Specs
Who Darby Stanchfield
Age 43
Claim to fame Stars as Abby Whelan on ABC’s Scandal (Thursdays, 10/9c)
Base Los Angeles
Twitter @darbysofficial
What’s the first information you consume in the morning?
I usually look at Twitter for news on my phone. If there’s something that I want to see in depth, then I’ll go over to The New York Times app and read the article. I also look at Instagram and Facebook first thing in the morning. And The Weather Channel app.
The Scandal cast has become famous for live tweeting the show. Do you do that too?
I do. We average three-quarters of a million tweets every Thursday night when we’re airing. I have a very specific voice Thursday nights on Twitter. I put my tweets into caps lock, and I just tweet like my character. I call myself “Sassy Abby.” Everything’s really snarky and very direct. She calls it like it is. The fans get a big kick out of it.
Were you on social media before you joined the show?
Not at all. I really was almost kind of judgmental about it. I really didn’t see the need. But I’m so glad I took the plunge. It’s also a great way to communicate. I’m on the board of theEnvironmental Media Association, and I do this “Meatless Monday” thing where I tweet and Instagram and Facebook recipes that I’ve made without meat every Monday because I learned that when you skip meat one day a week, you can reduce your annual carbon footprint by as much as you would not driving a car for a month.
What’s your favorite app?
This is totally different than everything I mentioned, but I have the ESPN app on my phone. I’m a huge NBA fan. I usually only look at that app when the season’s going unless there’s some big off-season drama like LeBron James going back to Cleveland. I also love following all the different players and coaches. It’s a complete escape.
How about TV shows?
Right now, I’m watching Boardwalk Empire. I’m chomping at the bit for Game of Thrones to come back. And Downton Abbey. I seem to really like fantasy or period pieces. I’m also a huge fan of Arrested Development, so sometimes I’ll geek out and just go back and rewatch episodes.
What’s on your reading list?
I just finished a really disturbing but very funny novel called Nine Months by Paula Bomer. I’m about to read a book that’s been on my nightstand for a couple of weeks called Merchants of Doubt by Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway. You know that movie Thank You for Smoking about the whole propaganda conspiracy within the tobacco industry? This book is like that, but it’s about the environment and global warming.
How do you wind down at night?
I have a rule that after 10 o’clock, I don’t look at the apps. My phone gets shut off unless there’s some sort of emergency. And honestly, even in the morning, I really do try to wait until I at least have my feet on the ground before I start getting involved. I love social media, but I realize it’s important for me to let my mind rest.
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