Taraji P. Henson Auditioned To Play Olivia Pope

    And would she fight Oprah?

    Sydney Scott
    by Sydney Scott

    BuzzFeed Staff

    In a recent interview with Power 105.1's Angie Martinez, Taraji P. Henson revealed that she auditioned for the role of Olivia Pope.

    Noam Galai / Getty
    Vasquez / Vasquez/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES

    She explained,

    When I went in to read for Shonda Rhimes, in my mind I was like, 'This is Kerry Washington. Why am I even in here?' Not that I didn't try to get it, but it was hers. It was hers and she's great in it.

    Now, take a moment to imagine that.

    Ryan Creed / BuzzFeed

    Ooookay, done.

    And those rumors that Oprah and Common might make an appearance on Empire?

    ABC / giphy.com

    She hasn't heard anything about it, but when asked if she would have an Anika v. Cookie style throw down with Oprah she said,

    I wouldn't want to get into a fist fight with Oprah! No ma'am, no sir!

    While Taraji may have been a good Olivia, there's no way anyone else could play Cookie.

    FOX / faithlifestyle.tumblr.com

    You can listen to the full interview here.