Since its premiere on ABC on March 27, 2005, Grey's Anatomy has turn into a real establishment.

The long-running collection has stored diehard followers hooked for 20 years, with creator Shonda Rhimes perfecting the formulation for a scrumptious physician drama that includes sizzling hookups, compelling circumstances of the week, and stunning deaths.

Rhimes and firm's secret weapon has been their knack for casting. Beginning with Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, and the opposite OG solid members of the mid-2000s right through to right this moment, Gray's Anatomy has persistently featured phenomenally proficient ensembles — a few of which have gone on to thriving careers.

In honor of the collection' twentieth anniversary, let's revisit a number of the most notable Gray's Anatomy solid members, delving into their careers earlier than, throughout, and after their involvement with the present.

01 of 17

Ellen Pompeo (Dr. Meredith Gray)

Ellen Pompeo began her tv profession on reveals like Law & Order, Strangers With Candy, and Friends. She additionally demonstrated her large display screen chops within the films Moonlight Mile (2002) and Daredevil (2003), however the small display screen made her a family title. That's all because of Gray's Anatomy, the place she performs the titular character, Dr. Meredith Gray.

"I’ve one of the best relationship with just about the entire unique solid," Pompeo told InStyle's Ladies First podcast in 2021. "Not everyone, however I actually keep in contact with numerous them, and we simply have one of the best time. I simply love them. There's like a deep affection I’ve for that unique solid as a result of we went by way of one thing that only some folks can relate to."

Pompeo has been a part of Gray's Anatomy since its begin in 2005. For some time, it regarded like she may by no means stop her full-time dedication to the present. She started showing in fewer episodes beginning in season 19, although she nonetheless commonly supplies her signature voiceover narration.

Pompeo attracted media consideration in 2021 after telling Patrick Dempsey on her podcast, Inform Me With Ellen Pompeo, a few spat she had with Denzel Washington on set. Washington, who directed the season 12 episode "The Sound of Silence," allegedly took subject with Pompeo improvising sure strains, main her to angrily reply, "'Hear, motherf‑‑‑er, that is my present. That is my set. Who’re you telling?" She was later met with media scrutiny over her angle towards Washington.

Pompeo is taking up her first new live-action position since she started Gray's Anatomy with the 2025 Hulu restricted collection Good American Family.She continues to function an government producer on Gray's Anatomy.

The actor married music producer Chris Ivery in 2007. They’ve three kids collectively.

Ellen Pompeo won't let 10-year-old watch Grey's Anatomy, isn't ready for her to see her in her underwear on TV 02 of 17

Patrick Dempsey (Dr. Derek Shepherd)

Patrick Dempsey already had a repute as a dreamboat because of movies like Can't Purchase Me Love (1987) and Sweet Home Alabama (2002) by the point he joined Gray's Anatomy in 2005. Neurosurgeon Derek Shepherd is affectionately dubbed "McDreamy," and that nickname has caught to the actor properly previous his official departure from the collection in 2015.

Followers will at all times bear in mind when his character was shockingly killed off in season 11. In a 2015 interview with EW, the actor mentioned how he felt about retiring the position that catapulted him to stardom. "I knew it might be heavy like that. I didn't understand till we did our interview that it was actually over," he mentioned. "It began to daybreak on me that that is coming to an finish, which is why I believe I used to be so moved by it. It was the primary time I actually stepped again and was beginning to witness and to replicate on what had occurred."

That didn't cease writers from bringing McDreamy again in flashbacks and dream sequences, although, notably showing in Meredith's visions whereas on a ventilator in season 17. Dempsey has since starred in films like Bridget Jones's Baby (2016), Eli Roth's Thanksgiving (2023), and Ferrari (2023). Longtime followers additionally loved his flip in Disney's Disenchanted (2022), reprising his position from Enchanted (2007).

When he's not in entrance of the digicam, Dempsey is sort of keen on auto racing and has competed in lots of collection. He's additionally well-known for his philanthropic work, particularly founding the Patrick Dempsey Heart at Central Maine Medical Heart in 2008 throughout his now-deceased mom's bouts with most cancers.

As for his private life, Dempsey was married to his former supervisor and performing coach Rochelle "Rocky" Parker from 1987 to 1994. He later married Jillian Fink in 1999, with whom he shares three kids. The couple almost divorced in 2015, however they reconciled the next yr.

Patrick Dempsey's best Grey's Anatomy episodes 03 of 17

Sandra Oh (Dr. Cristina Yang)

Sandra Oh had beforehand starred on the HBO collection Arliss and appeared in movies like Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) and Sideways (2004). She quickly grew to become one in every of TV's most acquainted faces as Cristina Yang, a surgical intern whose drive and ambition ultimately made her a cardiothoracic surgical fellow. Oh performed the onerous employee and fierce buddy of Meredith Gray for 10 seasons.

Even after Oh left Gray’s Anatomy in 2014, followers nonetheless questioned if she would ever return. "It's so humorous. Yearly, it's like I hear that I'm coming again to the present," she advised EW in 2018. "However what I understand is, in a method that I'm actually happy and grateful for, is that the present is constant on with its life, and that the present and the people who find themselves nonetheless hooked up to the present are nonetheless hooked up to Cristina. It means quite a bit to me."

Oh's most distinguished venture since then is the hit spy collection Killing Eve, on which she performed the titular character and served as an government producer. The position earned her a second Golden Globe in 2015, having beforehand gained Finest Supporting Actress in a Drama Sequence for Gray's Anatomy in 2005. She additionally racked up a whopping 11 Emmy nominations between the 2 reveals. Oh gained her first Emmy in 2024 as one of many producers on Finest Tv Film winner Quiz Girl, through which she additionally starred.

She's finished substantial voice work as properly, notably for Pixar's Turning Crimson (2022), Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Energy, and the Amazon Prime animated collection Invincible.

Oh was beforehand married to her Sideways director Alexander Payne from 2003 to 2006.

Sandra Oh says she 'would not be here' without Grey's Anatomy's Cristina Yang 04 of 17

Katherine Heigl (Dr. Izzie Stevens)

Katherine Heigl had an eclectic early profession, showing in films like Underneath Siege 2: Darkish Territory (1995) and Bride of Chucky (1998) earlier than starring on Roswell. She began with the unique Gray's Anatomy solid in 2005 as Dr. Izzie Stevens.

She spliced her tenure on the medical drama with rom-com roles in Knocked Up (2007) and 27 Attire (2008), however Gray's took up most of her time. That tough work paid off, nonetheless, when she gained an Emmy for Excellent Supporting Actress in a Drama Sequence in 2007.

Considerably notoriously, the actress withdrew her title from awards consideration in 2008, explaining in an announcement, "I didn’t really feel that I used to be given the fabric [in season 4] to warrant an Emmy nomination and in an effort to take care of the integrity of the academy group." This led to a public notion that Heigl was a diva. She left the collection shortly thereafter in season 6 and later expressed regrets in regards to the ordeal.

"I’m dissatisfied in myself for permitting that notion to exist," she advised EW in 2010. "There's nothing extra gross than [the idea of] someone in my place being ungrateful…And I hope that within the coming years I can change folks's minds about that. The six years [she spent on Grey's] had been vital years, and I don't need them to be demeaned."

After leaving Gray's Anatomy behind, Heigl appeared in films like One for the Cash (2012) and performed Samantha Wheeler within the final two seasons of Suits. She additionally starred on and produced Netflix’s Firefly Lane. She'll quickly star within the musical movie That’s Amore reverse John Travolta.

Heigl married singer Josh Kelley in 2007, and so they share three kids. Heigl has obtained awards for her activism surrounding adoption, animal welfare, and most cancers consciousness.

Katherine Heigl revisits that Grey's Anatomy Emmys controversy: 'I wasn't trying to be a dick' 05 of 17

Justin Chambers (Dr. Alex Karev)

A former Calvin Klein and Armani mannequin, Justin Chambers obtained his begin onscreen in 1995 with the cleaning soap opera One other World earlier than showing in films like The Marriage ceremony Planner (2001) and The Musketeer (2001). However his performing profession didn't really take off till he was solid on Gray's Anatomy as Dr. Alex Karev, who begins as a surgical intern earlier than turning into a resident and later a pediatric surgeon.

Chambers performed the position for 14 years, which is not any small feat. When EW requested why he returned for season 13, the actor put it merely: "[It's] a job. I like having a job. I just like the folks I work with. My boss is superior. It's nice. Why not? I've obtained nowhere higher to be. That is the place I'm purported to be, and I'm having fun with it."

Finally, Chambers did have someplace higher to be. After leaving Gray’s Anatomy in 2020, he portrayed Marlon Brando within the Paramount+ miniseries The Provide (2022) and appeared in an episode of the Fox anthology collection Accused in 2024.

He's been married to former mannequin company booker Keisha Chambers since 1993. They’ve 5 kids collectively.

Katherine Heigl and Justin Chambers reunite with former Grey's Anatomy costars at Emmys 06 of 17

T. R. Knight (Dr. George O'Malley)

T.R. Knight's breakout position was taking part in Dr. George O'Malley on Gray's Anatomy, and he even obtained an Emmy nomination for his efficiency in 2007. The actor walked away from the present (and a profitable contract) after 5 seasons for a lot of causes. In line with him, most points boiled all the way down to strained communication with showrunner Shonda Rhimes and uncertainty about his character's future, along with popping out as homosexual.

"There simply comes a time when it's so clear that shifting on is one of the best resolution," Knight advised EW in 2009. "There are lots of people who wish to be in my place. However ultimately, I must be fulfilled in my work."

He’s since performed notable public figures comparable to J. Edgar Hoover on Genius: Einstein and Reince Priebus on The Comey Rule, along with costarring on The Flight Attendant alongside Kaley Cuoco.

Knight has been married to dancer Patrick B. Leahy since 2013.

Life after Grey's: T.R. Knight has kept busy since leaving Seattle 07 of 17

Chandra Wilson (Dr. Miranda Bailey)

After making a powerful stage debut within the early-'90s, Chandra Wilson landed minor display screen components like her flip in Philadelphia (1993). However her breakout position was taking part in Dr. Miranda Bailey on Gray's Anatomy, starting the present as a basic surgical procedure resident who works her method up the hospital ladder. Wilson additionally climbed excessive within the performing world, incomes 4 Emmy nominations for Excellent Supporting Actress in a Drama Sequence between 2006 and 2009.

Regardless of these spectacular accomplishments, she would nonetheless fear about her character getting killed off and the way which may influence her profession. "It's not even anxiousness. It's simply the fact of what we do. I by no means get so snug that I ever neglect that," Wilson advised EW in 2010. "What we do as actors is basically about choices that get made in rooms with desks. And other people change their minds on a regular basis about issues…So that you profit from it and also you study as a lot as you may."

Wilson continues to star in Gray’s Anatomy; her character additionally appeared in two episodes of Personal Observe in 2009 and 24 episodes of Station 19 from 2018 to 2024.

She has three kids together with her longtime accomplice. Wilson grew to become the spokesperson for the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Affiliation after her daughter Sasha was identified with the illness in 2010, and even directed a Gray's Anatomy episode showcasing the situation (season 9’s "Second Opinion"). She can be an advocate for treating substance abuse and psychological well being issues.

First look: Grey's Anatomy star Chandra Wilson returns to General Hospital 08 of 17

James Pickens Jr. (Dr. Richard Webber)

Earlier than coming to Gray's Anatomy in 2005, James Pickens Jr. performed Chuck Mitchell on Roseanne and Deputy Director Alvin Kersh on The X-Files. Nevertheless, he's nonetheless finest recognized for taking part in Dr. Richard Webber, who begins the present because the chief of surgical procedure at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital. The veteran actor has confronted many inventive challenges over time, although Dr. Webber's arc through which he grapples with alcoholism hit particularly near residence.

"My dad struggled with alcoholism towards the tip of his life, so I obtained to observe him wrestle, and he battled it valiantly," Pickens Jr. advised EW in 2020. "I believe the factor that I used to be most pleased with was the truth that that storyline helped me to know what that day-to-day wrestle was like."

He continued, "I had fairly just a few folks come as much as me prior to now who had been recovering, and so they mentioned how a lot that storyline actually helped them to work by way of some issues themselves, but in addition acknowledge that this is a matter that’s fairly frequent."

The actor continues to star in Gray’s Anatomy, although he discovered the time to reprise his Chuck Mitchell position for the 2018 Roseanne reboot and its spinoff, The Conners.

Pickens Jr. is married to former Musique member Gina Taylor, with whom he shares two kids. He was inducted into the Nationwide Multicultural Western Heritage Museum in 2019 for his spectacular cultural contributions to TV and movie.

Grey's Anatomy's James Pickens Jr. scrubs in with new cast members 09 of 17

Isaiah Washington (Dr. Preston Burke)

Earlier than he signed on to Gray's Anatomy, Isaiah Washington appeared in Spike Lee's Crooklyn (1994), Clockers (1995), Lady 6 (1996), and Get on the Bus (1996).

As Dr. Preston Burke, a cardiothoracic surgeon who enters a tumultuous relationship with Cristina, Washington was one of many key solid members of the primary three seasons. His contract was not renewed on the finish of season 3 following revelations of him utilizing a homophobic slur to confer with costar T.R. Knight.

Publish-Gray's, Washington appeared in varied movies and made a handful of TV appearances earlier than starring as Thelonious Jaha on The 100 from 2014 to 2018. He went on to recur on reveals like Survivor's Remorse and P-Valley and hosted a journey present in 2020 on Fox Nation.

Washington has been married to his spouse, Jenisa Garland, since 1996; they’ve three kids collectively.

Grey's Anatomy: Cristina and Burke's 11 best moments 10 of 17

Kate Walsh (Dr. Addison Montgomery)

Earlier than becoming a member of the Gray's Anatomy solid, Kate Walsh was recognized for her recurring position as Nicki on The Drew Carey Show. She started starring on the medical drama in 2005 as neonatal surgeon Dr. Addison Montgomery. The actress quickly obtained her personal spinoff in 2007, with Personal Observe following Addison after she leaves Seattle Grace Hospital for a co-op wellness clinic in Los Angeles.

That runaway success might need stunned some actors, however not Walsh. She advised PEOPLE in 2021 that she had a premonition that Gray's Anatomy was destined for greatness. "Generally I do really feel like I get just a little witchy about issues," she mentioned. "I used to be like, 'It is a nice present.' Even earlier than it even had an airtime…And right here we’re…Seven years later. It undoubtedly modified my life."

In some ways, Addison was a personality that Walsh simply couldn’t give up. She stopped showing commonly on Gray's Anatomy after season 3, although she nonetheless returned for infrequent episodes. After Personal Observe resulted in 2013, she was in a position to concentrate on different tasks like 13 Reasons Why, The Umbrella Academy, and Emily in Paris. In 2021, she formally rejoined the Gray's solid in a visitor starring position.

Walsh was married to Alex Younger from 2007 to 2010. She is at the moment engaged to Andrew Nixon, whom she met on an thrilling expedition to the Antarctic.

Kate Walsh reveals she had mind tumor eliminated in 2015 11 of 17

Sara Ramírez (Dr. Callie Torres)

Earlier than coming to Gray’s Anatomy in 2006, Sara Ramírez was primarily recognized for his or her stage work, notably successful the 2005 Tony award for Finest Featured Actress in a Musical for Spamalot. They adopted this success with an 11-season stint as Dr. Callie Torres, an orthopedic resident turned attending surgeon.

Ramírez, who’s bisexual and got here out as non-binary in 2020, had pitched making Callie bisexual to showrunner Shonda Rhimes. Dr. Torres thus grew to become an early marker of queer illustration on primetime tv.

"Being a part of the Shondaland household was one of many best honors of my life, one of many best privileges," Ramírez advised PEOPLE in 2021. "It taught me a lot, portraying a personality that numerous people had not seen on TV together with myself. I’ll at all times have a smooth tender place in my coronary heart for that work household and that position. It was the position of a lifetime."

After leaving Gray’s Anatomy in 2016, Ramírez performed political strategist Kat Sandoval on Madam Secretary and Che Díaz on And Just Like That. In addition they lent their voice to Disney’s Sofia the First from 2012 to 2018.

Ramírez married Ryan DeBolt in 2012. The couple later separated in 2021 and divorced in 2024.

Sara Ramirez says the 'ball is in ABC's court' for a possible return to Grey's Anatomy 12 of 17

Eric Dane (Dr. Mark Sloan)

Earlier than coming to Gray's Anatomy in season 2, Eric Dane was recognized to style followers as Jason Dean from the witchy teen drama Charmed. However he quickly grew to become well-acquainted with wider audiences as Dr. Mark Sloan, a good-looking plastic surgeon and frenemy of McDreamy who’s likewise dubbed McSteamy.

Dane left Gray's Anatomy in 2012 to concentrate on different tasks, together with taking part in Tom Chandler on TNT’s The Final Ship. "It was a possibility for me to go and I used to be interested by one thing completely different," he advised EW in 2013. "I beloved doing Gray’s Anatomy. I’d have finished it till the ultimate episode, however this was one thing I couldn't cross up."

The actor has since made waves by taking part in the difficult and sinister Cal Jacobs on HBO's Euphoria. On the large display screen, he's appeared in such movies as X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Burlesque (2010), and Unhealthy Boys: Trip or Die (2024).

Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004. They’ve two kids collectively. Gayheart later filed for divorce in 2018, although she petitioned to dismiss the submitting in March 2025.

Eric Dane says he was 'let go' from Grey's Anatomy while battling addiction: 'I wasn't the same guy' 13 of 17

Chyler Leigh (Dr. Lexie Gray)

Chyler Leigh's breakout movie was the 2001 comedy Not One other Teen Film adopted by the ill-fated spinoff That '80s Show. She quickly stepped into extra dramatic territory by becoming a member of the Gray's Anatomy solid in season 3 as Meredith Gray’s half-sister, Lexie, a surgical intern who ultimately turns into a surgical resident. She additionally has a dizzying relationship with Eric Dane's Mark Sloan all through her tenure.

Leigh stayed on Gray's Anatomy till that notorious aircraft crash episode in season 8, although she briefly reprised her position for one in every of Meredith's dream sequences whereas on a ventilator as a result of COVID-19 in season 17.

"To be a part of that was clearly very particular," Leigh advised PEOPLE in 2021. "And to have the ability to shut the chapter for Lexie, and to seem in a method the place she's not eaten by wolves. Sort of convey just a little life again to it… It was a particular expertise to have the ability to be a part of that."

The actress' largest position post-Gray's has been taking part in Alex Danvers on the CW drama Supergirl. Because the titular heroine's sister, she additionally appeared in different Arrowverse reveals like Legends of Tomorrow and The Flash. She at the moment stars in and produces the Hallmark Channel collection The Means Residence.

Leigh has been married to Nathan West since 2002. They’ve three kids collectively.

How 20 Grey's Anatomy characters left the show 14 of 17

Kevin McKidd (Dr. Owen Hunt)

Kevin McKidd's first main position was taking part in Danny in Trainspotting (1996). He then took on historic reveals just like the miniseries Anna Karenina and the interval drama Rome. However Gray's Anatomy has been his largest venture to this point. He's performed Dr. Owen Hunt, a trauma surgeon who suffers from PTSD after serving in Iraq, since season 5.

"We've labored on ensuring this isn't kind of a fluffy illustration of someone who has this drawback," he advised EW in 2009. "He's an excellent man. He's simply deeply broken proper now…We didn't understand how a lot we had been going to cope with the aftermath of being within the Iraq Warfare scenario…However we realized fairly rapidly that there was quite a bit there."

The Scottish actor has taken on different roles throughout his ongoing Gray's Anatomy tenure, comparable to taking part in Poseidon in Percy Jackson & the Olympians (2010), voicing characters in Courageous (2012) and on Star Wars: Rebels, and showing in 2024's It Ends With Us.

McKidd has been married twice, first to Jane Parker from 1999 to 2017, after which to Arielle Goldrath from 2018 to 2023. He has two kids from every marriage and is at the moment relationship actress Danielle Savre.

Grey's Anatomy: Kevin McKidd talks about directing his shocking scene with Kim Raver 15 of 17

Jessica Capshaw (Dr. Arizona Robbins)

Jessica Capshaw had ample performing expertise earlier than Gray’s Anatomy, together with a minor look in Minority Report (2002) and a number one position within the movie The Groomsman (2006). She was additionally spectacular on The Practice, nevertheless it was taking part in Dr. Arizona Robbins (the chief of pediatric surgical procedure) on Gray's Anatomy that gained her tens of millions of followers. Capshaw initially signed on for 3 episodes, however she caught round for the remainder of season 5 and was promoted to most important solid billing the next yr.

Followers had been stunned when Capshaw's character misplaced a leg, as was the actor herself. "[Executive producer Shonda Rhimes] advised me she was so enthusiastic about this story, and when she advised me what it was, I believe I felt about it like everybody did final night time, which was completely shocked," she advised EW in 2012. "It was one thing I'd by no means even contemplated, which is why she's the grasp storyteller. It took me some time to wrap my head round."

Her character additionally made an influence on the LGBTQ+ neighborhood as a result of her onscreen relationship with Sara Ramírez’s Callie Torres. Followers had been upset when she was written off the present in 2018, however she returned as a visitor star for season 20 in 2024.

Capshaw has additionally appeared in movies like Holidate (2020) and Expensive Zoe (2022) in addition to the Hulu collection Inform Me Lies (2022).

The actress married entrepreneur Christopher Gavigan in 2004. They’ve 4 kids collectively. She is the daughter of actress Kate Capshaw and stepdaughter of director Steven Spielberg.

Grey's Anatomy star Jessica Capshaw says it never occurred to her not to believe writer who faked cancer 16 of 17

Camilla Luddington (Dr. Josephine "Jo" Wilson)

Camilla Luddington's profession took off in 2012. Along with roles on True Blood and Californication, she joined the Gray’s Anatomy solid in season 9 as Dr. Josephine "Jo" Wilson. She stays on the present to at the present time, and it seems like coming again every year by no means will get previous.

“It isn't about retaining it fascinating and new, as a result of each single season it's actually thrilling," Luddington advised EW in 2021. "The writers at all times have storylines which can be so stunning and alter all the pieces. There's no factor of, 'Ugh, how do I preserve this fascinating for myself?'"

She continued, "Really, whenever you sit with a personality for this lengthy, issues of their life begin to parallel with yours. Once I began off, I used to be relationship my now husband. Now I'm married and have kids and really feel extra settled in my profession, and Jo is excelling in her profession and having children. It's like rising with a buddy. That's the stunning a part of the expertise, whenever you sit with someone for that lengthy. You're so invested."

In 2019, Luddington married Matthew Alan, with whom she is elevating two kids. When not showing on Gray's Anatomy, Luddington has finished voice work as Lara Croft within the Tomb Raider videogames and even did movement seize for the character.

In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Camilla Luddington crafts a Croft that rivals Hollywood 17 of 17

Caterina Scorsone (Dr. Amelia Shepherd)

Most audiences hadn't heard of Caterina Scorsone earlier than Gray's Anatomy (except they occurred to observe the Canadian reveals Mr. Dressup or Energy Play). She's starred within the medical drama since 2010 as Dr. Amelia Shepherd, who additionally grew to become a accomplice at Oceanside Wellness Group on Personal Observe. What's extra, the character appeared in 5 episodes of Station 19.

Scorsone was married to Rob Giles from 2009 to 2020. They’ve three kids collectively, one in every of whom has Down syndrome, which impressed the actor to turn into an advocate.

"One factor that adjustments when you’ve gotten children is that nothing is in your management anymore," she advised PEOPLE in 2020. "You must roll with no matter is going on and there are those that are actually in your life very intimately and in your area who’ve distinctly completely different personalities from you."

Ranking Grey's Anatomy finales from most to least shocking Shut