In a new conversation for VARIETY’s “Actors on Actors” issue, Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn reunite to discuss SCANDAL and how fans are still obsessed with their characters Olivia and Fitz (Olitz), if Olitiz is still together and making jam in Vermont, and how they felt about the show’s ending. The duo also talk about Washington’s impressive IMPERFECT WOMEN performance, being asked to run for president in real life, HACKS, LAW & ORDER, and more.
Washington and Goldwyn on people still being obsessed with Olitz:
Washington:People are so passionate about Olitz, still. Also, have you noticed this thing online where some people are like, “Now that I’m older and I watch the relationship, I’m not sure how healthy it is.” Have you seen any of that?
Goldwyn: They’re just figuring that out? Interesting!
Washington: They weren’t the healthiest couple. That doesn’t mean they weren’t madly in love, but they had some difficulties, which is why people loved it.
Washington and Goldwyn on what their “Scandal” characters are doing now:
Washington: People feel very strongly that they’re in Vermont, making jam and all that. Do you feel that way?
Goldwyn: I feel that Fitz and Olivia are together.
Washington: What are they doing?
Goldwyn: I feel that what we had at the root of it was very real, and it’s why we could never get away from it — as opposed to being something that was ultimately dysfunctional. I thought ultimately these two people were their answer to each other.
Washington: Do you feel like maybe they’re in couples therapy now?
Goldwyn: Yes, regularly! Because they know that’s what they have to do to survive. But I think Fitz spent some time in Vermont. He needed to get out of the toxic patterns.
Washington: Did he make jam on his own?
Goldwyn: I think Olivia probably taught him how to make jam, but then when she ate his jam, she’s like, “Your jam sucks!”
Washington: Your jam is terrible.
Washington and Goldwyn on Washington’s “Imperfect Women”:
Goldwyn: I am obsessed with “Imperfect Women.” You and Elisabeth Moss and Kate Mara and Corey Stoll and Joel Kinnaman — all my favorite actors are on that show.
Washington: Elisabeth Moss found the book in 2019, and she knew right away that she wanted to play Mary. One of my favorite things about the book, which we have been able to capture in the show, is this idea that the show shifts perspective. When you’re first reading the book, it feels like it’s going to be an entire novel from Eleanor’s perspective. And then you turn a page and it says “Nancy” and you’re like, “Oh, now I’m going to get this story from the point of view of the dead lady!” And then it shifts again, and it’s Mary. We do that on the show. It meant that rather than having a call sheet that was like one, two, three of who’s the lead actor, we really had a show with three No. 1s. All three of us carry that show together.
Goldwyn: And your work is superb.
Washington and Goldwyn on Goldwyn’s role on “Hacks”:
Washington: You play such a jerk on “Hacks.”
Goldwyn: I was a massive fan. So when they asked me to do a part, I literally didn’t even read it. I was
like, “Please sign me up.” Bob Lipka, who is head of a media company — he’s just one of those guys. I can’t name names, but there are several of them who run these big companies.
Washington: He’s so mean. I want to know, is it inspired by somebody?
Goldwyn: So I did say once, and they were like [whispers], “Don’t say that.” I’ve known several of those kinds of guys, and I don’t have a judgment about them. Those jobs are tough. At the end of Season 5, Jean and I have this crazy scene where Bob Lipka steps to new heights — or depths, how- ever you want to look at it — in his efforts to rein in the brilliant Deborah Vance. It was a privilege to be a part of that show.
Washington and Goldwyn on Goldwyn’s turn in “Law & Order”:
Washington: Were you terrified to step into the iconic Sam Waterston role? I mean, those are such big shoes to fill, and he’s so beloved. Was that intimidating? Inspiring?
Goldwyn: It was inspiring. I was excited to do it. Sam was one of my acting heroes. I got to direct him once on “Law & Order,” 20-some years ago. I can’t fill Sam’s shoes; that’s impossible. But the character I play is a totally different guy; he’s just in the same job. And they’ve created a really interesting character, and the reason the show’s good is they still care about the writing so much.
[Photo Credit: Mary Ellen Matthews for Variety]
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