Since its debut in 2005, Grey’s Anatomy has captured the hearts of millions and transformed its cast into household names. The long-running medical drama has taken fans on a journey of love, loss, growth, and resilience through the lives of doctors at Seattle Grace Hospital (now Grey Sloan Memorial). While some characters are still part of the series, many have moved on, both in the storyline and in real life. Here’s a look at what the original and beloved cast members look like today—and where their paths have led them.

Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey

Meredith Grey started as an intern and ended up being one of the most pivotal characters in the show’s history. Through heartbreaks, a plane crash, personal loss, and groundbreaking surgeries, she stood at the heart of the drama.

Ellen Pompeo played Meredith with emotional depth for nearly two decades. Though she scaled back her role in Season 19, she still narrates the show and remains involved behind the scenes. Offscreen, Pompeo is a mother of three and is producing and starring in a new Hulu series inspired by a chilling adoption story. Her fans continue to admire her evolution as both an actress and a producer.

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Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd

Dr. Derek Shepherd, better known as “McDreamy,” was central to the show’s romance and drama. His tragic death in Season 11 broke hearts across the globe, cementing his legacy as one of the most beloved characters in TV history.

Patrick Dempsey left Grey’s Anatomy in 2015 to pursue other opportunities and gain more control over his schedule. He returned briefly in Season 17 during Meredith’s dream sequences, much to the delight of fans. Since his departure, he’s starred in Devils, Disenchanted, and Ferrari. Dempsey was named “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2023 and continues to balance his career with his family life alongside wife Jillian and their three children.

Caterina Scorsone as Amelia Shepherd

Amelia Shepherd brought emotional depth and complex storylines to the series, stepping into her late brother Derek’s shoes as Head of Neurosurgery. Her character faced struggles with addiction, health crises, and motherhood.

Caterina Scorsone joined the cast from Private Practice and became a fan favorite. Outside of acting, she’s a passionate advocate for disability inclusion, inspired by her daughter’s Down syndrome diagnosis. She continues to work on Grey’s Anatomy while raising her three daughters with grace and resilience.

James Pickens Jr. as Richard Webber

Dr. Richard Webber has been the moral compass of Grey’s Anatomy since the pilot. He’s served as Chief of Surgery, mentor, and father figure to many characters. His journey has been filled with personal setbacks, professional triumphs, and heartfelt moments.

James Pickens Jr. remains a steady presence on the show. Beyond Grey’s, he’s appeared in The Conners, Roseanne, and Yellowstone. Married since 1984, he balances his acting career with a passion for music and family life.

Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang

Cristina Yang was known for her brilliance, ambition, and unshakable friendship with Meredith. She exited the show in Season 10 to take over a prestigious hospital in Switzerland, but her presence is still felt through references and heartfelt callbacks.

Sandra Oh has continued to shine post-Grey’s. She earned acclaim for her role in Killing Eve, winning a Golden Globe and making history as one of the first Asian women to host the Golden Globes. She’s also lent her voice to animated hits like Raya and the Last Dragon and Turning Red, showing incredible range across genres.

Justin Chambers as Alex Karev

Alex Karev went from arrogant intern to compassionate pediatric surgeon. His unexpected departure in Season 16, where he reconnected with Izzie and their twins, surprised many fans.

Justin Chambers said goodbye to the show in 2020 after 15 years, expressing his desire to explore new acting challenges. In 2022, he portrayed Marlon Brando in The Offer. A devoted husband and father of five, Chambers continues to expand his craft beyond his Grey’s roots.

Chyler Leigh as Lexie Grey

Lexie Grey brought heart, intelligence, and a tragic ending to the series. Her relationship with Mark Sloan and her death in the Season 8 plane crash left a lasting emotional impact.

Chyler Leigh returned briefly in Season 17 during Meredith’s dream sequences. After Grey’s, she starred in Supergirl and currently appears in The Way Home. Leigh has openly shared her experience living with bipolar disorder and uses her platform to promote mental health awareness.

Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt

Owen Hunt brought intensity and vulnerability to the hospital. A trauma surgeon with PTSD, his personal life included rocky relationships with Cristina, Amelia, and eventually Teddy Altman.

Kevin McKidd has directed over 30 episodes of Grey’s Anatomy while also taking on roles in films like Percy Jackson and voicing characters in Brave and Star Wars: Rebels. Off-screen, he has four children and continues to juggle fatherhood, acting, and directing.

Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres

Callie Torres was a bold, talented orthopedic surgeon and one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ characters on U.S. television. She moved to New York with Arizona and their daughter Sofia.

Sara Ramirez made history both on and off the screen. After leaving Grey’s, they starred in Madam Secretary and And Just Like That. In 2016, Ramirez came out as queer and bisexual, and later as nonbinary, using they/them pronouns. They’ve become a strong voice for LGBTQ+ representation in media.

T.R. Knight as George O’Malley

George O’Malley’s emotional exit in Season 5 remains one of the show’s most unforgettable moments. His selfless act of saving a stranger cemented his legacy.

T.R. Knight left the show due to creative disagreements but made a return in Season 17. He has since appeared in The Flight Attendant, The Good Wife, and Genius: Picasso. Knight married ballet dancer Patrick Leahy in 2013 and continues to enjoy a dynamic acting career.

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Eric Dane as Mark Sloan

Dr. “McSteamy” Mark Sloan made a splash with his charm and swagger. His tragic death following the plane crash devastated fans.

Eric Dane moved on to lead The Last Ship and currently stars in Euphoria. He’s also taken on several film roles. Although his marriage to Rebecca Gayheart ended in divorce, they continue to co-parent their two daughters.

Isaiah Washington as Preston Burke

Preston Burke was a gifted cardiothoracic surgeon who exited the series after leaving Cristina at the altar. Off-screen, Isaiah Washington’s departure followed controversy, but he returned briefly in Season 10.

Since then, Washington has starred in The 100 and Corsicana. Married since 1996, he has remained active in film and television despite his turbulent exit from the show.

Kate Walsh as Addison Montgomery

Addison Montgomery arrived in Grey’s with drama, challenging Meredith and Derek’s relationship. She later earned her own series, Private Practice.

Kate Walsh has made multiple returns to Grey’s Anatomy and appeared in shows like 13 Reasons Why, The Umbrella Academy, and Emily in Paris. She announced her engagement to Andrew Nixon in 2022 and continues to balance a thriving personal and professional life.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Seeing how the cast of Grey’s Anatomy has evolved over the years is a testament to the show’s legacy. These stars have not only shaped television history but continue to break new ground in entertainment, advocacy, and beyond. As Grey’s Anatomy carries on, the impact of these unforgettable characters and the actors behind them remains stronger than ever.