Could you see Gabrielle Union playing Olivia Pope in the hit television show "Scandal?"

Well she auditioned for the role but lost out to actress Kerry Washington. However, from that rejection she took a valuable lesson and holds no ill will towards the show.

According to the Huffington Post, even though Union did not gain success from staring on the hit show the experience of the audition gave her hope that there are roles out there that portrays black actresses as strong and likable female characters.

Reflecting on the experience the actress said, "I said to myself, Oh my God, these roles are out there,'"

In a recent interview she said that the experience made her see things from a different perspective.

She said, "It showed me that you don't have to settle. Luckily, the success of her and the show bred more work. Just from the audition process, I knew that I couldn't go backward."

Although she lost out on "Scandal" Gabriel Union is ready to take on the leading role in the movie "Being Mary Jane," which premieres Tuesday night on BET.

The movie is set to become a series which is expected to air in January. The actress plays a successful TV news anchor who struggles to juggle work, her on-and-off relationships, and the needs of her family.

Union realized that the role is very different from her typical "good girl who meets the bad guy from the other side of the tracks" character.

"If you loved me for one thing and may not have liked me in something else, this role gives the audience a chance to see that I can do more than one thing."

The actress also said, "I didn't get 'Scandal,' but I got something better - which is my own show."

"It's all about building a legacy. This new opportunity is something I feel that can grow."

How do you feel about Gabrielle Union as an actress? Will you be watching her new show? Leave us a comment below.