Kerry Washington Believes Scandal Could Not be Made in Today’s Climate
“Shonda Rhimes has discussed this publicly,” Washington stated about the creator of Scandal. “When the executives first read the script, they thought this would be a perfect role for Connie Britton. I have great admiration for Connie, but the show is based on a real Black woman named Judy Smith.”
Washington continued, “Since the show was inspired by a Black woman, there was no consideration to change the character to white. It was not even an option.”
Although Britton did not end up taking the role, as Rhimes’ vision ultimately convinced ABC, the actress has a personal tie to the series: Katie Lowes used to work as a nanny for Britton’s 13-year-old son Eyob before landing the role of Quinn Perkins.
“I was quite upset when she got that little pilot,” Britton joked to E! News in 2014. “I think it was quite selfish of her, to be honest.”