There are several former and current Grey’s Anatomy actors who also star in some brilliant TV shows and movies. The Grey’s Anatomy characters 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 of the 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.
The Grey’s Anatomy season 21 character lineup is very different now compared to the show’s beginning. Many of the biggest names to come out of Grey’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 Anatomy is a huge launching point for an actor’s career, and these cast members continue to prove just how talented they are outside the show.
8 27 Dresses
Starring Katherine Heigl As Jane Nichols
Close
Close
Close
27 Dresses famously stars Katherine Heigl as protagonist Jane Nichols, who also portrays Izzie Stevens in Grey’s Anatomy. Heigl is a fabulous leading lady in 27 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.
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 in 27 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 Dresses also stars Grey’s Anatomy’s Alexa Havins as one of the many brides Jane assists, as well as Jennifer Bassey as Jane’s aunt.
7 The Sex Lives Of College Girls
Starring Midori Francis As Alicia
Close
Close
Close
Mika Yasuda’s actress Midori Francis is also known for her role as Alicia in The Sex Lives of College Girls, one of the 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 the Grey’s Anatomy favorite handles the two’s most important storylines is worth applauding.
As Leighton is due to come back for The Sex Lives of College Girls season 3 as 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 ending Grey’s Anatomy season 21’s best romance as 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.
6 Glee
Starring Harry Shum Jr. As Mike Chang Jr.
Close
Close
Close
Harry Shum Jr.’s most notable role is Mike Chang Jr. in Glee, in the years before his appearance in Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Benson "Blue" Kwan. Mike is a fantastic part of the Glee cast who 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.
Harry Shum Jr. is most recently known for being a part of Grey’s Anatomy, but the actor has also starred in several massive titles since leaving Glee. Shum Jr. also portrays Charlie Wu in Jon M. Chu's Crazy Rich Asians and Chad in Everything 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.
5 Enchanted & Disenchanted
Starring Patrick Dempsey As Robert Philip
Close
Close
Close
Enchanted, one of the best original live-action Disney movies ever, features Patrick Dempsey as romantic lead Robert Philip. Robert differs greatly compared to Dempsey in Grey’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 in Grey’s Anatomy is 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 in Enchanted, Robert is a significantly more open-minded and relaxed figure with his new family in the sequel, Disenchanted. In Disenchanted, there are a lot more similarities between Robert and Dr. McDreamy. Dempsey is an astounding actor in both movies, and Robert’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.
4 Killing Eve
Starring Sandra Oh As Eve Polastri
Close
Close
Close
Killing Eve sees 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 in Killing Eve proves that she is an actress who has reinvented themselves after being typecast. Cristina Yang in Grey’s Anatomy is 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 in Grey’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 of Killing Eve presents through their bizarre relationship is mainly thanks to Oh’s efforts, which have resulted in her multiple BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations. Even Killing Eve’s season 4 finale is an absolute titan of an episode, and the thrilling conclusion to the show shows just how talented a performer Oh is.
3 13 Reasons Why
Starring Kate Walsh As Olivia Baker
Close
Close
Close
Kate Walsh makes a name for herself as Addison Shepherd in Grey’s Anatomy, but the actress is also known for her role as Olivia Baker in 13 Reasons Why. Although Mrs. Baker isn’t one of Hannah 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, and Walsh’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 in 13 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.
2 Firefly Lane
Starring Katherine Heigl As Tully Hart
Close
Close
Close
Firefly Lane is one of Katherine Heigl’s projects since Grey’s Anatomy. While Firefly Lane has only two installments, unfortunately, it does contain one of her very best characters, Tully Hart. Her chemistry with Scrubs alum 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 of Firefly Lane season 2, part 2 is 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 dominate Firefly Lane’s captivating finale. Her profound performance in the entirety of Firefly Lane, but particularly in the last episode, demonstrates just why Katherine Heigl is such a remarkable performer.
1 Trainspotting
Starring Kevin McKidd As Tommy Mackenzie
Close
Close
Close
Scottish actor Kevin McKidd is most memorable as Dr. Owen Hunt in Grey’s Anatomy, but many are unaware that one of his earliest projects is the 1996 movie Trainspotting. The actor portrays Tommy Mackenzie, one of the best characters in Trainspotting’s cast. 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 the Grey’s Anatomy cast 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 in Trainspotting, 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 in Trainspotting. 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.
