6. Kerry Washington talks ‘Scandal’ and diversity on TV
Kerry Washington’s role on "Scandal" is kind of a big deal, and not just because she does such an amazing job playing Olivia Pope.
When Kerry sat down to chat with VH1′s "Big Morning Buzz," the host revealed that she is the first Black woman to have a leading role on network TV in more than 30 years! Kerry’s not sure what’s behind the long gap, but she gave credit to her sisters on other channels.
"In all fairness, there are people who have really been bringing it on cable," Kerry said. "People like Regina King, Jill Scott, Jada Pinkett. On network TV, the kind of TV that is in everybody’s houses, it’s been a long time."
And the "Scandal" star is not sweating the achievement. If anything, she feels like the success of her role and the show depends more on the viewers.
"I don’t really feel pressure to kind of uphold anything for history, but I feel like the pressure’s on the American people," said Kerry. "Do we have the courage to tune in and think about our heroes, our protagonist in a more inclusive way? Not everyone on TV has to look one way."
