Sandra Oh has clarified why there is no group chat among the original cast members of Grey’s Anatomy, revealing that when she starred, such communication didn’t exist. Despite the long-running success of the series and the ongoing popularity of her character Cristina Yang, Oh remains apart from any reunion chats with former castmates.
With the 22nd season of Grey’s Anatomy airing, Oh acknowledged that while current actors likely maintain their own group chats, she decided to step away after her departure in 2014. Her continued gratitude for Cristina’s impact contrasts with her choice to leave that chapter of her career behind.
Why Sandra Oh Isn’t Part of a Grey’s Anatomy Cast Chat
During an October 13 interview at the New York City premiere of Good Fortune, Sandra Oh humorously addressed the topic of cast group chats, explaining,
Sweetheart, when I started this thing, there was no group chat,
she said.
There was barely a phone, so no.
She suggested that though there may be group chats among the current cast members of the ABC medical drama, she has been absent from such conversations for years, noting,
I’m sure there is a group chat on there, but I left a long time ago.
Reflecting on Cristina Yang and Her Time on the Show
Former Grey’s Anatomy star Sandra Oh remains appreciative of her character’s significance to fans yet views her role as part of her past. In an August 2021 conversation with Daily Pop, she remarked,
It’s really a time in my past. Also, I’m fully understanding the deep relationship that people have with Cristina.
Oh also acknowledged how the pandemic rekindled interest in Grey’s Anatomy, saying,
During the pandemic, I think a lot of people re-watched Grey’s because it is such a friend. It’s a great privilege to have been on a show like that.
The Challenges and Commitment Behind Creating Cristina Yang
Sandra Oh described her decade on Grey’s Anatomy as both rewarding and intensely demanding. During her 2025 Dartmouth College commencement address, she reflected on the struggles she faced by saying the period was
one of the most challenging decades
of her life.
She fought to shape Cristina’s character, stating,
I demanded a lot from myself and from the writers. If something bothered me in a script, I would fight for what I believed was right for the character of Cristina because I felt responsible for her.
Although this effort led to a memorable portrayal, it also created tension. Oh admitted,
my desire to make the dialogue fit and my belief that I knew what was best for the character also caused grief for the writers and for me.
Working Through Creative Differences with Shonda Rhimes
At a critical point during season six, when Sandra Oh and the writers reached an impasse, a conversation with series creator Shonda Rhimes helped her embrace new perspectives. She recalled,
The discomfort didn’t go away, but my relationship to it began to change.
Oh explained that surrendering control led to richer creative outcomes, saying,
When I stopped trying to bend things to my will and stayed open to my discomfort, a new thing came through—something that wasn’t just mine or just the writers, but something richer that gave me a deeper understanding of myself as the character, as an actor and as a collaborator.
She concluded,
Nothing has taught me more than being with discomfort. It can be our greatest learning opportunity, and it is also inevitable.
Where Some Grey’s Anatomy Cast Members Are Now
Since their time on Grey’s Anatomy, many former actors have moved on to varied projects in television and film, while some characters met emotional exits from the hospital halls of Seattle Grace.
Isaiah Washington’s Journey Post-Preston Burke
Isaiah Washington, who portrayed Preston Burke — the heart surgeon who famously left Cristina at the altar — departed from the show following reports of on-set conflicts. Washington later returned briefly in 2014. His character went on to open a hospital in Zurich, inviting Cristina to take over before retiring.
Washington publicly apologized for his past behavior, admitting,
I can also no longer deny to myself that there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul, and I’ve asked for help.
Since leaving Grey’s, he starred as Thelonious Jaha on The CW’s The 100 until his character’s death in season five and returned to critical acclaim with the Starz series P-Valley.
Katherine Heigl’s Departure and Career Shift
Katherine Heigl played Izzie Stevens, a character who battled cancer, married Alex Karev, then mysteriously vanished after season six. She later revealed her reluctance to continue the storyline, saying in 2015, “I’m done with that story.” Despite wanting to return, the series creator did not welcome her back.
After Grey’s, Heigl pursued a film career with a focus on romantic comedies before transitioning back to television through roles in series like State of Affairs, Doubt, and Firefly Lane, which aired until 2023.
Legacy of Edward Herrmann as Intern Norman
Edward Herrmann’s character Intern Norman appeared in season four, earning notice for his age and mishaps, such as mistakenly informing a patient she was dying. After experiencing a stroke, he transferred to psychiatry. Herrmann himself was best known for playing Richard Gilmore on Gilmore Girls and passed away in 2014.
Kali Rocha’s Recurring Role as Sydney Heron
Kali Rocha’s Sydney Heron was a bubbly resident covering for Bailey’s maternity leave, known for her relentlessly cheerful demeanor and a brief dating storyline with Derek Shepherd. Rocha reprised this role in season 21 (2024). She has since appeared in several series, including Disney’s Liv and Maddie and an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm in 2024.
T.R. Knight’s George O’Malley and His Tragic Exit
One of Grey’s Anatomy’s most heart-wrenching story arcs involved George O’Malley, who died after heroically saving a woman from a bus in season five. His death was compounded by behind-the-scenes conflicts, including tension following Isaiah Washington’s on-set misconduct. Knight struggled with his character’s reduced role and asked to leave the show.
Since then, Knight appeared in several shows such as The Catch, The Good Wife, and The Flight Attendant. Notably, he returned for an emotional episode in season 17 during Meredith’s COVID-19 coma.
Brooke Smith’s Role and Recent Projects
Brooke Smith portrayed Erica Hahn, who left Grey’s after a dramatic breakup influenced by ethical conflicts regarding patient care. Since departing, Smith has taken roles in shows like Bosch, Supergirl, and The Good Fight, as well as in films such as Bombshell. Recently, she appeared in Ryan Murphy‘s Grotesquerie, The Recruit, and The Hunting Party.
Brandon Scott and Other Supporting Actors
Brandon Scott, who played intern Ryan, exited early in season six and later appeared on series such as Dead To Me, 13 Reasons Why, This Is Us, and The Good Doctor.
Molly Kidder’s character Megan was involved in a complicated love triangle and disappeared after season six. Kidder has had a few screen appearances post-Grey’s, including a 2010 guest spot on Outsourced and a 2025 role as an extra in Ghosts.
Joe Williamson played intern Pierce, part of the love triangle, who was fired during hospital layoffs. Since then, Williamson has worked on projects like the 2019 film Ford v Ferrari.
Mark Saul’s Steve survived the layoffs and appeared through season eight but then vanished. He has since had roles in series like Franklin & Bash, Mom, Grace & Frankie, and I Think You Should Leave.
Recurring Characters and Their Post-Show Lives
Nurse Olivia, played by Sarah Utterback, was laid off during the season six overhaul but returned briefly in season 14. Utterback has since acted in shows like Reception, Mysteries of Laura, and appeared on 9-1-1 in 2024.
Gloria Garayua portrayed intern Graciella and has maintained a busy career, with roles in How to Get Away with Murder, S.W.A.T., The Good Doctor, and more. She recently appeared in a 2024 episode of Tracker.
Nora Zehetner’s Reed Adamson was killed in season six during a hospital shooting. Zehetner has appeared in Mad Men, Designated Survivor, and the 2019 series The Right Stuff, with credits continuing into 2025.
Robert Baker’s Charles Percy also died during the same shooting. Baker’s post-Grey’s roles include appearances on Riverdale, Modern Family, and most recently St. Denis Medical in 2025.
Rachael Taylor and Other Notable Alumni
Rachael Taylor’s Lucy Fields left Seattle to pursue an obstetrics-gynecology opportunity in Africa, a plot line that ended her presence on the show after season seven. Taylor is known for playing Trish on Netflix’s Jessica Jones and The Defenders, and appeared in the 2024 episode of Hacks.
Kate Walsh’s Return as Addison Montgomery
Kate Walsh’s Addison Montgomery, Derek Shepherd’s estranged wife, became a fan favorite through her own spinoff Private Practice. She last appeared regularly on Grey’s during the musical episode of season seven and returned in 2012 and again in 2023.
Walsh’s subsequent roles include parts in Fargo, Bad Judge, 13 Reasons Why, The Umbrella Academy, and Emily in Paris. In 2025, she appeared in an episode of Optics.
The Tragic Fates of Lexie Grey and Mark Sloan
Chyler Leigh’s Lexie Grey died tragically in the season eight plane crash, and Eric Dane’s Mark Sloan succumbed to his injuries days later. Both characters later reunited in Meredith’s coma-induced vision during season 17, symbolizing peace in the afterlife.
Leigh has since starred as Alex Danvers in Supergirl and more recently led Hallmark’s The Way Home. Dane moved on to star in TNT’s The Last Ship and the HBO series Euphoria. In April 2025, he disclosed his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Other Characters’ Storylines and Careers
Charles Michael Davis played Jason Myers, who dated Jo Wilson briefly before disappearing from the storyline. He has had notable roles on shows such as The Originals, Younger, and Chicago P.D..
Tina Majorino’s intern Heather Brooks died electrocution-related in season 10. She later appeared on Scorpion and The Good Doctor.
Geena Davis portrayed Dr. Nicole Herman, a fetal surgery mentor who left after a battle with a brain tumor and helped Arizona Robbins leave the show. Davis has appeared in The Exorcist, GLOW, and serves as a producer for Mission Unstoppable With Miranda Cosgrove.
Sandra Oh’s Post-Grey’s Career Highlights
After leaving Seattle Grace in season 10, Cristina Yang’s journey included recovering from trauma and taking over a hospital in Zurich at Preston Burke’s invitation. Today, Sandra Oh is a celebrated TV star, notably for her Golden Globe-winning performance as Eve in Killing Eve.
She also voices characters in Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power and Robert Kirkman’s animated show Invincible.
Gaius Charles’s Path as Shane Ross
Gaius Charles, who played the driven resident Shane Ross, followed Cristina to Zurich after nearly burning out. He is recognized for his roles in Friday Night Lights, Aquarius, Taken, and recently appeared on The Walking Dead: Dead City.
Patrick Dempsey’s Departure and Recent Roles
Patrick Dempsey’s Derek Shepherd spent time working in Washington, D.C., before his shocking death in season 11 following a car accident. Dempsey left the series to prioritize family and seek fresh projects, explaining,
it was hard to keep the storylines intriguing.
He has since starred in films like Bridget Jones’s Baby, TV series including The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair and Devils, and currently appears in Dexter: Original Sin. He also made brief returns to Grey’s in season 17 dream sequences.
Tessa Ferrer and Other Secondary Characters
Leah Murphy, portrayed by Tessa Ferrer, underwent a turbulent arc before being fired in season 10. Ferrer returned briefly in season 13 but disappeared again soon after. She later starred alongside George Clooney in Hulu’s adaptation of Catch-22 and appeared in Grotesquerie in 2024.
Sara Ramirez and Continued Roles
Sara Ramirez played Callie Torres, who moved on after a difficult custody battle and relationship struggles. Ramirez left Grey Sloan for new opportunities and has since portrayed characters like Che Diaz in HBO’s And Just Like That and voiced Amber in 2024’s Velma.
Samantha Sloyan’s Role as Penelope Blake
Penelope’s turbulent storyline involved working under Meredith and being part of Callie’s custody battle. Post-Grey’s, Samantha Sloyan appeared in The Haunting of Hill House, SEAL Team, and The Rookie. In 2025, she joined the cast of The Pitt.
Marika Dominczyk’s Controversial Instructor Role
Marika Dominczyk’s Eliza Minnick was a polarizing figure as a teaching attending in season 13 and was eventually fired for protocol violations. She later starred with her husband Scott Foley in ABC’s short-lived Whiskey Cavalier.
Jerrika Hinton’s Career Following Grey’s
Jerrika Hinton portrayed Stephanie Edwards, who left the hospital to seek new experiences after difficult personal losses. She appeared in HBO’s Here and Now and Amazon’s Hunters, and took on a role in the 2024 film The Accused.
Martin Henderson’s Departure and Recent Work
Martin Henderson’s Nathan Riggs left Grey Sloan after reuniting with fiancé Megan Hunt and moving to Los Angeles. Known for an early cameo in Britney Spears’ “Toxic” video, he appeared in the series Virgin River until 2024.
