For the last 13 years, fans have faithfully tuned in to catch up on the lives of their favorite characters on Grey’s Anatomy. Debuting back in 2005, the show gradually captured audiences’ attention and became a fan favorite. Each week brought new love interests, conflicts, and new hookups. As the show gained in popularity, the stars found themselves in a new spotlight. The ensemble cast became more popular in Hollywood, leading to expanding careers for many of them.
As the fame of the series helped the careers of its stars, more and more established actors also tried to become a part of the hospital drama. Grey’s Anatomy definitely became one of the most sought-after shows on television. However, the cast eventually take their leave from the show leaving their unforgettable characters behind. By the end of season 3, viewers began having to say goodbye to their favorite regular cast as more fresh faces were rotated in.
Many of the former stars reflected on the impact of Grey’s Anatomy on their lives and careers. While some actors found the time enduring, other reflect on their time with disappointment. Whether the actors left because of their own choice or were fired from the series, the effect Grey’s Anatomy has had on them easily falls into two categories: regret and adoration. In this article, we will highlight some of the cast and guest stars who have left the halls of the newly named Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital with feelings of appreciation or deep regret.
Here are 14 Actors Who Loved Being On Grey’s Anatomy (And 6 Who Regretted It).
Regretted: Brooke Smith
The character Dr. Erica Hahn helped to resolve several issues with the show. Not only did she take the place of Preston Brooke after Isaiah Washington’s firing but she served as a pivotal person in the life of Callie. Through their friendship, the two characters discovered their orientation. In fact, they became some of the first LGBT characters on the series.
However, before the two could explore their relationship, actress Brooke Smith was let go from the show. She told Entertainment Weekly that “…I was surprised and disappointed when they just suddenly told me that they couldn’t write for my character anymore.” Not only did she lose her role but she had just uprooted her life to move closer to the show’s production. She added, “I just moved my entire family to L.A., so it was kind of like, ‘What?’”
Loved: Christina Ricci
The season finales for Grey’s Anatomy have now become synonymous with major character losses, catastrophic circumstances, and plenty of edge-of-your-seat action. However, back during season 2, fans were unprepared for the first time one of these epic finales took place. Revolving around a patient with an active bomb in his chest, the entire hospital raced to remove the object safely. In the two-part season finale, Christina Ricci played the role of Hannah Davies, a paramedic that got caught in the middle of the bomb’s diffusion.
Ricci spoke with the AVClub about her involvement with the show: “They approached me with an arc for the Super Bowl episode, and I said, “Yeah, of course!” And I went, and it was really fun, and all of the actors were incredible. It turned into more than I thought it was going to be, for sure.”
Loved: Melissa George
Despite only appearing on the show for five episodes, actress Melissa George definitely left a last impression on audiences. Playing the role of unorthodox intern Dr. Sadie Harris, she managed to get under the skin of Cristina and many of the doctors on the series. However, Harris eventually left the hospital once it was discovered that she cheated her way into medical school with no real knowledge whatsoever.
George later shared that her departure was her own choice, however, she enjoyed her experience on the show. She said, “I love the show so much. I've made some beautiful friends. I love T.R. Knight. I love Patrick Dempsey, Justin Chambers… I adore Ellen Pompeo. I think she's a strong, incredible woman. And Katherine Heigl is the most beautiful creature on Earth." George left the show in 2009.
Regretted: Eric Dane
The appearance of Mark Sloane on the show brought a new dynamic to the love triangle between Meredith, Addison, and Derek. Not only was he Derek’s former best friend but Addison also cheated on Derek with him. Initially portrayed as the resident bad boy that jumped from bed to bed, he eventually settled down long enough to begin a relationship with Lexie. In addition, he became a new father with the birth of his and Callie’s baby. However, actor Eric Dane was let go from the show after six years. Since then, he has expressed distaste for both his role and series creator Shonda Rhimes. He took to Twitter in 2016 to dismiss her opinions using some very choice profanity. He also told French news outlet Programme TV that “In Grey’s Anatomy, I was just a piece of meat.”
Loved: Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Although actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan gained fame thanks to his TV roles on Supernatural and The Walking Dead, audiences initially fell for the actor on Grey’s Anatomy. The growing love between Denny Duquette and Izzie Stevens served as a plotline in seasons 2, 3, and 5.
Although Morgan's time on the show only totaled 23 episodes, fans never got over the loss and still reflect on his brief time on the show. Morgan felt that the role gave his career the kickstart it needed after having already worked in showbiz for 15 years by that time. He even took to Twitter to celebrate his character on the anniversary of Denny's ing: “I miss Denny. BIG love to @shondarhimes for changing my life forever. Thank you. Xo”
Loved: Millie Bobby Brown
Given her sudden rise to fame thanks to Stranger Things, some fans may find it difficult to imagine Millie Bobby Brown in any other role. However, her early television career began with parts as early as 2013. With a leading role on Intruders and a few other guest spots, she landed an appearance on Grey’s Anatomy during season 11. Brown played a young girl named Ruby who had to give medical assistance to her mom while being guided by Owen on the phone. Ruby managed to keep her mother alive until help arrived successfully.
Although this role may seem like a lifetime ago to the now famous young star, she never forgot her time on the show. In 2015, she posted on Twitter: “I loved being on greys anatomy love the crew and the cast #GreysAnatomy”.
Regretted: T.R. Knight
After a highly publicized incident with Isaiah Washington, actor T.R. Knight decided to come out as gay. Although the firing of Washington should have relieved his stress, he soon realized his role on the show slowly diminished. According to Entertainment Weekly “… for the first nine episodes of season 5, he appeared on screen a total of only 48 minutes.” In the end, Knight felt that he should move on from the series to find new projects.
Knight felt that his time on the series ended on a very sour note. He stated, “My five-year experience proved to me that I could not trust any answer that was given [about George]… And with respect, I'm going to leave it at that." His character met his end in the season 6 episode "Good Mourning".
Loved: Martin Henderson
After the ing of Derek Shepherd, fans wondered how Meredith would manage to move on from Derek. Given that he was such a large part of her life and storyline, many questioned if she would move on at all. However, the introduction of Martin Henderson in season 12 gave fans renewed hope.
Sadly, his time on the show was short-lived, coming to an end after two years on the series. Even Henderson hoped he would continue his romance with Meredith stating: "I feel bad for fans who were keen on Meredith and Nathan making it, and not being privy to where each character would go… But it makes for nice drama and it’s something that Shonda does brilliantly: Dashing people’s hopes and expectations. That’s why the show continues to be successful."
Loved: Loretta Devine
One of the most heartbreaking storylines to watch on the series was the slow deterioration of Adele Webber’s mind from Alzheimer's. Having been part of the show since 2005, actress Loretta Devine found it hard to step away from the character for good. However, she found comfort in how the “tremendous writing” by the staff had made her diagnosis so meaningful.
In an interview with TV Guide, she shared, "They pre-plan everything now so by the end, everything just sort of matches up in an incredible way. The scene where I confront Meredith and I think she's her mother, where she has to tell her, 'No, I'm not my mom,' it's just incredible writing.” Thanks to the role, Devine received two Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series and won the award in 2011.
Regretted: Patrick Dempsey
The surprising loss of Derek Sheppard broke the hearts of devoted Grey’s fans everywhere. Considering how long he and Meredith had been working on their relationship, it was impossible for fans to see her with anyone else. However, his departure from the show came about after several reports of backstage drama between actor Patrick Dempsey and Rhimes.
Since then, Dempsey has expressed his regret over staying with the show so long that it affected his home life: “I think after a certain period of time, no matter how much money you make, you want control out of your own schedule.”
