Washington Wilson Davis - H 2014
ABCIt’s nearly impossible to describe Shonda Rhimes, the prolific producer behind Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder, in only three words. But that effectively is what happened Friday when a New York Times feature designed to put the spotlight on Rhimes’ ability to break down stereotypes essentially reduced the prolific showrunner to an “angry black woman.”
The story went viral — for all the wrong reasons. The article, which referenced black characters like Grey’s Anatomy‘s Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), Scandal‘s Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and How to Get Away With Murder‘s Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), sparked an immediate response from Rhimes. “Wait. I’m ‘angry’ AND a ROMANCE WRITER?!! I’m going to need to put down the internet and go dance this one out. Because ish is getting real,” she wrote. The backlash stretched beyond Rhimes, with Shondaland stars including Josh Malina and Bellamy Young expressing their dismay at the story.
With stars and producers from all three shows gathered Saturday night in Hollywood to kickoff the fall’s Shondaland “TGIT” programming block, The Hollywood Reporter asked more than 30 stars to describe Rhimes in three words — other than “angry black woman.” Here’s what they said.
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Kerry Washington, Scandal
Brilliant, compassionate, courageous
Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy
Writer, shy, decisive
Viola Davis, How to Get Away With Murder
Innovative, courageous, visionary
Kevin McKidd, Grey’s Anatomy
Inspirational, intuitive, deeply passionate
Bellamy Young, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal
Genius life-changer
Tom Verica, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder
Beautiful, gifted, powerful
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Caterina Scorsone, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice
Kaleidoscopic, nuanced, compassionate
Betsy Beers, Shondaland partner
Gracious, brilliant, entertaining
Paul Adelstein, Private Practice, Scandal
Generous, genius, writer
Jessica Capshaw, Grey’s Anatomy
Brave, powerful, kind
Jeff Perry, Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy
Artistically subversive, remarkably inclusive
Kate Burton, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal
Amazing, storyteller, maverick
Sara Ramirez, Grey’s Anatomy
Ambitious, leader, brilliant
Scott Foley, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal
Creative, sexy gal
Katie Lowes, Private Practice, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal
Brilliant, beautiful, caring
Jerrika Hinton, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal
Master of drama
Guillermo Diaz, Scandal
Poised, compassionate, loving
Darby Stanchfield, Scandal, Private Practice
Golden-age TV goddess
Camilla Luddington, Grey’s Anatomy
Talented, strong, incredible
Liza Weil, How to Get Away With Murder, Scandal, Private Practice, Grey’s Anatomy
Lovely, gifted, troubadour
Billy Brown, How to Get Away With Murder
Savvy, intelligent, cool
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Kelly McCreary, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal
Brilliant, creative, passionate
Joe Morton, Scandal
Very talented genius
Katie Findlay, How to Get Away With Murder
Total badass
Jon Tenney, Scandal
An amazing storyteller
George Newbern, Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice
Giving, smart, silly
Portia de Rossi, Scandal
Elegant, brilliant, kind
Alfred Enoch, How to Get Away With Murder
Supportive, welcoming, nourishing
Aja Naomi King, How to Get Away With Murder
Brilliant, capable, career woman
Karla Souza, How to Get Away With Murder
Magnetic, fierce, wonderful
Charlie Weber, How to Get Away With Murder
Warm, amazing boss
Matt McGorry, How to Get Away With Murder
Visionary, powerful, trailblazing
Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder air Thursdays from 8-11 p.m. on ABC.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit
