How Judy Smith — the Real Olivia Pope! — Told President George H. W. Bush About Scandal's Plotline
Scandal wound up being a major hit that is still referenced within popular culture to this day — but it wouldn't have been a reality without Judy Smith. Smith, 63, previously served as deputy press secretary in President George H. W. Bush's administration. In 1991, she became the first Black woman to deliver a White House press briefing. She eventually left her position to start the crisis management firm, Smith & Company — and then her real-life work inspired Scandal, which was created by Shonda Rhimes.