Few on-screen duos have captivated audiences quite like Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn did on ABC’s hit political drama Scandal. As Olivia Pope and President Fitzgerald Grant, they shared a love story filled with passion, conflict, and undeniable chemistry.
But off-screen, their connection blossomed into one of the most cherished friendships in Hollywood.
How It All Began
The seeds of Kerry and Tony’s friendship were planted before 2012 when Scandal first aired. During a kiki with Keke Palmer on her podcast, Kerry shared, "When I met Tony Goldwyn, who played the president in Scandal, he and I used to advocate on Capitol Hill for arts funding. We used to, like, walk around D.C. talking to senators and congressmen about maintaining funding for the arts in public schools and in museums. So we had, like, a D.C. relationship before Scandal even started."
Created by the brilliant Shonda Rhimes, Scandal’s intricate plots and emotionally charged scenes required trust and collaboration which they had unknowingly already built. From the very first table read, Kerry and Tony discovered a natural rapport that extended beyond their characters.
Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn attend an evening with EZRA at Writers Guild Theater on May 21, 2024.
Victoria Sirakova/Getty Images
In interviews, the two often recalled how their shared dedication to the craft created an environment where they felt safe to explore the emotional depths of Olivia and Fitz’s complicated relationship. Kerry told PEOPLE, “I never did a chemistry read with Tony.” She went on to say, “I will go anywhere Tony tells me to go.”
It seems that the The Triple Six Eight star needed the type of partner that would help her shoulder the weight of this role. Her role as thee Olivia Pope made her the first Black woman to headline a network drama in 40 years. When speaking with Variety, Kerry said, “I didn’t feel the pressure from my ego, like, ‘I have to make the show work. It was more, ‘If we f–k this up, it’s going to be another 40 years before they let a Black woman be the lead of a network drama. We have to get this right.’ ”
Magical Moments on 'Scandal'
Throughout the show’s seven-season run, Olivia and Fitz’s rollercoaster romance provided fans with countless iconic scenes, many of which were made even more impactful by Kerry and Tony’s off-screen bond. Some highlights include:
The Rose Garden Scene: Who could forget the heart-stopping moment in the Rose Garden when Fitz declares, “I’m in love with you. You own me”? The raw emotion in their performances stemmed from a mutual understanding of their characters’ vulnerabilities.
Vermont Dream House: The fantasy of Olivia and Fitz’s life together in Vermont gave fans a glimpse of what could have been. The warmth and longing in their portrayals spoke volumes about their connection as actors and friends. I too want a house in Vermont with my man, my man, man!
The “One Minute” Moment: This iconic scene in Liv’s perfect apartment, where time seemed to stand still, showcased their ability to convey passion and heartbreak in equal measure. Their trust in each other made the moment unforgettable.
Off-Screen Friendship Goals
While their on-screen chemistry was electric, it’s the moments from their real-life friendship that truly melted fans’ hearts. Here are some standout examples of their camaraderie:
Unwavering Support: Whether it was attending red-carpet events together or sharing heartfelt social media posts, Kerry and Tony consistently champion each other’s successes. When Kerry directed her first episode of Scandal, Tony was among the first to sing her praises, calling her “a natural leader.”
Also, we know Miss Kerry likes to keep her family life out of the spotlight but it was beautiful to see Tony commend her as a parent as she got ready to welcome her second child with husband Nnamdi Asomugha.
Tony told Entertainment Tonight, “We talk about it a lot. I’m always sensitive to give people advice because, what do I know? We talk about our kids and she’s really, she’s always pumping me. She’s thrown herself into motherhood with so much passion and enthusiasm and joy. And it’s just a great thing to see.”
Inside Jokes and Banter: Their playful banter during interviews and behind-the-scenes footage highlighted their easygoing relationship. Fans loved watching their infectious laughter and shared sense of humor.
This summer, Kerry hopped on the Black Wife Effect trend captioning a video, “Tony! I’ve upgraded your life in so many ways #BlackWifeEffect, and today I’m adding one more. Go upgrade your voter registration status to REGISTERED 😜. Love you!!!!!! #RegisterAFriendDay #Olitz”
Kerry took the banter to new heights playing into the show’s epic love triangle with Scott Foley by dressing up as Tashi, Art and Patrick from the 2024 hit movie Challengers.
Post-Scandal Love: Even after Scandal ended in 2018, Kerry and Tony’s friendship endured. They’ve reunited for various projects and appearances, often reminiscing about their time on the show and the bond they formed.
That one time they popped out at the 2022 SAG Awards to present the award for Best Ensemble in a Drama Series. Tony asked, “Should I read the nominees?” to which Kerry replied, “No, it’s handled.”
Getting back to their political roots, Olitz reunited during this year’s election in support of Vice President Kamala Harris. The duo joined the crowd in chanting "When we fight, we win." Seeing the pair together never fails to give us all the feels.
Most recently, Kerry got the cutest surprise while visiting The Jennifer Hudson Show with her Triple Six Eight co-stars. While gushing about the beauty of getting her Hollywood star and all the love she felt, she was surprised with a video message from Tony himself.
Since he couldn’t attend the star ceremony, he shared, “I have known you were a star for a very long time. Frankly from the very first time I saw you on screen.” He continued, “Now the whole world knows it and I’m so sorry I couldn't be with you to celebrate in L.A. but you know that I love you and I’m so proud of you. Congratulations Ker.”
In an industry often plagued by ego and competition, Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn’s friendship serves as a beacon of mutual respect and genuine affection. Their connection reminds fans that behind the glamour of Hollywood, real and meaningful relationships can thrive.
As fans continue to rewatch Scandal (because it’s that time of year) and relive the magic of Olivia and Fitz, Kerry and Tony’s enduring friendship adds an extra layer of joy to their shared legacy. Gladiators for life!
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Featured image by Victoria Sirakova/Getty Images
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Reginae Carter Hosts the Ultimate Girls’ Night In—Powered by BLK Social Mode
What better way to show Social Mode in action than with an exclusive Girls’ Night In, hosted by Reginae? The event brought together top influencers, tastemakers, and press for a night of luxury, self-care, and real talk about love, sex, and relationships. From tarot readings to perfume-making and signature cocktails, the evening embodied the “soft life” vibe that many Black women are embracing in 2025—peaceful, intentional, and full of joy.
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Sisterhood: The Real MVP
For Reginae, it’s all about friendship—and not just the surface-level kind. “We need friends who keep it real with us. The ones who can tell us when we’re right, when we’re wrong, and when we need to calm down,” she says. As someone who navigates the spotlight, she’s got the best of both worlds: friends who understand the grind and those who can give her an honest, grounded perspective.
Her advice for building strong, intentional friendships? “Be confident in yourself and know your worth,” she explains. “Also, hurt people hurt people, so make sure you’re coming from a good place when you’re building relationships. It’s not always about being nice—sometimes it’s about being real.”
Reginae couldn’t have summed it up better: “When you have the right circle, the right tribe, everything just feels easier. And that’s exactly what BLK is giving us—space to connect, laugh, and grow with each other.”
To learn more about BLK’s Social Mode, download or update the BLK app in the App Store or Google Play Store today. Who knows? You might just find your new bestie or your next brunch crew.
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Feature image by Prince Williams/WireImage