Kerry Washington is opening up about her playful chemistry with former “Scandal” co-star Tony Goldwyn. The actress says the pair “like to f-ck with people” who still ship them.
Washington is also getting candid about the pressure she carried while leading the hit ABC series, revealing she felt the weight of representation as a Black woman in a top TV role.
She also touched on motherhood, sharing her thoughts on raising children in privilege and wondering how they’ll develop the same drive that shaped her own journey.
Kerry Washington And Tony Goldwyn Are Still Shipped Years After ‘Scandal’
Long after starring on the hit political drama “Scandal,” Washington is finally addressing her relationship dynamics with Goldwyn.
The 49-year-old actress famously played the role of crisis management expert Olivia Pope in the ABC drama, while Goldwyn starred as President Fitzgerald “Fitz” Grant III. The pairing would go on to become one of TV’s most talked-about romances.
Their steamy, on-again, off-again relationship on screen, combined with their undeniable chemistry off screen, has kept fans invested long after the show wrapped. Many viewers still ship the duo today, despite both stars being married to other partners.
Washington And Goldwyn Love To ‘F-ck With People’
During an April 14 appearance on the “Good Hang” podcast with Amy Poehler, Washington explained that her bond with Goldwyn is purely platonic, but that doesn’t stop them from having fun with fans.
“I really am so grateful for the healthy relationships that I was able to have with the men on that show, like Scott Foley and Tony Goldwyn,” she said. “I love their wives. They love my husband.”
Poehler pointed out that fans continue to pair the duo romantically despite Washington’s marriage to Nnamdi Asomugha and Goldwyn’s marriage to Jane Musky.
“So hard,” Washington agreed. “By the way, we like to f-ck with people. I post stuff all the time with Tony.”
Poehler responded, “And that’s how you can tell everyone’s secure.”
Still, Washington admitted she enjoys the ongoing fan obsession, saying she loves that people continue to “ship” their characters and engage in passionate debates about their iconic on-screen romance.
Kerry Washington On The Pressure Of Starring In The Series
Washington has also reflected on the immense pressure she felt when she first stepped into her groundbreaking role on “Scandal” in 2012.
During a March appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast with Alex Cooper, the actress revealed she was acutely aware of the significance of her casting, as it had been decades since a Black woman led a network drama.
Despite the weight of that expectation, she said she learned to ground herself by focusing only on what she could control.
“I cannot control whether people turn on their televisions on Thursday night and watch my show,” she said. “What I can control is my work ethic, pouring my heart into it.”
A ‘Scandal’ Reboot Isn’t Completely Off The Table
Years after “Scandal” wrapped, talk of a possible reboot continues to swirl, and some of its stars are open to the idea.
According to Us Weekly, Foley said a revival would depend on whether creator Shonda Rhimes has a strong idea for where the story should go.
“I think it would take Shonda getting excited, having an idea of where all those characters are in their lives,” he said in December.
The actor also noted that Washington’s busy schedule could be a factor, pointing out her involvement in major projects.
Kerry Washington Makes Rare Comment About Her Kids
Washington also offered a rare glimpse into her life as a mom during her appearance on “Good Hang.”
The actress reflected on how her upbringing in the Bronx shaped her relentless work ethic, and admitted she sometimes wonders whether her children will develop that same drive.
“I think about this because I feel like they don’t have that thing of being from the Bronx,” she said. “They don’t have that scrappy hustler… At least, they weren’t born in the neighborhood that I think produced it in me,” she said. “And so, I wonder where they’ll find it.”
Still, Washington noted that her kids are showing resilience in their own ways, especially through sports.
“My kids are really resilient, and I see it mostly in sports. That’s like their opportunity,” she added.