TV & Movies
From Patrick Dempseys shocking exit to Ellen Pompeo re-claiming the set.
When Patrick Dempsey hung up hisGreys Anatomyscrubs in 2015, no one knew what to think.
His abrupt departure, he professed, just sort of unfolded in a very organic way.
When I interviewed him back then, I knew I wasnt hearing the whole story, Rice tells Bustle.
Shed heard whispers about a larger scandal, but not enough to publish anything definitive until now.
But the truth behind Dempseys departure wasnt the only secret haunting the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
Did demonizing news reports leave something out?
What Isaiah said was absolutely unforgivable.
Why did he self-sabotage that way?
But once he repeated it in the press room at the Globes, ABC had to let him go.
What made it so tragic is that he epitomized what Shonda wanted from the show.
What’s even more tragic is how long he paid for it.
His career never really recovered.
I couldn’t understand why he went so off the deep end.
What eventually led Shonda Rhimes to issue the online grid the ultimatum described in your book?
When you have a bunch of your women complaining about his behavior, youve got to listen to them.
Shes number one on the call sheet, but he recognized his power over the set.
They considered an alternative where maybe McDreamy lives in another state, but nothing about it sounded organic.
Fans were so upset that they threatened to stop watching the show following Dereks death.
How did Dempseys departure shape where the show stands today?
The data pipe had a real fear about moving forward.
I think that Ellen was certainly excited about the potential of it really being her show.
And I think she’s achieved that with Debbie Allen.
What did you make of Dempseys return in Season 17?
I have to believe that there was some sort of come-to-Jesus discussion between Patrick and Ellen.
And of course she was right.
Look at all the great press they got off the bat.
Do you think either Heigl or Washingtons situation would be handled the same way in 2021?
In the post #MeToo and post Black Lives Matter world, I think Isaiah would still be canned.
I dont say the same about Katherine Heigl.
I don’t think the same thing would happen to her.
The great thing aboutGreys Anatomyis that it did what television should do, and that’s create overnight stars.
With the exception of Patrick Dempsey, [cast members] werent well known people.
Fans still dont know the full story ofJustin Chambers exit.
Did you get any insight into what really happened?
I definitely heard a few stories, but I couldnt confirm them for the book.
I know that fans were very disappointed by the way it wrapped up.
People who are invested in that show totally believed in the relationship between Karev and Jo.
No one would have believed thatKarev would leave Jo for Izzie.
Fans have long been clamoring forSandra Ohs return as Cristina Yang.
Which do you believe?
I think she would come back.
I really think she would come back home.
Who should fansnotexpect to see return?
I wish they could work it out and have her come back.
I think fans would be so giddy about that.
When do you suspectGreyswill endits impressive run?
Why do you go to such lengths?
They have to be getting ready for the big goodbye.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
This article was originally published onOct.
