At a Glance
- Shonda Rhimes believes Olivia Pope, her Scandal protagonist, would most benefit from a “year of yes”
- The showrunner shared the insight while revisiting her 2015 memoir at a 92NY event
- Rhimes credits saying “yes” to uncomfortable conversations as the lesson she still lives by
**Why it matters: Fans gain a rare window into how Rhimes views her own characters-and how her personal mantra reshaped her life
Shonda Rhimes has masterminded some of television’s most talked-about dramas, yet only one of her leading women would get her personal prescription for transformation.
The Choice: Olivia Pope
During the Year of Yes conversation with Robin Roberts at New York’s 92NY, Rhimes named Olivia Pope-Kerry Washington’s crisis-fixing powerhouse from Scandal-as the character who needs a year of embracing every fear.
> “She lives by a lot of rules. She’s had a tough life. I think she could really benefit from a ‘yes.'”
Shonda Rhimes on why Olivia tops her list
A Decade of Living the Memoir
Rhimes’ memoir chronicles the 12 months she vowed to say “yes” to everything that scared her, a decision that cracked open her introverted shell.
Rereading the book for its 10-year anniversary, Rhimes felt protective of her past self.
> “My heart went out to that woman who was so closed off and so shy.”
Shonda Rhimes on revisiting her earlier life
The Lesson That Stuck
Among all the takeaways, one dominates Rhimes’ current life: tackling uncomfortable talks head-on.
> “I say the hard thing first, as the first part of the sentence.”
Shonda Rhimes on her go-to approach
Whether she’s ending an employee’s tenure, closing a relationship, or telling her daughter “no nose ring,” Rhimes leads with candor.
Key Takeaways
- Olivia Pope is the Rhimes character most primed for a “year of yes”
- Rhimes’ memoir, Year of Yes, turns 10 this year
- The showrunner now faces tough conversations immediately to avoid fallout
- Rhimes feels “lighter and more comfortable” after a decade of practice
The conversation underscored how Rhimes’ experiment in fearless living continues to shape both her career and personal life.
