This story contains major spoilers from the Season 22 premiere of Grey’s Anatomy. Natalie Morales looks back on her time at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital with deep gratitude. The Season 22 premiere of Grey’s Anatomy confirmed the tragic fate of the actress’s character, Dr. Monica Beltran, who succumbed to her injuries following the explosive conclusion of Season 21. Crushed by falling hospital machinery during the blast, Dr. Beltran managed to guide surgical intern Jules Millin (played by Adelaide Kane) through completing a life-saving operation on a young boy before her death.
Natalie—who first joined the Grey’s Anatomy cast in Season 20—admitted to a tinge of surprise when executive producer and showrunner Meg Marinis reached out about the new season. “When they asked me to return for this season, I got the call and said, ‘Oh, I thought maybe she would have died already,’” the 40-year-old actress recounted in an October 9 interview with Deadline. “And then Meg was like, ‘Well, I have something to tell you.’”
Natalie described feeling a whirlwind of emotions upon learning her character’s arc would end in death. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be part of this show,” she reflected, “and I feel profoundly grateful for the experience.” She also expressed heartfelt appreciation for the warmth of the Grey’s Anatomy fan community, though she jokingly added, “I think the fans who’ve been so welcoming to me are going to be upset. I’m sorry about that.”
Far from harboring resentment, Natalie placed complete trust in Marinis, praising her as “an incredibly talented writer and showrunner.” “She was so compassionate and on top of everything all the time,” Natalie recalled. “When she shared the plan with me, I thought, ‘Oh, that feels right. I understand why you’re doing this, and it makes perfect sense for the story.’ Even though I’m sad about it, it truly serves the narrative.”
The No Hard Feelings star also expressed gratitude for extending her stay on Grey’s Anatomy beyond initial expectations, noting she was originally slated for just three to five episodes. “I had no idea what my role would entail,” she explained. “I’m thrilled it turned out to be more than that; I’m excited I got to contribute so much.”
Saying goodbye proved difficult, as Natalie described the cast and crew as an absolute joy to collaborate with. “For me, the crew is always the heart of any production,” she shared. “I had the privilege of working with an extraordinary cast, brilliant writers, and talented directors. Honestly, it’s the people I’ll miss most.”
And the feeling is mutual. “She’s such an extraordinary performer, an incredible actor,” Marinis gushed to Deadline. “I loved working with her and hope to collaborate again someday. She’s an absolute delight, and everything she brings to the screen is magical.”
As Marinis explained, she initially hoped to avoid any character deaths this season and actively sought alternatives. “But then, as I rewatched the finale in the writers’ room,” she revealed, “it became crystal clear: ‘Oh, this is where the story demands we go.’”
