The last season of Scandal was full of many secrets, the biggest being Kerry Washington’s pregnancy.
Whether it was a long designer coat or a well-placed lamp, Shonda Rhimes’ team worked hard to conceal their lead actress’ pregnancy instead of writing it into her character’s storyline. The decision made it difficult for Washington to film the 18-episode season.
“All of last season was a challenge for me, on a few levels,” the 37-year-old told The Hollywood Reporter. “For one thing, I was going through this amazing physical transition, this physical journey of having a baby, that my character was not going through.”
The Emmy-nominated actress went on to explain that as an actress, she uses her body as an instrument, making a concealed pregancy that much more difficult to work through. “It was like seeing the keys on a piano jump around on a daily basis. It was tough for me to even maintain Olivia’s walk because of the changes,” she said.
Her Scandal co-stars and Rhimes were fully supportive. “I’m just grateful for how hard everybody has worked to maintain the authenticity of this character in this world,” said Washington. “I’m grateful to [costume designer] Lyn Paolo and all our producers.”
Washington and her husband Nnamdi Asomugha welcomed daughter Isabelle Amarchi Asomugha on April 21 in Los Angeles. She is up for an Emmy award in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama category.