The Shocking New Careers: Where Is The Original Grey's Anatomy Cast Now In 2025?

The world of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital may feel timeless, but the lives of the original cast members of Grey's Anatomy have continued to evolve dramatically. As of December 2025, the medical drama is heading into its groundbreaking 21st season, yet only two of the original series regulars remain as full-time cast members, leaving fans constantly curious about the careers of the departed icons like Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd.

This deep dive provides the freshest updates on the actors who started it all, detailing their major new television series, film roles, and stage projects for 2025, alongside a look at the beloved veterans who are still walking the halls of the long-running ABC hit. The latest news confirms exciting new roles for the biggest names and a significant cast shakeup for the show's upcoming season.

Original Cast: The Anatomy of a Star's Biography and Career Evolution

The core five actors who launched Grey's Anatomy have become global television icons. Here is a quick look at their essential biographical details and their iconic run on the show.

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• Ellen Pompeo (Dr. Meredith Grey)
  • Born: November 10, 1969, Everett, Massachusetts, U.S.
  • Role on GA: Dr. Meredith Grey (2005–2023, recurring since 2023)
  • Status: Left as a series regular in Season 19 but continues to provide the voiceover and make recurring appearances.
• Patrick Dempsey (Dr. Derek Shepherd)
  • Born: January 13, 1966, Lewiston, Maine, U.S.
  • Role on GA: Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd (2005–2015, guest appearances)
  • Status: Departed in Season 11. Known for his career as an actor and professional race car driver.
• Sandra Oh (Dr. Cristina Yang)
  • Born: July 20, 1971, Nepean (Ottawa), Ontario, Canada.
  • Role on GA: Dr. Cristina Yang (2005–2014)
  • Status: Departed in Season 10. Went on to achieve massive critical acclaim in other projects.
• Chandra Wilson (Dr. Miranda Bailey)
  • Born: August 27, 1969, Houston, Texas, U.S.
  • Role on GA: Dr. Miranda Bailey (2005–Present)
  • Status: One of the two remaining original cast members who has appeared in every season.
• James Pickens Jr. (Dr. Richard Webber)
  • Born: October 26, 1954, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
  • Role on GA: Dr. Richard Webber (2005–Present)
  • Status: The other remaining original cast member, serving as the hospital's long-time chief and mentor.

The Original Stars' Major New Projects for 2025

The biggest question for fans is always, "What are they doing now?" The answer is that the original stars are busier than ever, moving into new genres and high-profile production deals. Their post-Grey Sloan careers are proving that there is life after a medical drama.

Ellen Pompeo: Trading Scrubs for a True-Crime Drama

After stepping back from her full-time role as Meredith Grey, Ellen Pompeo is launching her first major new television project in years. She is set to star in and executive produce the Hulu limited series, Good American Family, which is based on a true story. The series is highly anticipated and is scheduled to premiere on Hulu in March 2025.

Pompeo has also continued her work as a producer and advocate, focusing on elevating voices both on and off-screen, a passion she discussed at length during the 2025 Tribeca Festival.

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Patrick Dempsey: Returning to TV with a Thriller

Dr. Derek Shepherd, or "McDreamy," is making a major return to network television. Patrick Dempsey, who departed the show in Season 11, is slated to star in a new, high-stakes dramatic thriller for FOX.

The series, titled Memory of a Killer, has been ordered for the 2025–2026 broadcast season. Dempsey will take on a complex lead role, moving away from the medical drama genre that defined him for a decade. Fans are eager to see him in a new, darker role that showcases his versatility.

Sandra Oh: From 'Yang' to the Global Stage

Sandra Oh’s post-Grey's career has been marked by critical success in projects like Killing Eve and The Chair. Her career momentum continues into 2025 with multiple high-profile projects.

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• Stage Return: Oh is returning to the stage to star in the American premiere of Lucy Kirkwood's drama, The Welkin, presented by the Atlantic Theater Company.
• Film Projects: She is attached to the movie Good, the directorial debut of Aziz Ansari, which also features Seth Rogen and Keanu Reeves. Additionally, she is set to star in the 2025 sci-fi film Can I Get a Witness?

Oh is also actively involved in advocacy, headlining The Asian American Foundation’s (TAAF) identity campaign, which is rooted in data from the 2025 STAATUS Index.

Katherine Heigl: A Musical and an Entrepreneurial Move

Katherine Heigl, who played Dr. Izzie Stevens, has been busy with various projects, including her popular Netflix series Firefly Lane. Her latest updates show a pivot toward both comedy and entrepreneurship.

• Feature Film: Heigl is set to star opposite John Travolta in the upcoming musical movie, That's Amore! which has generated buzz for the pair’s on-screen chemistry.
• Business Ventures: In late 2024, she made a notable move into the lifestyle and entrepreneurial space, partnering with the brand Poise for a major campaign to destigmatize bladder leaks.

The Current State of Grey Sloan: Season 21 Cast Updates

While the original stars are off pursuing new ventures, the heart of Grey's Anatomy beats on. Season 21, set to premiere in late 2024, will see a mix of beloved veterans and the newer class of residents continuing the legacy of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

The Last Original Pillars

Only two actors from the pilot episode remain as full-time series regulars, providing a crucial link to the show's origins and the topical authority of the long-running medical drama:

• Chandra Wilson (Dr. Miranda Bailey): Dr. Bailey continues to be the moral compass and a powerhouse at the hospital, and Wilson is confirmed to return for Season 21, though her appearance may not be in every single episode.
• James Pickens Jr. (Dr. Richard Webber): The veteran chief is also confirmed to return, continuing his role as the longest-serving member of the hospital staff.

The Returning Core Cast and New Traumas

Season 21 will see the return of several key actors who have become the new foundation of the series. The show will continue to focus on the current class of surgical residents and their mentors.

• Camilla Luddington (Dr. Jo Wilson): A long-time fan favorite, Luddington is set to return as the fiercely dedicated surgeon.
• Harry Shum Jr. (Dr. Benson "Blue" Kwan): A key member of the new intern class, his character's journey will continue to be central.
• Jake Borelli (Dr. Levi Schmitt): Schmitt, who has been a series regular for several seasons, is also confirmed to be back.
• Debbie Allen (Dr. Catherine Fox): Allen remains a powerful presence both on-screen as Catherine Fox and behind the scenes as an executive producer and director.
• Midori Francis (Dr. Mika Yasuda): Another core member of the new intern class, Francis’s character arc is expected to deepen in the new season.

The upcoming season promises to bring fresh medical challenges and personal dramas, ensuring that Grey's Anatomy remains a powerhouse in the television landscape by balancing the legacy of the original cast with the energy of the new generation of doctors.