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'Grey's Anatomy': From Ellen Pompeo to Katherine Heigl, here's what cast members of ABC's show are doing now

Former cast members of 'Grey's Anatomy' are still making a positive impact through the industry

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Since its premiere in 2005, 'Grey's Anatomy' has become a television phenomenon, captivating audiences with its gripping medical drama and complex characters. Over its many seasons, the show has seen a revolving door of cast members, each leaving a lasting impression on fans.

As of 2024, several original and long-time cast members have moved on to new ventures, both within and outside the entertainment industry. From major roles in other television series and films to successful ventures behind the camera, the stars of 'Grey's Anatomy' have continued to thrive and evolve.

Some have taken on prominent roles in critically acclaimed projects, earning accolades and expanding their repertoires. Others have embraced opportunities in directing, producing, and even stage performances, demonstrating their multifaceted abilities.

Beyond their professional achievements, many cast members have also engaged in philanthropic efforts, using their platforms to advocate for various causes and make a positive impact in their communities.

Curious about what they're up to these days? Let's take a look at these famous stars' of 'Grey's Anatomy' recent endeavors.

Katherine Heigl played Dr. Izzie Stevens

Katherine Heigl's path to Grey's Anatomy was paved with diverse roles, from action films like 'Under Siege 2: Dark Territory' to the sci-fi series Roswell. But it was her portrayal of Dr. Izzie Stevens that brought her mainstream recognition.

Heigl successfully balanced her Grey's Anatomy commitments with forays into romantic comedies like '27 Dresses' and 'Knocked Up', even landing an Emmy Award for her supporting actress role in 2007. However, her career trajectory took an unexpected turn in 2008.

A public controversy arose when Heigl withdrew herself from Emmy consideration, citing a lack of worthy material. This was perceived as diva behavior, leading to her departure from Grey's Anatomy in season 6. Looking back, Heigl expressed regret about the incident.

Since leaving the medical drama, Heigl has continued acting in films like One for the Money and even took over the role of Samantha Wheeler in the final seasons of Suits. She has also ventured into producing, with the Netflix series 'Firefly Lane'. Her upcoming projects include the film 'That's Amore' alongside John Travolta.

Beyond her acting career, Heigl is a dedicated wife and mother, with two adopted children alongside her biological child. She's also a vocal advocate for adoption, animal welfare, and cancer awareness, adding another layer to her multifaceted life.

Ellen Pompeo played Dr. Meredith Grey

Ellen Pompeo, the face of 'Grey's Anatomy', has a career spanning beyond Seattle Grace Hospital. Before captivating audiences as Dr. Meredith Grey, she appeared in shows like 'Law & Order' and even landed roles in films like 'Moonlight Mile'. But it was Grey's Anatomy that truly launched her into stardom.

Pompeo's dedication to the show is undeniable, having been a core cast member since its 2005 debut. Though she recently scaled back to a recurring role, her voiceovers and appearances in season 20 ensure Meredith Grey's legacy continues.

While her on-screen chemistry with Patrick Dempsey was undeniable, a behind-the-scenes spat with Denzel Washington, a Season 12 director, garnered her some negative press.

Looking ahead, Pompeo is venturing beyond Grey's Anatomy.

She's producing an upcoming miniseries and remains an executive producer for both Grey's Anatomy and its spinoff, 'Station 19'. In her personal life, Pompeo is married to music producer Chris Ivery and they share three children.

Sandra Oh played Dr. Cristina Yang

Sandra Oh was no stranger to success before 'Grey's Anatomy'. From HBO's 'Arliss' to films like 'Sideways,' she'd already established herself in Hollywood. But it was her portrayal of the ambitious and dedicated Cristina Yang that catapulted her to global recognition. Cristina's journey, from surgical intern to cardiothoracic surgical fellow, resonated with fans for a decade.

Despite leaving Grey's Anatomy in 2014, Cristina Yang's legacy lives on, a testament to Oh's impactful performance. While fans yearn for her return, Oh has carved her own path. She took center stage in the critically acclaimed spy thriller Killing Eve, not only starring but also serving as an executive producer. This role garnered her a second Golden Globe, adding to the one she received for Grey's Anatomy.

Beyond live-action, Oh has lent her voice to animated features like Turning Red and popular shows like She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. With upcoming projects like the animated film ' The Tiger's Apprentice', the miniseries 'The Sympathizer', and the movie 'Stone Mattress', Oh's future is bright. In her personal life, Oh was previously married to director Alexander Payne, but they divorced in 2006.

James Pickens Jr played Dr. Richard Webber

A familiar face on screen before Grey's Anatomy, James Pickens Jr brought characters like Chuck Mitchell on Roseanne and Deputy Director Kersh on 'The X-Files' to life. But it's his portrayal of Dr. Richard Webber, the Chief of Surgery at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital, that truly cemented his place in pop culture history.

Dr. Webber's journey has been complex, with his battle with alcoholism resonating deeply with Pickens Jr Having witnessed his own father's struggles, he poured that experience into his performance, creating a portrayal that not only resonated with viewers but also helped many people understand the daily challenges of addiction.

Pickens Jr remains a core cast member on Grey's Anatomy, though he hasn't shied away from revisiting his Roseanne character in the recent reboot and its spinoff, 'The Conners.' When he's not captivating audiences on screen, Pickens Jr enjoys a fulfilling personal life with his wife, Gina Taylor, and their two children.

His dedication to his craft and his cultural contributions to television and film were further recognized with his induction into the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum in 2019.

Patrick Dempsey played Dr. Derek Shepherd

Patrick Dempsey was a heartthrob before 'Grey's Anatomy', with roles in films like 'Can't Buy Me Love'. But it was his portrayal of Derek Shepherd, the charming neurosurgeon nicknamed 'McDreamy', that cemented his place in pop culture history. Even his shocking departure in season 11 couldn't erase his impact, with McDreamy returning in flashbacks and dream sequences to this day.

Since leaving Grey's Anatomy, Dempsey has continued acting, appearing in movies like 'Bridget Jones's Baby' and the recent Disney sequel 'Disenchanted'. He's also a dedicated race car driver and philanthropist, founding the Patrick Dempsey Center for cancer patients in his home state of Maine.

In his personal life, Dempsey was briefly married in the late 80s before marrying his current wife, Jillian Fink, in 1999. They overcame a brief separation in 2015 and continue their marriage together with their three children.

Chandra Wilson played Dr. Miranda Bailey

Chandra Wilson's journey to 'Grey's Anatomy' wasn't a straight shot to stardom. After early stage work and small screen appearances, her breakout role as Dr. Miranda Bailey arrived. Bailey, the fierce yet nurturing general surgery resident who climbed the ranks at Grey Sloan Memorial, resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning Wilson four Emmy nominations.

Wilson's dedication continues to this day. She remains a core cast member on 'Grey's Anatomy' and has even ventured into directing, tackling an episode that explored Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, a cause close to her heart as her daughter was diagnosed with the condition.

Beyond Grey Sloan, Wilson expanded her presence in the Shondaland universe with appearances in 'Station 19'. A dedicated partner and mother of three, Wilson goes beyond the screen to advocate for Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome awareness, substance abuse treatment, and mental health support.

Sara Ramírez played Dr. Callie Torres

Before captivating audiences on 'Grey's Anatomy', Sara Ramírez was a Tony Award-winning stage actor. In 2005, their talent landed them the role of Dr. Callie Torres, a groundbreaking character who brought much-needed LGBTQ+ representation to primetime television. Ramírez, who identifies as bisexual and non-binary, actually pitched the idea of Callie's bisexuality to showrunner Shonda Rhimes, making Callie a beacon of inclusivity.

For eleven seasons, Ramírez brought Dr. Torres to life, an orthopedic resident who blossomed into a skilled attending surgeon. Their portrayal resonated deeply with viewers, and Ramírez has expressed immense gratitude for the experience.

Leaving Grey's Anatomy in 2016 didn't slow Ramírez down. They tackled diverse roles, playing political strategist Kat Sandoval on 'Madam Secretary' and the captivating Che Díaz on 'And Just Like That', a revival of 'Sex and the City'. Ramírez's voice acting talents also graced Disney's 'Sofia the First'.

In their personal life, Ramírez married Ryan DeBolt in 2012, though the couple separated in 2021. Despite this, Ramírez continues to be a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ representation and an inspiration to many.

Kate Walsh played Dr. Addison Montgomery

Kate Walsh, the face of both 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Private Practice,' wasn't always a household name. Before gracing Seattle Grace Hospital, she was known for her role as Nicki on 'The Drew Carey Show'. But in 2005, she landed the game-changing role of Dr. Addison Montgomery, a talented neonatal surgeon.

Addison's impact was so significant that it led to her own spin-off, Private Practice, in 2007. The show followed Addison's journey after she left Seattle for a new chapter in Los Angeles. Interestingly, Walsh seemed to have a feeling about Grey's Anatomy's potential. She told People magazine in 2021 that she had a premonition about the show's success, a testament to her good instincts.

Even after leaving Grey's Anatomy as a regular cast member, Addison remained a recurring character. When 'Private Practice' ended in 2013, Walsh ventured into other projects like '13 Reasons Why' and 'The Umbrella Academy'. Netflix's 'Emily in Paris' also added her to its cast. In a delightful turn of events, 2021 saw her officially return to Grey's Anatomy in a guest role.

Walsh's personal life includes a marriage to Alex Young that ended in 2010. Currently, she's engaged to Andrew Nixon, a connection sparked by an adventurous trip to Antarctica. From her early days on The Drew Carey Show to her ongoing legacy in the Shondaland universe, Kate Walsh's career path is an inspiring one.

Eric Dane played Dr. Mark Sloan

Eric Dane entered the world of Grey's Anatomy in Season 2, already familiar to fans of the fantasy series 'Charmed'. His arrival as Dr. Mark Sloan, the charming plastic surgeon with a rivalry (and nickname McSteamy) opposite McDreamy, instantly captured the hearts of viewers.

Though initially a core cast member, Dane opted to leave 'Grey's Anatomy' in 2012 to explore other opportunities. This led him to roles like Tom Chandler on TNT's 'The Last Ship'. In recent years, Dane has garnered acclaim for his portrayal of the complex and unsettling Cal Jacobs on HBO's 'Euphoria'. He also has upcoming film appearances in 'Borderline' and 'Bad Boys 4'.

Dane's personal life includes a marriage to actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004, with whom he shares two children. Though Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, even after that Dane continues to thrive professionally.

Chyler Leigh played Dr. Lexie Grey

Chyler Leigh's journey to 'Grey's Anatomy' began with comedic roles in films like 'Not Another Teen Movie' and the short-lived That '80s Show'. But in 2005, she landed a dramatic turn as Lexie Grey, Meredith's half-sister, on 'Grey's Anatomy;. Lexie's journey from surgical intern to resident was intertwined with a complex relationship with Dr. Mark Sloan.

Leigh's tenure on Grey's Anatomy was tragically cut short by the infamous Season 8 plane crash. However, she returned for a heartfelt moment in Season 17, appearing in one of Meredith's dream sequences.

Since leaving Grey Sloan Memorial, Leigh has soared in the superhero universe. She portrayed Alex Danvers, Supergirl's sister, on the CW's 'Supergirl' for six seasons. This role also led to appearances in other Arrowverse shows.

Currently, Leigh showcases her talent both in front of and behind the camera, starring in and producing The Way Home on the Hallmark Channel. In her personal life, Leigh has been married to actor Nathan West since 2002, and they share three children.

'Grey's Anatomy' is available for streaming on Disney+.