network's top choice.
- Apr 12, 2017
AceShowbiz - "Scandal" could've had a white female lead. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter to celebrate the show's 100th episode, series creator Shonda Rhimes and casting director Linda Lowy reveal that ABC wanted Connie Britton to play Olivia Pope.
Rhimes recalls, "When the show got picked up [to pilot], I got a phone call from somebody who said, 'This would be the perfect show for Connie Britton.' I said, 'It would be, except Olivia Pope is black.' " Lowy adds, "The network was reading us their top choices, and it was Connie and all white women. I panicked. Somebody finally piped up, 'We're going to have to redo this list.' "
Besides Kerry Washington, Jill Scott and Anika Noni Rose were tested for the role, but they knew Washington was the perfect choice the moment the actress met Rhimes. "She could talk Washington more than I could talk Washington. She was different than what I originally envisioned. We were all like, 'Oh my God,' because she's tiny, cute, pretty and younger - and because she was all those things, she was aware that people would underestimate her," the writer/executive producer shares.
As for President Fitz, they admit it was harder to find an actor for the role. "During pilot season, there's virtually nobody available because everybody is working and people who have worked for years command a gigantic salary," says executive producer Betsy Beers. Tony Goldwyn had tested for another show at ABC, but when he didn't land the role, Rhimes called him.
Goldwyn reveals why he signed up for the part, "I'd known Shonda from 'Grey's' and 'Private', and Kerry and I had been friendly. The combination of the two I couldn't pass up."
Rhimes reveals that the role of Stephen was originally written for Scott Foley, but ABC rejected him. Henry Ian Cusick auditioned and got the job almost immediately. Rhimes eventually called Foley again and offered him to be Olivia's love interest after his show "The Goodwin Games" was canceled by FOX.
"Scandal" "What-If"-themed episode airs Thursday, April 13 at 9 P.M. ET on ABC.
