Shonda Rhimes, renowned as one of television’s most influential writers, opened up about who among her stars she feels closest to now during a recent podcast interview. On October 8, Rhimes shared that the Shonda Rhimes closest star in her life today is not one of her leading ladies but Scott Foley, known for his role as Jake Ballard on “Scandal.”
Why Scott Foley Tops Rhimes’s List of Closest Friends
During the episode of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Rhimes explained choosing Foley over other well-known stars such as Kerry Washington and Ellen Pompeo was largely due to their current proximity. She said,
“The reason is because he and I and his wife are great friends,”
highlighting that all now live in the same town. Rhimes admitted,
“We live in the same town now. I moved to Connecticut and I kinda moved to the town they moved to, which is a stalker move but wasn’t on purpose.”
This move has naturally brought them closer, and their children have also become friends, strengthening their bond further. The connection has extended into leisure activities, as Rhimes also mentioned how she and Foley’s wife, Marika Domińczyk, have become golf buddies after picking up the sport together.
Rhimes’s Move to Connecticut during the Pandemic
Rhimes’s decision to move from Los Angeles to Connecticut in 2020, prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, helped nurture these friendships. The transition enabled her to establish a close-knit group there, including Foley and his family, making the town her new “squad” base.
Rhimes’s Career Journey and Shondaland Legacy
Before making a mark with television hits, Rhimes had written films such as “Crossroads” (2002) and
“The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement”
(2004). Her breakthrough into television began in 2005 when she created “Grey’s Anatomy,” which recently celebrated passing 450 episodes.
Rhimes expanded her influence with the spinoff “Private Practice” airing from 2007 to 2013, then premiering “Scandal” in 2012, which ran for seven seasons until 2018. She also developed “Station 19,” a “Grey’s Anatomy” spinoff that aired from 2018 through 2024. Currently, her impact continues with the Netflix series “Bridgerton” and its spinoff, “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story,” both of which she executive produces and created, respectively.
Rhimes’s Personal Favorites Among Her Characters
During the podcast’s rapid-fire questions, Rhimes revealed some personal connections to her show characters. When asked which character she would swap lives with for a day, she picked Dr. Christina Yang from “Grey’s Anatomy,” portrayed by Sandra Oh. She also said that if she were facing a crisis, the first person she would call is Olivia Pope, Kerry Washington’s character on “Scandal.”
Memorabilia Taken from Sets and Fond Memories
In a lighter moment, Rhimes confessed to taking set items home, including a replica of the resolute desk famously used by Tony Goldwyn’s character, President Fitzgerald “Fitz” Grant on “Scandal.” She joked,
“I might get in trouble for this. I took the resolute desk — the John F. Kennedy resolute desk — that Fitz has.”
She added with humor,
“I have that. I’ve taken a lot of things, I could probably have a museum.”
The Enduring Impact of Rhimes’s Work and Relationships
Shonda Rhimes’s career has not only produced groundbreaking television but also forged lasting friendships, as seen in her close relationship with Scott Foley and his family. Her move to Connecticut has contributed to strengthening these bonds, illustrating how personal and professional lives often intertwine in her world. With Rhimes still actively shaping television through projects like “Bridgerton,” her influence remains significant in the industry’s evolving landscape.
