5 Shocking New Directions Katherine Heigl Is Taking In 2025 (Beyond Tully Hart)

Katherine Heigl, the actress who captured global audiences as Dr. Izzie Stevens on Grey’s Anatomy and became the undisputed queen of 2000s romantic comedies, is currently undergoing a massive and fascinating career evolution in 2025. After the massive success of her return to television in the Netflix hit Firefly Lane, Heigl is not slowing down; she is actively pivoting into new creative territories that showcase her multi-faceted talents as an artist, producer, and activist.

As of December 2025, Heigl is balancing a major new limited series project with a surprising foray into the visual arts alongside her husband, musician Josh Kelley. This comprehensive look dives into her latest professional moves, her enduring legacy, and the personal life details that continue to inspire her work.

Katherine Heigl: A Complete Biography and Profile

Full Name: Katherine Marie Heigl
Born: November 24, 1978, in Washington D.C.
Early Life: Heigl is the youngest of four children. After the tragic death of her older brother, Jason, in 1986, her family relocated to New Canaan, Connecticut. Her career began at the age of nine when an aunt sent photos to a modeling agency.
Career Start: She signed with Wilhelmina Models as a child model, which led to her film debut in That Night (1992).
Breakthrough Roles: Her first major TV role was Isabel Evans in the sci-fi drama Roswell (1999–2002). Her career exploded with the role of Dr. Izzie Stevens on the medical drama Grey's Anatomy (2005–2010), for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2007. She also starred in major romantic comedies like Knocked Up (2007) and 27 Dresses (2008).
Recent Television: She starred as the lead in the Netflix drama Firefly Lane (2021–2023) as Tully Hart.
Husband: Josh Kelley (married since 2007)
Children: Naleigh Moon Kelley (adopted from South Korea), Adalaide Marie Hope Kelley (adopted domestically), and Joshua Bishop Kelley Jr. (biological son).
Activism: She is a passionate animal rights advocate and co-founder of the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, established in honor of her late brother, which focuses on animal welfare.

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1. The New Limited Series: Heigl’s Return to Historical Drama with 'Woodhull'

Following the successful conclusion of Firefly Lane, where her performance as the complex and ambitious Tully Hart earned critical praise and solidified her position as a streaming powerhouse, Katherine Heigl is already set to star in her next major television project: the limited series Woodhull.

This upcoming project is a significant shift in genre, moving away from contemporary drama and back into a historical setting. While details are still emerging, the series is expected to be a passion project that allows Heigl to tackle a challenging, period role.

Heigl has often expressed her desire to take on roles with depth and complexity, a trend she began to explore with her executive producer role on the short-lived NBC series State of Affairs. The role in Woodhull is anticipated to be one of her most intense and character-driven performances yet, further proving her versatility beyond the romantic comedy genre she once dominated.

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2. A Surprising Pivot to Art: The 'Mountain Love Song' Exhibition (2025)

Perhaps the freshest and most unique development in Katherine Heigl's 2025 calendar is her foray into the visual arts. In a move that surprised many fans, she is scheduled to debut a joint art exhibition with her husband, musician Josh Kelley, titled "Mountain Love Song."

The exhibition is set to open at Gallery MAR in Park City, Utah, in January 2025, coinciding with the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.

This showcase highlights Heigl’s multidisciplinary talents, with the gallery describing her as an "actress, artist, and activist." The works displayed are expected to reflect the couple's life in Utah, where they reside, focusing on themes of nature, family, and their shared creative journey. This art project is a powerful example of her current focus on personal expression and creative control.

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3. The Enduring Legacy of Tully Hart and 'Firefly Lane'

While the series concluded in 2023, the success of Firefly Lane remains a cornerstone of Heigl's recent career. The show, based on the novel by Kristin Hannah, chronicled the 30-year friendship between Tully Hart (Heigl) and Kate Mularkey (Sarah Chalke).

The series resonated deeply with audiences, not only for its emotional storytelling but also for Heigl’s powerful portrayal of Tully, a character who was often misunderstood and fiercely independent. The show’s popularity on Netflix solidified Heigl's status as a top-tier streaming talent and proved her ability to anchor a long-running, character-driven drama after her departure from Grey's Anatomy.

The themes of female friendship, career ambition, and navigating complex personal challenges in Firefly Lane have become a key part of her topical authority in modern television.

4. The Power of Producing: Taking Creative Control

Heigl’s career shift is marked by a conscious move into executive producing. She is not just an actress for hire; she is actively involved in the development and shaping of her projects. This was evident in her work on State of Affairs, and it continues with her involvement in the upcoming Woodhull series.

By taking on a producer role, Heigl gains creative control over the narrative and the character, ensuring the stories she tells are meaningful and align with her personal values. This behind-the-scenes work is a crucial part of her current professional identity, allowing her to transition from a sought-after leading lady to a powerful industry figure.

5. The Continued Focus on Family and Activism

Beyond the screen, Heigl’s personal life remains a significant part of her public profile, particularly her commitment to family and animal welfare. Her decision to live on a ranch in Utah with her husband, Josh Kelley, and their three children—Naleigh Moon, Adalaide Marie Hope, and Joshua Bishop Jr.—reflects a deliberate choice to prioritize her private life.

Heigl is a vocal advocate for adoption, having adopted two of her children. Her openness about her family life and the challenges of balancing career and motherhood provides a relatable and authentic public image.

Furthermore, her Jason Debus Heigl Foundation continues its vital work in animal rescue, spay/neuter programs, and advocating for adoption. This consistent, long-term activism is an indelible part of her brand, demonstrating a commitment to causes far beyond the entertainment industry.

In 2025, Katherine Heigl is clearly embracing a new chapter. By expanding her creative portfolio into the art world, pursuing challenging new acting roles like Woodhull, and maintaining her executive producer status, she is redefining her career on her own terms, moving confidently beyond the shadow of Dr. Izzie Stevens and Tully Hart.