Sarah Drew fondly reflects on the emotions she carried as she bid adieu to 'Grey's Anatomy,' a show that had been her canvas for nine remarkable seasons, portraying the compassionate Dr. April Kepner. Her departure, alongside Jessica Capshaw's Dr. Arizona Robbins, after season 14 in 2018, came as a jarring yet significant turn. Little did they know, fate had a sweet solace waiting in the wings – Drew's directorial venture in 'Grey's Anatomy's' shortform series, 'B-Team,' garnered an esteemed Emmy nod, soon after her exit.
"It felt like a harsh, unjust dismissal, yet the outpouring of love was so overwhelming, it was akin to witnessing one's own life's legacy being celebrated," Drew shared on the poignant episode of the 'Call It What It Is' podcast, co-hosted by her former co-star Capshaw and Camilla Luddington. Comparing the post-show Emmy recognition to "attending one's own funeral amidst celebration," Drew confessed to Vulture that her self-assurance had wavered initially. However, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that year, she profoundly realized the nomination as a testament to her talents, a "resounding affirmation" that restored her confidence.
"That nomination was a game-changer, erasing all doubts and bolstering my faith," Drew reminisced. "My journey has expanded beyond acting; I'm now stepping into the realms of directing and producing, where the horizons seem limitless. More than anything, those weeks post-finale marked a rejuvenating rebirth, a thrilling new chapter."
Drew's exit stunned not only herself but also the devoted fan base of 'Grey's Anatomy.' The actress divulged to THR that the decision stemmed from an overcrowded cast, necessitating a downsizing to ensure each character's story was duly served. "They didn't want any of us to fade into the background, unnoticed," she clarified.
Ironically, fate brought Drew back to the medical drama's halls, gracing seasons 17 and 18 with her presence. On the podcast, she confessed that returning felt liberating, unburdened by any emotional ties. "I'm a free spirit now, with no strings attached," she exclaimed. "Visiting the set brings joy, not anxiety. They're no longer the arbiters of my career or happiness; they're simply a delightful pit stop in my journey."
Intriguingly, Drew also disclosed an untold tale from season seven's script, revealing that her character was initially penciled in for a fleeting romance with Eric Dane's charming Mark Sloan. "Before April embraced her faith and purity, there was a scene where Sloan indulged in a one-night stand – with me, meant to be April," she reminisced with a touch of nostalgia. "But the winds of change blew, and the script was revised, leaving that fleeting encounter unfulfilled. Still, it's a fascinating 'what-if' from the annals of 'Grey's Anatomy.'"
