Warning: This article discusses topics such as suicide, terminal illnesses, and homophobia.
There are several former and currentGrey’s Anatomyactors who also star in some brilliant TV shows and movies.TheGrey’s Anatomycharacters are known as cheats, deceivers, and irresponsible at times, but they are also equally charming, loyal, and dedicated to their roles. By appearing in one ofthe best medical dramas of all time, each member of the show’s cast is prepared to take on all manner of enthralling roles in other projects.
TheGrey’s Anatomyseason 21 character lineup is very different now compared to the show’s beginning.Many of the biggest names to come out ofGrey’s Anatomy, such as Patrick Dempsey and Sandra Oh, have gone on to appear in some of the best TV and movie titles ever.Grey’s Anatomyis a huge launching point for an actor’s career, and these cast members continue to prove just how talented they are outside the show.
Grey’s Anatomy Season 21: Release Date, Cast, Story, Trailer & Everything We Know
No medical drama has had the staying power of Grey’s Anatomy, and the long-running ABC series returns for its landmark 21st season
827 Dresses
Starring Katherine Heigl As Jane Nichols
27 Dressesfamously stars Katherine Heigl as protagonist Jane Nichols, who also portrays Izzie Stevens inGrey’s Anatomy.Heigl is a fabulous leading lady in27 Dresses,a story about Jane’s never-ending role as a bridesmaid for all of her friends, yet she never gets to be the bride herself. She is brilliant opposite James Marsden as her love interest, Kevin Doyle, a man who sees Jane as a potential way to boost his career as a reporter.
27 Dressesalso starsGrey’s Anatomy’s Alexa Havins as one of the many brides Jane assists, as well as Jennifer Bassey as Jane’s aunt.
Unfortunately for Jane, Kevin’s cynicism is an obstacle, mainly because he doesn’t agree with her views on marriage. Despite this, Jane tries her best to be loyal to her sister Tess, who is marrying her boss and crush, George.Heigl’s talents as a dramatic actress are rather apparent in27 Dresses,and it’s heartbreaking to see her maintain her composure as she plans a wedding for a man who doesn’t want to be with her sister.27 Dressesalso starsGrey’s Anatomy’s Alexa Havins as one of the many brides Jane assists, as well as Jennifer Bassey as Jane’s aunt.
27 Dresses
Cast
27 Dresses is a romantic comedy film directed by Anne Fletcher, starring Katherine Heigl as Jane Nichols. Released in 2008, the film follows Jane, a perpetual bridesmaid who has served in 27 weddings. Her steadfast commitment is tested when her sister becomes engaged to the man Jane secretly loves. The film explores themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth.
7The Sex Lives Of College Girls
Starring Midori Francis As Alicia
Mika Yasuda’s actress Midori Francis is also known for her role as Alicia inThe Sex Lives of College Girls, one ofthe most exciting LGBTQ+ shows airing in 2024. The hilarious show introduces Alicia as Leighton’s girlfriend, whose deep-rooted internalized homophobia causes the pair some issues. However, in the season 2 finale, Leighton breaks up with her current partner and returns to Alicia.Francis’ chemistry with Leighton actress Reneé Rapp is absolutely stellar,and the way theGrey’s Anatomyfavorite handles the two’s most important storylines is worth applauding.
As Leighton is due to come back forThe Sex Lives of College Girlsseason 3as a recurring character rather than a main one, it’s unclear whether Francis will also be with her or not. However, it’s hopeful that she will make an appearance as Alicia, especially since Mika is endingGrey’s Anatomyseason 21’s best romanceas she departs the show.Both Francis and Alicia identify under the queer umbrella, which makes the actress’ portrayal of her character that much more authentic.
The Sex Lives of College Girls
This comedy-drama series follows four diverse college roommates navigating life at New England’s prestigious Essex College. As they experience newfound independence, they encounter personal and academic challenges. Created by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, the series captures the complexities and humor of self-discovery and campus life.
6Glee
Starring Harry Shum Jr. As Mike Chang Jr.
Harry Shum Jr.’s most notable role is Mike Chang Jr. inGlee,in the years before his appearance inGrey’s Anatomyas Dr. Benson “Blue” Kwan.Mike is a fantastic part of theGleecastwho initially joins the show as a shy football player, but as it progresses, his dance abilities bring him further into the spotlight. Overall, Mike is a sweetheart, and his romance with Tina is one of the most compelling pairings in the show.
While Shum Jr. is going to be forever remembered as Mike, it’s great that the actor has made such a splash in the world of cinema as well.
Harry Shum Jr. is most recently known for being a part ofGrey’s Anatomy, but the actor has also starred in several massive titles since leavingGlee. Shum Jr. also portrays Charlie Wu in Jon M. Chu’sCrazy Rich Asiansand Chad inEverything Everywhere All at Once, both of which have achieved critical acclaim. While Shum Jr. is going to be forever remembered as Mike, it’s great that the actor has made such a splash in the world of cinema as well.
5Enchanted & Disenchanted
Starring Patrick Dempsey As Robert Philip
Enchanted,one ofthe best original live-action Disney moviesever, features Patrick Dempsey as romantic lead Robert Philip.Robert differs greatly compared to Dempsey inGrey’s Anatomy, mainly because he isn’t a passionate individual like Derek Shepherd. However, one thing that the two can relate to is the exhaustion of working long hours.Derek and Meredith’s relationship inGrey’s Anatomyis one of the driving forces of the show’s earlier seasons, but one thing that it shares with Robert’s love story with Giselle is that both romances get off to an awkward start.
After their happy ending inEnchanted, Robert is a significantly more open-minded and relaxed figure with his new family in the sequel,Disenchanted. InDisenchanted, there are a lot more similarities between Robert and Dr. McDreamy. Dempsey is an astounding actor in both movies, andRobert’s reluctance to embrace the fairytale presented to him highlights how powerful the actor is in general,but especially in tales about passion and true love.
Enchanted
Starring Amy Adams as Giselle, Enchanted follows its heroine as she is cast out of her animated fantasy world by an evil queen, ending up in the middle of New York City where she meets Robert, a jaded lawyer who reluctantly takes the clueless Giselle in. As Giselle begins to adjust to life in the real world, and her relationship with Robert deepens, she must reconcile what she thought she wanted with where life has taken her. Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, and Susan Sarandon also star.
Disenchanted
Disenchanted takes place fifteen years after the original film, Enchanted. It follows Amy Adams as Giselle Phillip, her husband Robert (Patrick Dempsey), and their family as they’ve left Manhattan for the suburbs. But, unfortunately, Giselle has found her life outside of the fantasy isn’t quite as cracked up to be - real-world issues rear their heads, and now she finds herself wishing life was more like a fairy tale. However, due to meddling by the head of the neighborhood community, Malvina Monroe, and a spell gone wrong,
4Killing Eve
Starring Sandra Oh As Eve Polastri
Killing Evesees Sandra Oh as the titular character, a British intelligence investigator whose cat-and-mouse game with Jodie Comer’s Villanelle is simply spectacular. In comparison to Cristina Yang,Oh’s performance inKilling Eveproves that she is anactress who has reinvented themselves after being typecast.Cristina Yang inGrey’s Anatomyis a powerhouse of a character, and her strength and independence are also apparent in Eve Polastri. However, Eve lets herself be vulnerable when needed, something that Cristina struggles with at times.
While Oh and Meredith Grey actress Ellen Pompeo have an incredible rapport inGrey’s Anatomy, with a particularly special friendship between the characters, Oh’s back-and-forth with Comer easily rivals it.The extreme tension and anticipation that every season ofKilling Evepresents through their bizarre relationship is mainly thanks to Oh’s efforts,which have resulted in her multiple BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations. EvenKilling Eve’s season 4 finaleis an absolute titan of an episode, and the thrilling conclusion to the show shows just how talented a performer Oh is.
Killing Eve
Killing Eve is a black comedy thriller series starring Sandra Oh as British intelligence officer Eve Polastri who is assigned to track and capture a dangerous assassin named Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer. Bored with her life, Eve finds herself hired by an undercover MI6 division tasked with tracking down Villanelle - who, after just a brief time studying and following her, she becomes obsessed with her. However, the obsession becomes mutual as soon the two enter a game of cat and mouse that deviates them from their missions as they venture to learn more about one another.
313 Reasons Why
Starring Kate Walsh As Olivia Baker
Kate Walsh makes a name for herself as Addison Shepherd inGrey’s Anatomy, but the actress is also known for her role as Olivia Baker in13 Reasons Why. Although Mrs. Baker isn’t one ofHannah Baker’s 13 reasons, Olivia’s impact on the story is still prominent. The Bakers' reaction to their daughter’s suicide is painful and heartwrenching, andWalsh’s performance as Hannah’s grieving mother is beautifully realistic.Her lawsuit against the school in season 2 is gritty, and Walsh does an amazing job at translating Olivia’s pain to the screen.
Her divorce from Andy, following his unexpected affair, is also a fascinating subplot in13 Reasons Why.Walsh is remarkable as Olivia in these scenes, and she is especially powerful in moments where her character mourns both her daughter and her marriage. Addison Shepherd is often an abrupt and outspoken character, albeit with a softer side, but playing Olivia allows Walsh to slip into the shoes of a character who lets herself feel pain rather than simply pushing through her trauma.
13 Reasons Why
After Hannah Baker takes her own life, her classmate Clay Jensen, who had a crush on her, receives a set of tapes narrated by Hannah, stating that they were sent to each person behind the 13 reasons that she committed suicide.
2Firefly Lane
Starring Katherine Heigl As Tully Hart
Firefly Laneis one ofKatherine Heigl’s projects sinceGrey’s Anatomy.WhileFirefly Lanehas only two installments, unfortunately, it does contain one of her very best characters, Tully Hart. Her chemistry withScrubsalum Sarah Chalke as Kate Mularkey is fantastic, especially as the two characters are so different. The contrast between the best friends is very clear from episode 1, and Tully’s brashness is a great color on Heigl.
The ending ofFirefly Laneseason 2, part 2is truly devastating, but Kate’s breast cancer diagnosis brings her and Tully closer together after years of the pair following their own paths.The pain Heigl conveys is similar to Izzie Stevens’ harrowing brain tumor storyline,but with Tully facing the same difficulties that Alex Karev experiences. Tully is alone in the final episode, and Kate’s demise allows Heigl to dominateFirefly Lane’s captivating finale. Her profound performance in the entirety ofFirefly Lane, but particularly in the last episode, demonstrates just why Katherine Heigl is such a remarkable performer.
Firefly Lane
Firefly Lane is a comedy/drama series that shows the friendship between the unlikely duo Tully and Kate, who met at age fourteen, but they couldn’t be more different. Tully is the brash and bold girl you can’t ignore, while Kate is the mousy shy girl you never notice. But when a tragedy brings them together, they are bonded for life – forever inseparable best friends. Together they experience thirty years of ups and downs — triumphs and disappointments, heartbreak and joy, and a love triangle that strains their friendship. One goes on to fabulous wealth and fame, and the other chooses marriage and motherhood — but through the decades, their bond remains — until it faces the ultimate test.
1Trainspotting
Starring Kevin McKidd As Tommy Mackenzie
Scottish actor Kevin McKidd is most memorable as Dr. Owen Hunt inGrey’s Anatomy, but many are unaware that one of his earliest projects is the 1996 movieTrainspotting.The actor portrays Tommy Mackenzie, one of the best characters inTrainspotting’scast.Unlike his friends, Tommy avoids most drugs. McKidd’s performance in the film is stellar throughout, and his character is the only one of the group who has any hope for his future.
While it’s not unusual for theGrey’s Anatomycast to play characters not too dissimilar from their role in the hit medical drama,the differences between Owen and Tommy are extremely clear.McKidd shines as Tommy inTrainspotting, and it shows just how varied an actor he is. Tommy’s agonizing fate is shocking and deeply emotional, but it’s even more impressive that McKidd is only 23 years old inTrainspotting. McKidd is praised for how he conveys Tommy’s death from AIDS-related toxoplasmosis, which is incredibly moving. Although he isn’t in the sequel,T2 Trainspotting, McKidd does appear via archive footage.
Trainspotting
Trainspotting is a darkly comedic drama based on the novel by Irvine Welsh. The film follows Mark Renton and his friends, a group of Scottish heroin addicts who journey outside of Edinburgh to find where the grass is greener. Renton attempts to clean up his act as he and his friends find themselves in increasingly absurd situations as they try to find the bright side of life.
