The Ultimate 'Grey's Anatomy' Where Are They Now? 10 Stars And Their Shocking 2025/2026 New Projects

The world of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital may be in its third decade, but the careers of its most iconic residents have moved far beyond Seattle. For fans who still miss the original "M.A.G.I.C." crew and the surgeons who followed, the question of "where are they now?" is more relevant than ever, especially with the show confirmed for its 22nd season. As of December 2025, many former stars are making major waves in new projects, from network thrillers to Broadway stages, proving there is life—and massive success—after scrubbing out of *Grey's Anatomy*.

From a beloved neurosurgeon returning to network television in a major new series to a fan-favorite doctor making a powerful statement with a new role inspired by a personal health battle, the original cast is busier than ever. Keep reading for the freshest, most up-to-date look at the career trajectories of the actors who defined the golden era of the world's longest-running medical drama.

The Original Surgeons: Comprehensive Career Profiles and Biographies

The foundation of *Grey's Anatomy* was built on the shoulders of its initial cast. Here is a look at the essential biographical details and career highlights for the actors who played the most pivotal roles in the show’s history, including the actors who continue to anchor the series today.

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• Ellen Pompeo (Dr. Meredith Grey): Born November 10, 1969, in Everett, Massachusetts. A Golden Globe nominee, Pompeo stepped back from her series regular role in Season 19 but continues to serve as an executive producer and appears in guest roles.
• Patrick Dempsey (Dr. Derek Shepherd): Born January 13, 1966, in Lewiston, Maine. Known as "McDreamy," Dempsey is also a professional race car driver. He earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role in *Grey's*.
• Sandra Oh (Dr. Cristina Yang): Born July 20, 1971, in Nepean (now Ottawa), Ontario, Canada. Oh is a two-time Golden Globe winner and multiple Emmy nominee, celebrated for her work both on *Grey's* and in her post-show career.
• Justin Chambers (Dr. Alex Karev): Born July 11, 1970, in Springfield, Ohio. A former model, Chambers was one of the five original cast members, playing the role of Alex Karev for 15 years.
• Katherine Heigl (Dr. Izzie Stevens): Born November 24, 1978, in Washington, D.C. An Emmy winner for her role as Izzie, Heigl has also starred in numerous successful romantic comedies.
• T.R. Knight (Dr. George O'Malley): Born March 26, 1973, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Knight is a respected stage actor who returned for a memorable guest appearance in Season 17.
• Eric Dane (Dr. Mark Sloan): Born November 9, 1972, in San Francisco, California. Known as "McSteamy," Dane has had significant roles in other major TV dramas since his departure from *Grey's*.
• Chandra Wilson (Dr. Miranda Bailey): Born August 27, 1969, in Houston, Texas. Wilson is a multiple Emmy nominee and has directed several episodes of the series, remaining one of the show’s longest-serving stars.
• James Pickens Jr. (Dr. Richard Webber): Born October 26, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio. Along with Wilson, Pickens Jr. is one of the two remaining original cast members who have been series regulars since the pilot episode.

The Core Five: Meredith, Derek, Cristina, Alex, and Izzie’s Latest Moves

The original five interns—Meredith, Cristina, Izzie, George, and Alex—defined the early 2000s television landscape. While their time together at Seattle Grace is long over, their careers are flourishing in major new ways, with several actors taking on their biggest roles since leaving the medical drama.

Patrick Dempsey Trades Scrubs for a Serial Killer Thriller

The biggest news for fans of Dr. Derek Shepherd, or "McDreamy," is his highly anticipated return to network television. After his acclaimed role in the 2023 film *Ferrari*, Patrick Dempsey is set to star in the new Fox drama series, *Memory of a Killer*, which is slated for the 2025–2026 season. Dempsey will take on the complex lead role in the psychological thriller, marking his first major network TV role since his departure from *Grey's* in 2015. This move signals a significant shift from his romantic drama roots to a darker, more intense genre, exciting fans who want to see him tackle a new kind of "complex" character.

Ellen Pompeo’s Producing Power and Hulu Return

While Ellen Pompeo’s chapter as a series regular on *Grey's Anatomy* has largely closed, her influence on the show remains strong as an executive producer. She is confirmed to return for guest appearances in the upcoming Season 22, which is set to premiere in the Fall of 2025. Beyond the hospital, Pompeo is pivoting to new projects, including the upcoming Hulu series *GOOD AMERICAN FAMILY*, which is expected in 2025. This role showcases her focus on producing and advocating for change in the industry, using her platform to elevate voices both on and off-screen.

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Sandra Oh’s Post-Grey’s Reign and Honorary Doctor Title

Sandra Oh, who played the fiercely ambitious Dr. Cristina Yang, has had one of the most successful post-*Grey's* careers, starring as Eve Polastri in the critically acclaimed series *Killing Eve*. In a fun, real-life twist that echoes her iconic character, Oh received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Dartmouth College during their 2025 commencement ceremony. While she has long maintained a "hard no" on returning to the medical drama, recent reports suggest she may be changing her tune on a potential future appearance, though she has not returned since her 2014 departure.

Justin Chambers and Katherine Heigl’s Dramatic Turns

Justin Chambers (Alex Karev) has been actively pursuing roles that challenge his 15-year tenure as the beloved pediatric surgeon. He has expressed a desire for more "antagonistic" characters. His recent major roles include portraying acting legend Marlon Brando in the Paramount+ series *The Offer* and a guest arc in the anthology drama *Accused*.

Meanwhile, Katherine Heigl (Izzie Stevens) has found a massive new audience on streaming television. She starred as Tully Hart in the popular Netflix series *Firefly Lane*, which concluded its run but solidified her status as a major streaming star.

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The Long-Term Legacy: Bailey, Webber, and the Other Departed Stars

The longevity of *Grey's Anatomy* is a testament to the characters who have remained and those who have made powerful exits. The show’s current backbone, Dr. Miranda Bailey and Dr. Richard Webber, are confirmed to continue their roles, while other departed stars are breaking new ground in theater and other TV dramas.

The Anchors: Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr.

The only two remaining actors who have been series regulars since the pilot, Chandra Wilson (Miranda Bailey) and James Pickens Jr. (Richard Webber), are confirmed to return for the show's landmark Season 22, premiering in the Fall of 2025. Their characters remain the moral and institutional anchors of Grey Sloan Memorial, with Wilson also continuing her work as a director on the series.

T.R. Knight’s Broadway Comeback

Following his emotional return in Season 17, T.R. Knight (George O’Malley) is focusing heavily on his theater roots. He is set to star as Victor Creel in the highly anticipated Broadway and West End prequel play, *Stranger Things: The First Shadow*, with its New York run expected to begin in 2025. This major theatrical role marks a significant return to the stage for the Emmy-nominated actor.

Eric Dane’s Powerful New Role

Eric Dane (Mark Sloan, or "McSteamy") has taken on a guest-starring role in the NBC drama *Brilliant Minds*, where he plays a character with ALS. Dane, who announced his own ALS diagnosis in April 2025, has publicly stated that he plans to focus his career on roles that shed light on the disease, using his personal health journey to inform his acting and advocacy. This commitment to a new direction is a powerful and inspiring move for the veteran actor.

The 'Japril' Duo and Sara Ramirez’s Continued Evolution

The fan-favorite couple, Jackson Avery and April Kepner, played by Jesse Williams and Sarah Drew, have both expressed openness to returning to the *Grey's* universe, especially after their popular guest appearances. In the meantime, Drew is starring in the new Hallmark+ series *Mistletoe...* while Williams has been busy with film projects, including the upcoming emotional summer movie *What We Hide*.

Sara Ramirez (Callie Torres), who departed the show in 2016, has recently been starring as the controversial non-binary comedian Che Diaz in the *Sex and the City* sequel series, *And Just Like That...* Ramirez, who is also a Tony Award-winning singer and activist, continues to take on groundbreaking roles that push boundaries in network and streaming television.