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Katherine Heigl Dishes on Patrick Dempsey’s Exit from ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ — Plus See the Show’s Cast Then and Now!

Jun 23, 2015 12:54 pm·

By Julia Birkinbine

In a candid new interview, Katherine Heigl opened up about her six-season stint on Grey’s Anatomy — and revealed she was “devastated” when show creators killed off costar Patrick Dempsey‘s character this past May.

“I just can’t imagine the show without McDreamy. It’s just so hard to picture,” the 36-year-old actress said of Patrick no longer portraying Dr. Derek Shepherd (aka “McDreamy”) on the hit series.

katherine heigl 'grey's anatomy' — R/R

Katherine and Patrick on Grey’s Anatomy.

Katherine starred on the medical drama as Dr. Izzie Stevens from 2005 until 2010. “It changed the course of my life and my career, and I couldn’t be more grateful,” the mom-of-two said of her time on Grey’s.

RELATED: “It’s Really Sad” — Katherine Heigl Opens Up About Patrick Dempsey’s Divorce

As for whether there is any truth to rumors recently swirling that Katherine might reprise her role as Izzie for the show’s upcoming 12th season? “There is not, I’m sorry,” she told [Entertainment Tonight](http://www.etonline.com/tv/166632katherineheiglcantimaginegreyswithoutmcdreamy/)_.

Ever wonder what the rest of the Grey’s Anatomy cast has been up to lately? Click through the gallery below to see the Seattle Grace Hospital doctors then and now!

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Ellen pompeo

Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey)

Ellen — who received a Golden Globe nomination in 2007 for her portrayal of Meredith — continues to appear on the show today. The mom-of-three's notable film credits include Moonlight Mile, Old School, Daredevil, and Catch Me If You Can.

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Patrick dempsey

Patrick Dempsey (Derek Shepherd)

In addition to his lead role on Grey's, the actor is most recognized for appearing in movies Can't Buy Me Love, Sweet Home Alabama, Enchanted, and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

3 of 19

Justin chambers

Justin Chambers (Alex Karev)

Justin is one of few original cast members to still be on the show after more than 10 years. Though he is most recognized for playing Dr. Karev, he has also starred in movies Broken City, The Zodiac, and The Wedding Planner.

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Sandra oh

Sandra Oh (Cristina Yang)

The Golden Globe winner left Grey's in 2014 after appearing on 220 episodes. She recently appeared in the comedy Tammy and guest-starred on the TV show Betas.

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Katherine heigl

Katherine Heigl (Izzie Stevens)

Since her run on Grey's came to an end in 2010, Katherine landed leading roles in movies Life as We Know It, New Year's Eve, and The Big Wedding. The mom-of-three — who is married to musician Josh Kelley — was starring on the NBC drama State of Affairs, but the show was recently canceled.

6 of 19

Tr knight

T.R. Knight (George O'Malley)

Though he has appeared in several TV shows and movies, T.R. is most known for his performances on Broadway. The actor is now starring in the show, It's Only a Play.

7 of 19

Kevin mckidd

Kevin McKidd (Owen Hunt)

After portraying Owen, Kevin appeared in the TV special Toy Story That Time Forgot. He has also voiced characters in Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty video games.

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Chandra wilson

Chandra Wilson (Miranda Bailey)

The mom-of-three's film credits include Philadelphia, Lone Star, and A Single Woman. In addition to Grey's, the star has also appeared on TV shows The Cosby Show, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and The Sopranos, among others.

9 of 19

James pickens jr

James Pickens Jr. (Richard Webber)

James is widely known for playing Dr. Webber on Grey's and Deputy Director Alvin Kersh on The X-Files. He has been awarded a SAG Award for his performance on the medical drama, which he continues to star on today.

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Isaiah washington

Isaiah Washington (Preston Burke)

After he left the show in 2007, the actor joined the cast of The 100. The father-of-three has also recently appeared in movies Blue Caprice, Doctor Bello, and Blackbird.

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Kate walsh

Kate Walsh (Addison Montgomery)

After Grey's, Kate starred on her own spin-off show, Private Practice from 2007 until 2013. In 2014, she landed a lead role on the comedy, Bad Judge, but it was canceled after only a few seasons.

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Eric dane

Eric Dane (Mark Sloan)

Eric — who is married to actress Rebecca Gayheart — is known for his movie roles in Marley & Me, Valentine's Day, and Burlesque. He left Grey's in 2012 and now stars on The Last Ship.

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Sara ramirez

Sara Ramirez (Callie Torres)

In addition to her starring role on Grey's, Sara has also acted on Broadway and won a Tony Award for her performance in 2005's Spamalot. She left the show in 2016.

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Brooke smith

Brooke Smith (Erica Hahn)

The actress' most memorable performance was in the 1991 horror film The Silence of the Lambs. After leaving the medical drama after 25 episodes in 2008, Brooke guest starred on Criminal Minds, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and American Horror Story: Asylum.

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Chyler leigh

Chyler Leigh (Lexie Grey)

Chyler — who has also starred in Not Another Teen Movie — left the show in 2012 and is now a cast member on Taxi Brooklyn.

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Jessica capshaw

Jessica Capshaw (Arizona Robbins)

In addition to Grey's, Jessica is known for playing Jamie Stringer on The Practice and for guest starring on Bones and The L Word.

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Jesse williams

Jesse Williams (Jackson Avery)

In addition to Grey's, the star's acting credits include Lee Daniels' The Butler, The Cabin in the Woods, Brooklyn's Finest, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2.

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Caterina scorsone

Caterina Scorsone (Amelia Shepherd)

In addition to Grey's, the actress is best known for starring on the Lifetime crime drama series Missing and Private Practice.

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Greys anatomy cast

The End!