Former Grey’s Anatomy alum Sarah Drew opens up on her acrimonious departure from the show, revealing how she felt the decision was unfair. Shonda Rhimes’ ABC medical drama debuted in 2009 and has become a pop culture behemoth, running 21 seasons and 433 episodes, with 39 Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Drew joined the cast in 2009, making her debut as Dr. April Kepner in the season 6 episode “Invasion” before leaving the show after the conclusion of season 14 when the Grey’s Anatomy character got married and resigned to provide medical care to Seattle’s homeless.
Drew recently appeared on the podcast Call It What It Is (via TVLine), hosted by her former Grey’s Anatomy colleagues Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington. She discussed her departure from the show and clarified comments she made at the time that likened getting fired to “attending my own funeral.” She also spoke more positively about April’s return to the show in both 2021 and 2022, and how her views towards the show have changed over time. Check out Drew’s full comments below:
“What I was trying to describe was… [I] was unceremoniously let go in a way that felt mean and unjust, and, because of that, the outpouring of love was so enormous it was like you were sitting there watching people [eulogize you].”
“I have no attachment to [the show] at all. I had zero anxiety [going back because] I don’t need anything from anyone on that set anymore. They’re not responsible for my livelihood anymore. They’re not responsible for my success or my joy… I’m like, ‘Hey! This is a fun spot to come visit.’”
What Caused Drew’s Grey’s Anatomy Exit?
A Change Of Showrunner Likely Contributed
Drew’s departure from the show was pretty acrimonious. The star was very vocal about her firing at the time, seemingly taking the decision personally, based on her comments. One of the core reasons behind the departure could have been a change in showrunners. Rhimes stepped down as showrunner in 2015, and Krista Vernoff returned to helm the show in 2017. According to Vernoff, the decision to let Drew and fellow long-time cast member Capshaw leave was a creative one.
However, it seems that Drew perhaps did not view it this way and felt hurt by the manner of her exit. Having played the role for nine years on the show, it stands to reason that the Everwood actor would have expected a contract renewal, and this is likely why she admitted to feeling blindsided by the firing. It is possible that if Rhimes had remained in place as showrunner, Drew could still be a prominent cast member, but there is no guarantee that this would have been the case.
Our Thoughts On Whether Drew Could Return To Grey’s Anatomy Again
The Star Seems To Have Made Peace With Her Departure
Drew has appeared in several projects since Grey’s Anatomy and seems to have made peace with her firing. However, I believe she would welcome another return to the series, having a strong connection to both the show and the character. Another return should not be ruled out, especially following rumors of an April and Jackson spinoff. However, it will depend on how long the juggernaut show can continue to run, whether Drew will have availability in her schedule, and if April’s return would be a viable creative step for Grey’s Anatomy.