Seven years have passed since Shonda Rhimes› gripping political thriller left fans breathless with its shocking finale. The show, with its 7.7/10 IMDb rating and over 82,000 reviews, wasn’t just entertainment—it was a cultural phenomenon. Now, viewers still wonder: Where are the stars of this iconic drama today?
Kerry Washington, who brought the fierce Olivia Pope to life, has since become a Hollywood powerhouse. Tony Goldwyn, once President Fitzgerald Grant, has taken on diverse roles that showcase his range. And Bellamy Young? She’s proven her versatility far beyond her unforgettable turn as Mellie Grant.
From steamy political schemes to real-life career triumphs, the cast has moved on—but their legacies remain. Let’s dive into where they are now, 7 years after the final curtain fell.
Scandal’s Legacy: A Quick Recap of the Hit Show
When Scandal premiered in 2012, it redefined political drama with its razor-sharp storytelling. The series followed Olivia Pope, a former White House insider turned fixer, navigating Washington’s darkest secrets. Fans were glued to their screens for seven seasons, craving every twist.
«A former White House Communications Director starts her own crisis management firm…»
Critics agreed: the show earned a 93% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, though audience approval settled at 72%. Season 6’s wild plot turns—called «preposterous» by some IMDb reviewers—divided loyal fans but kept ratings soaring.
ABC’s «Shondaland Thursday» lineup, featuring Shonda Rhimes’ hits like Grey’s Anatomy, cemented Scandal as must-watch TV. Today, new viewers can binge all 124 episodes on Disney+ or Hulu—proof its allure hasn’t faded.
Kerry Washington (Olivia Pope): From Fixer to Hollywood Powerhouse
Kerry Washington has transformed from the iconic Olivia Pope into a multifaceted Hollywood force. Her career now spans award-winning movies, executive producing, and social activism—proving she’s far more than a crisis manager in designer coats.
Acting Roles Post-Scandal
The Emmy-nominated Hulu series Little Fires Everywhere (2020) showcased Washington’s depth as Mia Warren, an artist with explosive secrets. More recently, she starred in Unprisoned (2023), blending comedy and social commentary as a therapist navigating family chaos.
Fans still debate her choices—one IMDb user complained, «She talks too fast now,» while others praise her range beyond political dramas.
Producing and Directing Ventures
Through her Simpson Street production company, Washington executive produced ABC’s legal drama Reasonable Doubt (2022). She also stepped behind the camera, directing episodes of Scandal and NBC’s This Is Us.
«Washington improvised Olivia’s signature ‹It’s handled› line during season 1.»
Activism and Public Influence
The NAACP Image Award winner remains vocal about racial justice, recently appearing at a 2023 White House state dinner. Her activism mirrors Olivia Pope’s intensity—but with real-world policy changes instead of fictional cover-ups.
From Kerry Washington’s producing deals to her unscripted White House moments, one thing’s clear: she’s rewriting Hollywood’s rules while staying true to her socially conscious roots.
Tony Goldwyn (Fitzgerald Grant): Beyond the Oval Office
Tony Goldwyn left the Oval Office behind—but his career never slowed down. The actor who made *President Fitzgerald Grant* a household name has since tackled everything from voice acting to Broadway, proving his range extends far beyond political drama.
Film and TV Appearances
Goldwyn traded the White House for darker roles, like the manipulative husband in Netflix’s *The Woman in the Window* (2021). Critics praised his chilling performance—a far cry from Fitz’s *»bologna sandwich»* rants, as one IMDb user famously quipped.
In 2023, he returned to crime dramas as a corrupt mayor in *Law & Order*, leaning into his knack for morally complex characters. Fans can next spot him in Shonda Rhimes’ *The Residence* (2024), a murder-mystery series.
Voice Acting and Theater Work
Goldwyn’s voice brought warmth to Disney’s *Encanto* (2021) as Abuelo Pedro. But it’s his stage work that earned Tony buzz—his 2019 role in *Network* on Broadway scored a nomination, with *The New York Times* calling his performance *»electrifying.»*
Political Engagement
Off-screen, Goldwyn channels Fitz’s passion into real-world activism. A longtime ACLU supporter, his 2022 speech at March for Our Lives went viral. *»Art and advocacy aren’t separate,»* he told *Variety*, *»they’re how we heal.»*
Bellamy Young (Mellie Grant): A Versatile Career After the White House
From ruthless First Lady to scene-stealing actress, Bellamy Young’s career defies labels. Seven seasons as *Scandal*’s Mellie Grant showcased her political cunning—but her post-show roles reveal even sharper edges. Whether cracking jokes or tackling crisis narratives, she’s become TV’s secret weapon.
TV Roles in Dramas and Comedies
Young stole Netflix’s *Ginny & Georgia* (2023) as Cynthia Fuller, a politician with Mellie-level grit. Critics called her guest arc on *The Good Doctor* (2023) *»Emmy-worthy»*—a far cry from her *Scandal* days. Even comedy wasn’t off-limits; her improv chops shone in *Brooklyn Nine-Nine*’s chaotic precinct.
«Young’s ability to flip between drama and humor makes her one of TV’s most adaptable talents.»
Advocacy and Philanthropy
Off-screen, Young fights real-world crises. As a RAINN ambassador, she advocates for survivors—a stark contrast to Mellie’s cutthroat politics. Her 2022 TED Talk on empathy went viral, proving life imitates art… just kinder.
She also narrated *Burning Ice*, a climate documentary, merging activism with artistry. *»We’re all fixers now,»* she told *Variety*, nodding to her *Scandal* roots while pushing beyond them.
Supporting Cast: Where Are They Now?
While Olivia Pope stole the spotlight, Scandal’s supporting cast carved their own unforgettable paths. From Huck’s tortured past to Cyrus’s Machiavellian schemes, these actors proved the show’s depth extended far beyond its lead. Seven years later, their careers are as dynamic as their characters.
Guillermo Díaz (Huck) and His Thrilling Roles
Guillermo Díaz shocked audiences as Huck, the traumatized fixer with a knack for crime. Post-Scandal, he flipped the script with a chilling role in *Mr. Robot* (2019). Fans who remembered his comedic roots in *Half Baked* were stunned by the reversal.
In a 2023 interview, Díaz admitted, «Huck’s trauma still follows me—it’s a testament to the role’s impact.» His recent projects lean into dark thrillers, cementing his status as a versatile character actor.
Katie Lowes (Quinn Perkins) and Her Creative Pursuits
Katie Lowes, who brought Quinn Perkins’ explosive secrets to life, traded acting for directing. She helmed episodes of *This Is Us* and launched the *Drama* podcast (2023), showcasing behind-the-scenes storytelling.
«Directing lets me control the chaos—something Quinn never could.»
Jeff Perry (Cyrus Beene) and His Continued TV Success
As Cyrus Beene, Jeff Perry mastered political murder—both literal and metaphorical. Now, he’s a staple in Shondaland, recurring on *Grey’s Anatomy*. His 2024 SAG nomination for *Inventing Anna* proved his range extends beyond scheming chiefs of staff.
Off-screen, Perry’s marriage to Shondaland casting director Linda Lowy keeps him entrenched in TV’s inner circle. «Cyrus would approve of the hustle,» he joked to *Variety*.
Scandal’s Influence on Shonda Rhimes’ Empire
Shonda Rhimes didn’t just create a show—she built an empire. The political drama became the foundation for her $150 million Netflix deal, transforming how audiences consume television. Seven years later, her storytelling power dominates streaming.
| Show | Peak Viewers | Streaming Hours | Cultural Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scandal | 10M (ABC) | N/A | Redefined political drama |
| Bridgerton | N/A | 625M | Global period drama phenomenon |
At the 2023 Emmys, Rhimes revealed how Scandal shaped her vision: «Olivia Pope taught me about Black female rage—how to channel it, how to honor it.» This ethos now fuels projects like Queen Charlotte, where historical fiction meets modern social commentary.
«Network TV demanded compromise. Streaming lets stories breathe.»
The «Shondaland formula«—complex women, simmering tension, explosive reveals—now thrives beyond Grey’s Anatomy and How to Get Away with Murder. Netflix’s seven-season renewal model allows deeper storytelling than ABC’s cancellation pressures permitted.
Rhimes isn’t done with DC power plays. Her 2024 series The Residence promises White House intrigue with a murderous twist—proving some obsessions never fade.
Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Scandal and Its Stars
The legacy of Scandal still lingers—both on-screen and off. Seven seasons of political secrets turned its cast into household names, and today, their careers reflect the show’s intensity. Kerry Washington leads production firms, Tony Goldwyn dominates Broadway, and Bellamy Young balances comedy with activism.
Despite 2018 critiques calling it a «soap opera,» nostalgia thrives. Fan petitions for a *B613 spin-off* trend yearly, and Season 7’s finale—watched by 5.5M—still sparks debates. «We’re all still gladiators,» declared the cast at a 2023 reunion, proving the bond endures.
Ready to relive the drama? Watch Scandal on Hulu or Disney+—and rediscover Fitz and Olivia’s first kiss. Some obsessions never fade.
FAQ
What other shows has Kerry Washington starred in since Scandal ended?
Kerry Washington took on major roles in Little Fires Everywhere and American Son. She also appeared in films like The Prom and Our Kind of People.
Did Tony Goldwyn continue acting after playing President Fitzgerald Grant?
Yes! Tony Goldwyn starred in The Hot Zone and King Richard. He also returned to theater and voiced characters in animated series like Family Guy.
What is Bellamy Young doing post-Scandal?
Bellamy Young joined shows like Prodigal Son and Big Sky. She also advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.
Where can I see Guillermo Díaz and Katie Lowes now?
Guillermo Díaz appeared in DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, while Katie Lowes starred in Inventing Anna and launched a podcast called Katie’s Crib.
How did Scandal impact Shonda Rhimes’ career?
The show solidified Rhimes’ status as a TV powerhouse, leading to her Netflix deal and hits like Bridgerton and Inventing Anna.
