‘Scandal’ Star, Shonda Rhimes React to Shocking Death
Scandal is known for its shocking twists and turns, but the out-of-the-blue death that occurred in Thursday’s episode dropped many jaws.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
Portia de Rossi’s political operator Elizabeth North was brutally beaten to death by Marjorie (Zoe Perry), as a lesson to Mellie Grant (Bellamy Young) that she should fall in line with Marjorie and Peus (David Warshofsky). Yea, message received.
De Rossi first appeared in Season 4 and became a series regular in Season 5. Elizabeth North was head of the Republican National Committee and served as White House Chief of Staff for a brief time.
Lizzie’s exit was instigated by de Rossi herself, who is exploring a new career.
“I am incredibly grateful for my time here at Scandal!” she said in a statement. “I will miss playing Elizabeth North but I’ve made the decision to focus on a business opportunity. Shonda [Rhimes], Betsy [Beers], and the cast have been incredibly supportive of my decision. I will always love my Scandal family. I’ll be watching!”
This marks the first death of a fairly regular character since the untimely demise of James (Dan Bucatinsky) three years ago.
“I have been a fan of Portia’s for years and it was an honor to have her join our Scandal family,” Rhimes said in a statement. “Portia infused Liz North with a smart powerful vulnerable soul while also making the humor sing — and that brought all of us in the writers room a lot of joy. If I could keep her forever, I would — but kidnapping is illegal. Besides, I am incredibly impressed with the vision she has for her creative future. I wish her all the best.”
Scandal airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on ABC.
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