From surprising exits to welcome additions, theGrey’s Anatomyfamily has evolved immensely since the series made its prime-time debut in 2005.
But there’s even more to come, as the show was justrenewed through season 17and will live on for at least two more years.
In this week’s issue of PEOPLE, some fan favorites reminisce about the show’s impact on both their professional and personal lives.
Ellen Pompeo
Ellen Pompeo.Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage
“So much has happened here,” says Pompeo, 49, who has portrayed Dr. Meredith Grey since season 1. “I’ve had three children. I’ve gotten married. It’s a huge chunk of my life. I’ve learned so much. It’s just been an amazing evolution.”
Caterina Scorsone
Rich Polk/Getty
“One of the most significant parts for me is not that we managed to break records, but that, culturally, this show has become such an integral part of people’s lives,” says the 37-year-old actress, who plays Dr. Amelia Shepherd.
Jesse Williams
Jesse Williams.Getty
“I wasn’t an actor before this; I was a teacher,” says Williams, 37, who portrays Dr. Jackson Avery. “Grey’shas been my headquarters, and I’ve made a name for myself. Being here for 10 years, it’s something I’m really grateful for.”
James Pickens Jr.
James Pickens Jr.Matt Baron/Rex/Shutterstock
As an original cast member, Pickens, 66, says it’s “hard to put into words” whatGrey’shas meant to him all the years. “It’s been a blast to be able to be a part of something so iconic,” says Pickens, who stars as Dr. Richard Webber.
Chandra Wilson
Chandra Wilson.Paul Archuleta/Getty
Oh, Bailey! Wilson, 49, who has portrayed Dr. Bailey since season 1, says she is “proud” of what the show has done. “I love being a part of this history,” she says. “I truly enjoy Bailey’s journey.”
Justin Chambers
Justin Chambers.David Crotty/Patrick McMullan/GEtty
“I’ve learned to be present because there’s waves of enjoyment and waves of exhaustion,” says Chambers, 48, who plays Dr. Alex Karev. “It’s rewarding to have been able to grow as an actor.”
TheGrey’s Anatomyseason 15 finale airs Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
source: people.com
