It’s nearly impossible to tell the story of Grey’s Anatomy without mentioning that of its creator, Shonda Rhimes. Rhimes studied English at Dartmouth College and graduated in 1991. She was a writer from the get-go, who had a particular interest in fiction. Destiny would have it that Rhimes would study screenwriting at USC. What she’s done since is impeccable.
Rhimes has dominated the television industry with hit shows like Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder (both of which took over our Thursdays), Netflix’s Bridgerton, and most notably Grey’s Anatomy. To put it simply, she’s the Beyonce of television.
Rhimes’ time as the showrunner of Grey’s Anatomy wasn’t the smoothest. Though she managed killer reviews and a cult-like following, behind the scenes, things weren’t so glossy. She’s since stepped down from the role, but not without some casualties, including a rumored issue with Patrick Dempsy and his behavior off camera.
And given the admission from other actors on the show that the series was toxic for the first decade it was on the air, here’s an update on every cast member whose exit from the show wasn’t too amicable. Updated August 2023: While it was likely devastating at the time to be written off or completely fired from ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, for some of the actors on set, it may have been a blessing in disguise.
As a result of a set that was toxic to work on and longer than normal working days that led emotions to run on high, it is no surprise that many of the actors and the creator, Shonda Rhimes butted heads. And because Rhimes not only created but wrote the scripts, if she had a problem with an actor, all she had to do was write them out to make them leave.
For the actors on this list, most have gone on to have incredibly successful careers despite what they experienced on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. As such, it goes to show that as long as there is a determination to succeed, no matter what the odds, it can happen.
Isaiah Washington
For portraying Dr. Preston Burke, Isaiah earned himself a couple of awards. The same cannot be said for his exit from the show, following what is now known as Isaiah-Gate.
Since leaving the show in 2007, Washington has continued to appear on television. He portrayed Chancellor Jaha on The 100, hosted Isaiah Washington: Kitchen Talk on Fox Nation, and appeared in several episodes of P-Valley.
Washington has two projects in different stages of production to be released later this year and into next. As soon as the WGA and SAG/AFTRA strike ends, definitive release dates will be given.
Sarah Drew
Sarah Drew made her debut on Grey’s Anatomy in 2009 as Dr. April Kepner. She became part of the recurring cast in 2010.
In what was termed as a creative decision by Shonda Rhimes’ replacement, Krista Vernoff, Drew was axed from the show, alongside Jessica Capshaw.
She’s since played the role of Lucille Ball in I Love Lucy: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom and portrayed Cindy Turner on Freeform’s Cruel Summer.
Drew has four projects waiting to be released in the next year and beyond. As such, while she may have been let go from Grey’s Anatomy, Drew is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Loretta Devine
Loretta Devine joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy as the wife of Dr. Richard Webber, Adele. She was so good in her role that she got an Emmy for it. No sooner had she won an Emmy, than she was shown the door.
“That’s why you have to keep going,” Devine explained about being fired. Devine was later cast on Family Reunion, P-Valley, and A Snowy Day In Oakland.
As for upcoming projects, Devine has plenty. Given that she has nine in various stages of production, Devine’s face and voice acting talents will be seen and heard on the big and small screens well into the future.
Jessica Capshaw
Jessica Capshaw began her Grey’s Anatomy role, Dr. Arizona Robbins, as part of the recurring cast in Season 5. She went on to become part of the main cast but was let go alongside Sarah Drew. In 2020 and 2020 respectively, Capshaw appeared in the films Holidate and Dear Zoe.
Rumors have swirled that Capshaw has made the decision to retire from acting. While nothing has been confirmed, the actor has not worked in front of the camera since guest-starring in the tv series Tell Me Lies, in 2022.
Brooke Smith
Brooke Smith grew in popularity as Dr. Erica Hahn on Grey’s Anatomy. Her character was written off in 2008, something that came as a shocker to both her and the audience. Following her exit, Smith has appeared in countless films, including Fair Game, Labor Day, Day Out of Days, and Charlize Theron’s Bombshell.
She hasn’t been unlucky on television either, as she’s appeared on countless shows, her latest being Big Sky. Smith recently starred in the mini-series, Class of ’09, and given her success over the years, there is sure to be more to come from the actor.
Gaius Charles
From 2012 to 2014, Gaius Charles portrayed Dr. Shane Ross on Grey’s Anatomy. He made his debut on Season 9 and became part of the main cast during the 10th season. Charles’ contract was simply not renewed, and his character was written off.
The departure from the show did not hurt Charles’ career, however. He went on to pursue other projects on television, including Aquarius, Drunk History, and became a series regular on Taken. Currently, Charles can be seen in The Walking Dead: Dead City.
Martin Henderson
Henderson had a successful two-season run as Dr. Nathan Riggs. His was a calm exit. Co-star Ellen Pompeo hinted that the producers were not in agreement with the direction his character was taking and decided to write the character off altogether.
Thus marked the end of Dr. Nathan Riggs.Henderson has a main role as Jack Sheridan on Virgin River, and has appeared in three movies since; Juveniles, Hellbent, and The Strangers: Prey at Night.
Tessa Ferrer
Ferrer made her first appearance on the ninth season of the show. Just like Gaius, she became a regular during the 10th season of Grey’s Anatomy. Her contract, too, was not renewed following the end of the season. However, unlike some of the actors who were let go, she later got her role back. But ultimately, it was short-lived and Ferrer left again.
Ferrer has since played the role of Cora Babineau on Mr. Mercedes and had a recurring role on Catch-22. Most recently, Ferrer starred in the tv series, Swagger, of which fans are waiting to hear if a Season Three will be greenlighted or not.
Melissa George
George joined Grey’s Anatomy as Sadie Harris. While she pointed out that her departure was due to a mutual agreement with producers, rumor had it that there may have been some behind-the-scenes drama involved.
George has since appeared on The Good Wife amongst other shows. One of the more notable is her role as the co-star of Sean Penn on The First.
Most recently, The Mosquito Coast was the tv series that George called home. However, it was not renewed for a third season, meaning that George will be on the hunt for a new role when the WGA and SAG/AFTRA strike comes to an end.
Katherine Heigl
Katherine Heigl’s departure from Grey’s Anatomy was filled with controversy. The actress withdrew her name for nomination for her Emmy-worthy role because conditions were so cruel on set. In doing so, Heigl became known as hard to work with and a diva, which made it more difficult for Heigl to find roles for a time.
Heigl has however bagged some roles since her departure from the show. She’s appeared on Suits, Firefly Lane, with her friend Sarah Chalke, and State of Affairs. Heigl has also appeared in a couple of movies, her latest being Fear of Rain.
Not being one to sit on her laurels, Heigl also has two projects in pre-production that will commence once the Hollywood strike comes to an end.