Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn on Scandal Ending, Olivia and Fitz Future

Years after the final credits rolled on the Shonda Rhimes-created sensation Scandal, stars Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn remain deeply intertwined with the legacy of their characters, Olivia Pope and President Fitzgerald Grant. The duo, who anchored the D.C.-based political drama from 2012 to 2018, recently reunited for the Actors on Actors series to reflect on their careers, their evolving views on their iconic on-screen romance, and their latest ventures in television.

Did You Know? Before stepping into the role of Manhattan District Attorney Nicholas Baxter on Law & Order in March 2024, Tony Goldwyn previously directed Sam Waterston on the same series over 20 years ago.

New Chapters for Two Veteran Stars

Washington has transitioned into a prominent role behind the camera as an executive producer and star of the Apple TV thriller Imperfect Women. Based on Araminta Hall’s 2020 novel, the series features a collaborative production approach involving Washington’s company, Simpson Street, and Elisabeth Moss’s Love & Squalor. Washington notes that the project allowed her to foster an environment where the cast and crew felt empowered to take creative risks.

Goldwyn, meanwhile, has taken on dual roles that showcase his range. In addition to his new position on Law & Order, he portrays a demanding media executive on the acclaimed series Hacks. Goldwyn describes the opportunity to join the long-running procedural as a privilege, noting that while the character is distinct from his predecessors, the production remains committed to high-quality writing.

Expert Insight: The transition of actors like Washington and Goldwyn from purely on-camera talent to executive producers and directors highlights a broader industry shift toward creative agency. By building their own production environments, these performers are moving beyond interpreting scripts to shaping the structural and creative tone of the television landscape itself.

Reflecting on “Olitz” and Future Collaborations

Despite the years passed, the cultural footprint of Scandal remains significant. Washington and Goldwyn acknowledge that fans still frequently approach them to discuss the complex, often volatile relationship between Olivia and Fitz. While some viewers now question the health of that romance, the actors maintain that the intensity of the connection was the show’s defining characteristic.

Kerry Washington & Tony Goldwyn: Could 'Scandal' exist today? | Variety & CNN Actors on Actors

Looking ahead, a possible next step for the pair could involve further collaboration. Goldwyn has expressed a persistent interest in having Washington return to the Law & Order universe, where she has already appeared in three episodes as different characters. While Washington’s current focus remains on the development of Imperfect Women, the camaraderie between the two suggests that their professional paths may continue to cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Imperfect Women about?
Based on the 2020 novel by Araminta Hall, This proves a thriller where the life of a successful CEO, played by Washington, is disrupted by the murder of a close friend. The show is notable for its shifting perspectives among three lead characters.

How do Washington and Goldwyn feel about the end of Scandal?
Both actors expressed satisfaction with the finale. Goldwyn believes their characters, Olivia and Fitz, ultimately ended up together, potentially engaging in couples therapy to maintain their relationship.

What roles is Tony Goldwyn currently playing?
Goldwyn is currently appearing as Manhattan District Attorney Nicholas Baxter on Law & Order and as media executive Bob Lipka on the series Hacks.

Which of these stars’ recent projects are you most interested in watching next?