After seven nail-biting seasons of cliffhangers, backstabbing and covert affairs (courtesy of B613), Scandal is putting down its TGIT mantle when the political drama premieres its series finale Thursday night on ABC. However, life after Scandal seems as bright as ever for Kerry Washington, Joe Morton and Cornelius Smith Jr. Check out our favorite Scandal stars’ post-Gladiator moves below.
1. Kerry Washington
There’s little doubt in anyone’s mind that Kerry Washington’s portrayal of Olivia Pope, everyone’s favorite neurotic, wine-chugging, popcorn-loving, fashion-forward DC fixer, has entered the realm of popular culture. However, the Geroge Washington University alum is already parlaying her TGIT duties into an illustrious career, both on and off the camera. Last month, it was announced that Washington was set to star in and produce an adaptation of Celeste Ng’s acclaimed novel Little Fires Everywhere, along with fellow actress and producer Reese Witherspoon. She is also producing the Southside Chicago-based drama series Five Points at Facebook Watch, producing the ABC comedy pilot, Man of the House and, along with Will Packer producing Universal’s City of Thieves, directed by Melina Matsoukas.
2. Joe Morton
Cold, calculating, brute and downright lethal are several adjectives that come to mind when you think of Joe Morton’s Emmy-winning portrayal of Eli Pope, Olivia’s deviant father and B613 commander. However, the veteran actor is taking on an entirely different role: reverend. Morton is set to star in the CBS drama pilot God Befriended Me, in which he will portray Reverend Arthur Finer, a congenial reverend who becomes embroiled in a contentious relationship with his atheist son, portrayed by Brandon Michael Hall.
3. Cornelius Smith Jr.
Cornelius Smith Jr. has received praise as a former civil rights activist and White House Press Secretary Marcus Walker, particularly for his relationship with President Mellie Grant. However, the Detroit native is venturing outside the world of television. The former All My Children actor is set to appear via motion capture in the PS4 video game Detroit: Being Human and is also open to another crossover appearance on fellow TGIT drama How To Get Away With Murder.
4. Khandi Alexander
Alexander, who portrays Olivia’s lethal mother, Maya, has booked a key series regular role in the ABC pilot Get Christie Love, with Kylie Bunbury. Ironically, Scandal was the first network drama led by a black woman since the original Get Christie Love in the 70s.
Elsewhere, there are projects galore among the cast, including ABC pilots for Bellamy Young and Scott Foley.
So regardless, the Scandal cast is booked and busy!
