'Still feel her presence': Kim Raver opens up about filming upcoming season of 'Grey's Anatomy' without Ellen Pompeo
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Fan will agree that 'Grey's Anatomy' is not the same without Ellen Pompeo. Even the cast members agree as Kim Raver recently revealed what it was like to film the show without the actress. Teddy Altman, Raver's character, has grown in importance after Pompeo left in Season 19. Teddy, who debuted in 2009, faced both personal and professional challenges. However, her romance with Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) remains a key plot point. 'Grey's Anatomy' has a future without Meredith by focusing on Teddy, the new surgical interns, and other characters, though Pompeo's departure will probably still be felt.
Questions about Pompeo's future have been raised in light of 'Grey's Anatomy's' recent renewal. Several characters continue to refer to Meredith, and she is anticipated to appear in the Season 19 finale. Beyond that, it's unclear how she will be included in the story.
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'Still feel her presence'
In a recent interview with Extra, Raver explained what work had been like since Pompeo left the show. She said, "I really still feel her presence there, especially when I was directing, when I was editing. You know, her voice over is there. Just the other day, I saw her, she was biking from her trailer — I guess to go do ADR — so she is very much there, and I think she really paved the way for me, for example, having the opportunity to direct and this wonderful... We are such an ensemble show."
Raver added, “I think it feels the same in the sense that Ellen in her 19 years opened the doors for many women and I feel lucky to have the opportunities that I do because of that.”
Raver on her directorial debut
Raver recently directed her first episode of the show. Doing double duty, according to Raver, was a "mind-blowing" challenge. elaborating on the experience, Raver said, "Imagine you're driving a car, building a house, while teaching your kids how to ski and parachuting out of a plane… I loved every single minute of it. I feel like we get to tell the quintessential ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ story of people trying to find their way and how can we raise them up and support them. It’s like you get this beautiful story to tell, the huge responsibility of that as well.”
When asked about Teddy's future on the show, she said, “I can’t wait to see Teddy evolve in these new choices and in her work field and friendships and in her marriage.”
'Grey’s Anatomy' airs Thursday on ABC.