If there’s one thing Grey’s Anatomy fans have had to learn early on in the show’s run, it’s that there are no heroes to look up to. Just like everyone around us in real life, these characters are prone to making all kinds of mistakes, accidentally or even on purpose.
However, there are some characters who are much worse than others. They either don’t have any filters at all, or they just don’t feel the need to use them. They’d make you angry just by being in the same room.
Here are five of the most toxic Grey’s Anatomy characters you wouldn’t want to interact with in real life, ranked from somewhat decent to a living, breathing nightmare.
5. Ellis Grey
She may not play a major role in the events of the show, but she did a lot to screw up her daughter back in the day. Ellis was cold, neglectful of her children and their feelings, and selfishly focused on herself throughout her life.
4. Cristina Yang
Yes, we forgive Cristina a lot for how intelligent and talented she is, and yes, she has gotten much better over the years. In reality, though, you’d probably ask for another doctor if you heard one of her snarky or downright rude comments. Even if she was completely right.
3. Amelia Shepherd
It’s tough with Amelia because she’s had to fight a lot of her inner demons to get to where she is, but it feels like toxicity is one of the key parts of her character. Her immaturity, her inability to have an adult conversation about her feelings without lashing out, and her tendency to run away from her own happiness are just the tip of the iceberg.
2. Owen Hunt
There are a lot of reasons to hate Owen Hunt, but the way he tries to manipulate the women around him into being a happy family even when they don’t want to be is truly disgusting. Add that to a few instances of uncontrolled violence excused by PTSD, and you have a portrait of one of the most dangerous types of men.
1. Catherine Fox
If toxicity was a competition, Catherine Fox would win without a single doubt. She always gets what she wants, even if that hurts the closest to her. She has treated both her lover Richard, her son Jason, and her daughter-in-law April tremendously horribly throughout the years, but faced no consequences at all.