November 3, 2022
Given the immense popularity and enduring success of Grey’s Anatomy, it’s no surprise that many of the show’s alumni have found success in other television projects after leaving the world of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital behind. Some have taken their careers in surprising new directions, while others have stuck to familiar genres. Whether it’s on Broadway, streaming services, or hit TV shows, here’s a look at how 14 notable Grey’s Anatomy alums have made their return to the small screen after departing the medical drama.
Jesse Williams: Broadway to Hulu
Jesse Williams, known for his role as Dr. Jackson Avery, made waves on Broadway before returning to television. He starred in Take Me Out, a play about baseball and identity, which gained attention (and controversy) due to leaked photos of his stage nudity. Beyond Broadway, Williams is also set to appear in Only Murders in the Building on Hulu for its third season, continuing his foray into the world of captivating TV drama.
Isaiah Washington: From Grey’s to The 100
Isaiah Washington’s departure from Grey’s Anatomy was mired in controversy after he was let go following a homophobic slur incident. After his exit, Washington found a new home on The CW‘s The 100, where he played Chancellor Thelonious Jaha. His recurring roles in various TV shows since then have shown his versatility beyond the medical drama.
Kate Walsh: Spinoff Success and Netflix Roles
Kate Walsh’s character Addison Montgomery made a lasting impression on Grey’s fans, leading to the creation of the spinoff series Private Practice, which ran for six successful seasons. After that, Walsh took on various roles, including a recurring spot on Fargo and a starring role as a grieving mother in Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why. These diverse projects allowed Walsh to expand her acting range far beyond the hospital setting.
T.R. Knight: From Grey’s to Genius
T.R. Knight, who played the beloved George O’Malley on Grey’s, transitioned into roles on The Good Wife, The Catch, and When We Rise after his time on the medical drama. He then landed major recurring parts on National Geographic’s Genius series, portraying J. Edgar Hoover in Genius: Einstein and Max Jacob in Genius: Picasso.
Katherine Heigl: From Grey’s to Suits
Katherine Heigl’s exit from Grey’s Anatomy was dramatic, but she quickly found new projects. After starring in State of Affairs and Doubt, both of which were short-lived, Heigl joined Suits for the final two seasons. Her portrayal of the smart and ambitious lawyer Samantha Wheeler brought a fresh energy to the legal drama, earning her a new legion of fans.
Chyler Leigh: Supergirl and the Arrowverse
Chyler Leigh, who played Lexie Grey, left Grey’s to focus on her family. A few years later, she made her return to television as Alex Danvers in Supergirl, a role that earned her recognition in the Arrowverse. Leigh also appeared in crossovers on Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow, making her a key figure in the DC superhero universe.
Eric Dane: From Grey’s to The Last Ship and Euphoria
Eric Dane, who portrayed the charming Dr. Mark Sloan, made a dramatic transition to The Last Ship, where he starred as Admiral Tom Chandler. More recently, he has appeared in Euphoria on HBO, portraying Cal Jacobs, an abusive father whose storyline has become pivotal to the show’s exploration of complicated family dynamics.
Sandra Oh: Killing Eve and More
Sandra Oh’s departure as Cristina Yang in Grey’s Anatomy left a huge hole in the show, but Oh quickly found a new, equally iconic role in Killing Eve as intelligence officer Eve Polastri. Her performance earned her a second Golden Globe Award, and she also led the cast of The Chair on Netflix, further solidifying her status as one of television’s most accomplished actresses.
Patrick Dempsey: The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair and Devils
After leaving Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Derek Shepherd, Patrick Dempsey’s career continued to thrive. He starred in The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair and played Dominic Morgan in Devils, a Sky Italia series about high-stakes finance. His shift toward mystery and drama has proven to be a successful reinvention.
Sara Ramirez: Madam Secretary and And Just Like That…
Sara Ramirez, who portrayed Callie Torres, left Grey’s after Season 12 and found a new home on Madam Secretary as policy advisor Kat Sandoval. More recently, Ramirez joined the cast of And Just Like That… as Che Diaz, a character at the center of the show’s LGBTQ+ storyline, continuing their path in groundbreaking roles.
Jerrika Hinton: Hunters and Here and Now
Jerrika Hinton, who played Stephanie Edwards on Grey’s Anatomy, joined the Hunters cast on Amazon Prime Video, playing FBI agent Millie Morris. She also appeared in the HBO drama Here and Now before making her mark in the thriller genre, proving her versatility after leaving the world of Grey Sloan.
Martin Henderson: Virgin River
After departing Grey’s Anatomy as Nathan Riggs, Martin Henderson found new success on Netflix’s Virgin River. He plays Jack Sheridan, a former Marine turned bar owner, in this romantic drama, which has gained a large following for its heartfelt storytelling and compelling characters.
Jessica Capshaw: Tell Me Lies
Jessica Capshaw, who portrayed Arizona Robbins on Grey’s Anatomy, returned to television in 2022 with Tell Me Lies on Hulu. She plays CJ Albright, a mother navigating complicated relationships. Capshaw’s return to the small screen shows her versatility as an actress, transitioning from her well-known role on Grey’s to a completely new character.
Sarah Drew: Amber Brown on Apple TV+
Sarah Drew, who portrayed April Kepner on Grey’s, also made a return to television in 2022. She starred in the family comedy Amber Brown on Apple TV+, playing the title character’s mother, Sarah Brown. The series highlights Drew’s ability to connect with audiences in both dramatic and lighter roles.
Justin Chambers: The Offer and Playing Marlon Brando
After his abrupt exit from Grey’s Anatomy in Season 16, Justin Chambers found himself in the Paramount+ biopic series The Offer, where he portrayed the legendary actor Marlon Brando. This role marked a dramatic departure from his time as Dr. Alex Karev, allowing Chambers to explore a new type of character and prove his talent in historical drama.
Conclusion: The Grey’s Anatomy Legacy Continues
While Grey’s Anatomy has been a career-defining role for many of its stars, it’s clear that the show’s alumni have ventured into a wide range of genres and roles post-Grey’s. From thrilling spy dramas to heartfelt comedies, these actors have continued to shape their careers, proving their versatility and commitment to bringing compelling characters to life. Whether through mystery, action, or drama, these stars have continued to captivate audiences and keep their presence felt in the TV landscape.
