Tony Goldwyn Responds to Kerry Washington’s 2001 Appearance in ‘Law & Order’

As Tony Goldwyn celebrates a year as District Attorney Nicholas Baxter on “Law & Order,” it’s only natural that he would receive a question about the role from a former co-star.

On March 6, Kerry Washington, who starred alongside Goldwyn for seven seasons on “Scandal,” shared a thoughtful selfie and a video of her guest appearance as a witness in a 2001 episode of “Law & Order.” In the video, her character is questioned by Jack McCoy, portrayed by Sam Waterston, who served as the executive ADA-turned-DA for many years until leaving the show in February 2024.

“24 years ago, my @nbclawandorder moment #TBT,” Washington captioned her Instagram post.

She then posed a question regarding Goldwyn: “Wonder what would have happened if it was @tonygoldwyn grilling Allie instead of #SamWaterson😂😂😂 #LawAndOrder.”

“I can’t keep up with Kerry’s social media,” Goldwyn joked during an interview with TODAY.com on March 10. “I spoke with her yesterday, and she didn’t mention this.”

Goldwyn read Washington’s question aloud, stating, “OK, that’s pretty clever. I need to check this out. I’ll have to respond!”

“That’s genuinely amusing,” he adds, before watching the clip Washington shared featuring her character from “L&O.”

“Look at young Kerry! She’s so adorable,” he remarks.

“I wouldn’t have been as nice as Sam,” he adds.

Goldwyn also commented on Washington’s post on March 10.

“I would have definitely been tougher on you than Sam was!” he wrote, accompanied by laughing-crying and heart emojis.

Goldwyn previously expressed to TODAY.com that if Washington guest-starred on the NBC drama, she would likely take on a villainous role.

“I would be thrilled if Kerry came to play any part,” he states today.

In this week’s episode of “Law & Order,” titled “Crossing Lines,” it’s a significant story for Goldwyn’s character. Baxter steps back from the case because he is dating defense attorney Kate, played by Maggie Siff.

Siff and Goldwyn previously collaborated on a podcast about Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter titled “Crowded Hours.”

Goldwyn shares he was “excited” to team up with her again and feels “very spoiled” working with “the best actors in New York” on “Law & Order.”

“She’s outstanding in this episode, and we had great chemistry,” he explains. “It’s wonderful.”

Goldwyn notes that integrating the characters’ personal lives into Season 24 adds depth and interest to their arcs.

“What I found particularly well-executed in this episode is how seamlessly the personal story intertwines with the case narrative, rather than feeling like an add-on moment for Baxter outside of work, which can be less engaging,” he explains.

“I thought this was particularly interesting because the case significantly influences the relationship, which I thought was great,” he comments.

Goldwyn praises the “really excellent” episode that offers “a lot of dimension,” along with a “really intriguing” case.

“I think audiences will be thrilled,” he teases.

“Law & Order” airs Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and is available for streaming the following day on Peacock.

(Peacock is part of our parent organization, NBCUniversal.)