Columbus Short Reflects on Scandal, Stomp the Yard, and Politics in Entertainment

Actor Columbus Short is opening up about pivotal moments in his career, from early film success to becoming part of a television phenomenon.

One of Short’s breakout roles came in Stomp the Yard, a film that connected culturally and commercially while immersing him in HBCU traditions and the impact of Black Greek-letter organizations. He described the filming as a substitute for a college experience, with production taking place on several historically Black campuses.

Years later, Short reached a new level of recognition with his role as Harrison Wright on ABC’s Scandal. Created by Shonda Rhimes, the political drama became a cultural force, and Short said the cast’s access to Washington, D.C., gave the show a unique authenticity.