‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Cast Transformations: See the Stars Then Vs. Now

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May 18, 2023 2:16PM EDT
Grey's Anatomy
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‘Grey’s Anatomy’ has had many actors and actresses over the years. In honor of the show’s upcoming 20th season, here are some of their then and now transformations.

Grey’s Anatomy premiered in 2005 on ABC and became an instant fan-favorite. Viewers fell in love with Meredith, Cristina, George, Izzie, Derek, and the rest of the doctors at Seattle Grace, which is now named Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

The show is gearing up for season 20, and there have been major cast changes over the years. However, veterans like Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, and James Pickens Jr. are still on the show and have been since the very first season. The cast members, whether they’ve stayed on the show or not, are still part of the Grey’s Anatomy family. Take a look back at Grey’s Anatomy cast members then and now in our gallery!

1 of 19

Ellen Pompeo

Ellen Pompeo
AP

Ellen Pompeo has been on the show since its premiere in 2005. She is one of only 3 original cast members still on the show. Fans have fallen in love with Meredith Grey and have watched her become an incredible surgeon, a mother, and more. 

May 26, 2022, 5:15PM
2 of 19

Patrick Dempsey

Patrick Dempsey
AP

Patrick Dempsey became one of TV’s most swoonworthy stars when he was cast as Dr. Derek Shepherd, a.k.a. McDreamy. He was a series regular from season 1 until season 11. He returned in season 17. 

November 15, 2020, 8:30PM
3 of 19

Sandra Oh

Sandra Oh
AP

Sandra Oh played Dr. Cristina Yang from season 1 until season 10. During her run, Sandra was nominated for a number of Golden Globes and Emmys for her portrayal of Cristina. 

November 15, 2020, 8:30PM
4 of 19

Chandra Wilson

Chandra Wilson
AP

Chandra Wilson is one of the original cast members still on ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ She’s played the legendary Dr. Miranda Bailey since the pilot episode. 

November 15, 2020, 8:29PM
5 of 19

Justin Chambers

Justin Chambers
AP

Justin Chambers starred as Dr. Alex Karev from season 1 until season 16. In the middle of season 16, Justin announced his departure from the show and Alex went off to be with Izzie and their twins. 

November 15, 2020, 8:30PM
6 of 19

Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl
AP

Katherine Heigl’s Dr. Izzie Stevens started out as one of the original interns. Katherine was on the show from season 1 until season 6 and won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2007.

November 15, 2020, 8:30PM
7 of 19

Giacomo Gianniotti

Giacomo Gianniotti
Shutterstock

Giacomo Gianniotti started playing Dr. Andrew DeLuca in season 11. He’s been a series regular since season 12. 

November 18, 2020, 4:12PM
8 of 19

James Pickens Jr.

James Pickens Jr.
AP

James Pickens Jr. is one of only three original cast members left. He’s starred as Dr. Richard Webber since season 1. 

November 15, 2020, 8:30PM
9 of 19

Kevin McKidd

Kevin McKidd
AP

Kevin McKidd has played Dr. Owen Hunt since season 5. In addition to being a series regular, he has directed a number of episodes. 

November 15, 2020, 8:30PM
10 of 19

Kim Raver

Kim Raver
AP

Kim Raver started playing Dr. Teddy Altman in season 6. She left after 3 seasons and then returned in season 14. She’s been a series regular ever since. 

November 15, 2020, 8:30PM
11 of 19

T.R. Knight

T.R. Knight
AP

T.R. Knight was one of the original cast members on ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ He played Dr. George O’Malley from season 1 until season 5. George died after getting into a bus accident. 

November 15, 2020, 8:30PM
12 of 19

Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams
Shutterstock

Jesse Williams began recurring as Dr. Jackson Avery in season 6. He joined the show full time in season 7 and has been a part of the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ family ever since.

November 18, 2020, 4:12PM
13 of 19

Caterina Scorsone

Caterina Scorsone
Shutterstock

Caterina Scorsone actually first started out as Dr. Amelia Shepherd on the spinoff series ‘Private Practice.’ She then moved over to ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ in season 11 and has been a series regular ever since. 

November 18, 2020, 4:12PM
14 of 19

Eric Dane

Eric Dane
AP

Eric Dane starred on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ as Dr. Mark Sloan from season 2 until season 9. Eric’s character died as a result of injuries suffered in the season 8 plane crash. 

November 15, 2020, 8:29PM
15 of 19

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez
AP

Sara Ramirez was cast as Dr. Callie Torres in season 2. They became a series regular in season 3 and stayed on the show until season 12. 

November 15, 2020, 8:30PM
16 of 19

Kate Walsh

Kate Walsh
AP

Kate Walsh first showed up as Dr. Addison Montgomery, Derek’s estranged wife, at the end of season 1. She was a series regular for seasons 2 and 3. Kate’s character got her own spinoff, ‘Private Practice,’ which aired from 2007 to 2013.

November 15, 2020, 8:30PM
17 of 19

Chyler Leigh

Chyler Leigh
AP

Chyler Leigh made her first appearance as Dr. Lexie Grey in season 3 and became a series regular in season 4. She was on the show until her character was killed off in season 8. 

November 15, 2020, 8:29PM
18 of 19

Isaiah Washington

Isaiah Washington
AP

Isaiah Washington starred as Dr. Preston Burke for the first 3 seasons. He was fired after season 3 after he allegedly used a homophobic slur. Burke returned in season 10 in honor of Cristina’s sendoff. 

November 15, 2020, 8:29PM
19 of 19

Jessica Capshaw

Jessica Capshaw
AP

Jessica Capshaw began playing Dr. Arizona Robbins in season 5. She left the show after season 14.

November 15, 2020, 8:30PM