You Can Only Name 100% Of These Grey's Anatomy Characters If You've Watched It More Than Once
- by Jamie Gerber
- – on
- in Movies and TV
"Knowing is better than wondering. Waking is better than sleeping, and even the biggest failure, even the worst, beats the hell out of never trying." Between the impossibly quotable dialogue, epic romances and disasters - both man made and natural - there is little ground that hasn't been covered by Grey's Anatomy throughout its historic run. The series, currently in its 14th season, was a pop culture phenomenon from its first year and shows no signs of slowing down.
Grey's may excel at soapy drama, but there's more to this series than suds. The writers never shy away from major issues and as a result, the show always feels far more relevant than many of its contemporaries. There was also something revolutionary about the way that Grey's mixed music with medicine, using its incredible soundtrack to bring everything together. Let's also not forget that it launched the careers of several well known stars and made '80s heartthrob Patrick Dempsey into a heartthrob all over again.
We may be invested in the fates of our favorite characters, but years of witnessing them shuffling off this mortal coil have made us all realize that no one on Grey's is safe. Despite this, with the ever expanding cast of excellent actors, there is always more to love!
Do you still tear up remembering all the brutal deaths and gut wrenching heartbreaks? When you're sad, is it Meredith Grey quotes that help you to soldier on? You Can Only Name 100% Of These Grey's Anatomy Characters If You've Watched It More Than Once!
Who is this?
Let's start things off with an easy one. Played by Ellen Pompeo, this character is one of very few who have been with Grey's Anatomy for all of its fourteen seasons. She remains the heart of the series, even after so many years. This character has come quite a long way from the "dark and twisty" woman of seasons past. She is now a loving sister, mother and friend. Seriously, if you don't know this one, why are you even taking this quiz?
Who is he?
At last, we've come to McDreamy himself. Patrick Dempsey was a huge heartthrob in the '80s and Grey's Anatomy made him one all over again. Seriously, when Meredith was like, "Pick me. Choose me. Love me," weren't you gazing into those dreamy eyes of his and thinking the same thing? This character is handsome, charming and kindhearted. It's easy to see how Meredith fell for him so fast. We're still weeping over his untimely season 11 death. What is his name?
Does this person look familiar?
This character is played by Sara Ramirez. She was on Grey's from Season 2 - 12. When she initially appeared, she was little more than a love interest for George O'Malley. However, she not only outlasted his character by many years (RIP George), but also evolved more than he ever did. She became the Head of Orthopedic Surgery, had a baby with Mark Sloan and raised her with her girlfriend, Arizona Robbins - at least until two years ago. Who is she?
What is his name?
Played by T.R. Knight, this character was in the first six seasons of the series. He went from being one of the most beloved characters on Grey's Anatomy to being little more than a background player. This was in large part why he asked to be killed off in the first place. Although he was once a fan favorite, sadly, by the time his character kicked the bucket, most fans had kind of stopped caring what happened to him. What is his name?
Do you know who this is?
The former Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Seattle Grace, this character was portrayed by Isaiah Washington. He was a large part of the series for its first three seasons, before his abrupt departure - which was basically due to some behind the scenes drama. This character was about to marry Cristina Yang, but left her at the alter. He reappeared in season 10 and convinced her to takeover for him at the Klausman Institute for Medical Research in Zurich, Switzerland.
What is her name?
Where this character goes, drama is bound to follow, whether its on Grey's Anatomy or its spinoff, Private Practice - although much of this behavior was later conveniently blamed on a brain tumor. A neurosurgeon like her brother, she is played by Caterina Scorsone. She had a very short lived marriage with Owen Hunt, but was previously engaged to someone else. This character suffers from the disease of addiction and attends AA meetings to keep her own the straight and narrow.
Do you recognize this character?
This woman from Owen's past showed up in season 6. Portrayed by Kim Raver, she and Owen served in Iraq together. They developed very strong feelings for one another, but until recently, were both in other relationships. For a time, she was married to a former patient. It began so that he could use her health insurance, but became a real marriage, at least until his tragic death. This character exited the series in season 8, but recently reappeared. What is her name?
Who is this?
Portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, this lovable patient was a frequent flyer at Seattle Grace Hospital due to his chronic heart condition. He developed a close relationship with Izzie Stevens. Although she went to extreme measures to save his life, in the end, she was probably responsible for his death. He later appeared as a ghost, but we don't need to talk about that. Seriously, let's not. Let's just remember him the way he was when he was alive. Who is he?
Does she look familiar?
This woman's real name is Brooke Stadler, but after leaving her abusive monster of a husband, she changed her name to something else so he'd never find her. Appearing first in season 9, she is portrayed by Camilla Luddington. Now that she is finally free of her violent past, she and Alex are ready to get married. Having had a rough life, she is definitely a survivor in every sense of the word. Do you know what her name is?
Can you recall this character's name?
First appearing in season 9 and portrayed by Tessa Ferrer, this character just didn't have what it took to hack it - no pun intended - as a surgeon. Richard Webber himself told her that she would be a fine doctor, but that being a surgeon wasn't the right path for her. She had brief relationships with both Alex and Arizona, and has a propensity for getting too wrapped up in people who just aren't that into her. Who is she?
Do you know who she is?
This character showed up at the end of season 1, looking "all leggy and fabulous", and throwing a major wrench into the show's central romance between Meredith and Derek. You see, Derek neglected to tell Meredith that he was married. His wife cheated first, but still. For a while, they tried to work it out, but Deredith triumphed in the end. Eventually, this character spun off into her own series: Private Practice. Do you happen to recall what her name is?
What is this character's name?
This character was one of the five original interns. She was portrayed by Sandra Oh and left during the show's 11th season. Of all of the interns, she was always the most driven and her penchant for putting her career ahead of everything else continued throughout her time on the show. However, she was always there for Meredith. She was Meredith's person and Meredith was hers. Everyone needs someone that they can call to help them dispose of a body, right?
Who is this?
Portrayed by Brooke Smith, this character first appeared in season 2, but continued to show up until season 5. Although she worked at Seattle Presbyterian Hospital, she and Burke had been rivals since med school. However, she eventually took over as Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery in his stead. She also had a brief affair with Callie Torres, but left when it quickly fizzled out. She wasn't Grey's most memorable or likable character, but would you happen to remember her name?
Do you remember who this character is?
This character made his first appearance in season 5, sweeping Cristina off her feet after she was impaled by an icicle. He was played by Kevin McKidd and returned the next year as a series regular. However, his time in the service left him much changed from when he and Cristina first met. They developed a romantic relationship and eventually got married. Unfortunately, they couldn't make it work on account of their vastly different opinions on family. He wanted kids. She didn't.
Does this character seem familiar to you?
When Meredith found out that she had sisters, she didn't exactly handle it well, especially when it turned out that one of them was her new coworker. This was the first time that this happened to Meredith - though it wouldn't be the last. Eventually, she accepted this new sibling and they became very close until her tragic death. Sadly, she succumbed to the injuries she received in a plane crash. Meredith has several sisters, but what is the name of this one?
What is his name?
Here is another of only a few patients on this quiz. This particular patient was quite important. Played by Scott Foley, he was very sick and married Teddy for her health insurance. Eventually, they fell in love for real, but it didn't last on account of his untimely death - this is Grey's Anatomy after all. It was incredibly sad when he died on Cristina's table, although she was not informed of this until it was too late. Do you recall his name?
Can you remember this character's name?
This character was portrayed by Geena Davis. She was Arizona Robbins's mentor and although it seemed like she was not a fan of the pediatric surgeon, they eventually grew very close. However, this doctor was actually dying and it was her intention to impart all of her wisdom onto Arizona before she died. Thanks to a surgery performed by Amelia, she lived to fight another day, but wound up losing her sight in the process. Do you know what her name is?
Who is she?
Nora Zehetner played this character and to be honest, she wasn't exactly the nicest person. That's okay though, because she didn't last very long. She came to Seattle Grace during season 6 as a part of the Mercy West merger, but didn't even make it to the end of the season. She may have been a jerk, but she certainly didn't deserve to get shot in the head by Gary Clark. Sadly, that's what happened though. What was her name?
Does he look familiar?
This character was portrayed by Friday Night Lights alum, Gaius Charles, and was only on the show for seasons 9 and 10. He worked closely with Cristina and when she left, he followed her to Zurich. Very little is known about his life before he began his internship and honestly, his character didn't have many interesting storylines. He wanted to be a neurosurgeon, but was jealous when Derek told him he needed to work with other interns too. What was his name?
Do you remember this character?
Melissa George played this character. She appeared in season 5, but she didn't stick around very long. This intern was once super tight with Meredith - she called her "death" for short. Apparently, the two traveled around Europe together before medical school, but had a falling out while in Amsterdam. They eventually made up, but their friendship never recovered. After a while, this character realized that she didn't have what it took to be a surgeon and left the program.
Can you recall this character's name?
Another one of the original five interns, this one was played by Katherine Heigl. The character was a fan favorite, but due to some major drama behind the scenes, Heigl exited the series during season 6. By that point, she'd survived cancer, treated Alex like trash and was kind of a shadow of her former self. Still, sometimes we all miss the good old days with George, Meredith, Alex, Cristina and this character. Do you happen to remember her name?
Who is he?
This is another one of very few characters who have been with the series from the beginning and still remain today. Played by Justin Chambers, this guy has had a rather impressive journey on the show. He started out as a jerk that was nearly impossible to root for, but it didn't take long for viewers to see the sweet side that he tried so hard to keep buried. This guy has a rather tragic past, but his future is looking bright.
Does this guy look familiar?
This character showed up in season 11 and is played by Giacomo Gianniotti. He's a total sweetheart, so it's a bummer that he was beaten within an inch of his life by Alex. To be fair, Alex thought that he was attacking Jo. Still, he kind of beat the snot of him first and asked questions never. Anyway, things are fine between them these days. In fact, it's almost like this terrible incident never even happened. What is this character's name?
Do you remember who this is?
New Zealand born actor Martin Henderson first appeared in season 12, but he wasn't around for very long. He was a former friend of Owen's. The two had a falling out after Owen discovered that this character was unfaithful to his fiancé, who also happened to be Owen's sister. He was also Meredith's first real love interest since Derek's death. They had each lost the love of their lives, or so they thought. The death of this character's fiancé had been greatly exaggerated.
Who is this?
Let's be honest, this character was the best of season 9's new crop of interns. She was portrayed by Jerrika Hinton. This character was brilliant, determined and funny. She was also treated rather horribly by Jackson. The season 13 finale was basically an episode to remind everyone how awesome she was before she left Grey's for good. After being terrorized by a psycho who was loose in the hospital, she realized that some things were more important than her career.
Can you recall the name of this character?
Portrayed by Robert Baker, this character also found himself at Seattle Grace as a result of the Mercy West merger. Unfortunately, he was another one who fell victim to Gary Clark's thirst for vengeance. He was shot and although Bailey did everything she could to save his life, ultimately she was forced to stand by helplessly as he died. His final request was that Bailey tell Reed that he loved her. However, Reed was already dead. What is his name?
Does this character seem familiar?
This character is played by Kelly McCreary. She is currently the Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Meredith didn't take the news of this sibling all that much better than the first, but to be fair, she had a lot going on. This character was born as a result of Richard's affair with Ellis. Her arrival was an interesting experience for him as well. He'd gone through life thinking that he had no children. Who is she?
Do you know who she is?
In many ways, Chandra Wilson's character is the heart of Grey's Anatomy. She has been with the series from the very beginning and is currently the Chief of Surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. A recent episode made it seem as though she would be leaving Grey's the way that so many others have: in a body bag. However, she survived to practice medicine another day. It's a good thing too. Fans probably would've rioted. What is this doctor's name?
What is his name?
Thankfully, this Mercy West transfer has yet to lose his life. He is played by Jesse Williams and studied plastic surgery under Mark Sloan. After Sloan died, this character took over as Head of Plastic Surgery. He is also an attending ENT. This character was briefly married to April Kepner, but is currently kind of into Maggie. This could be cute, but it's sort of icky since their parents are married. Also, they don't exactly have any chemistry. What's his name?
Do you remember this character?
For many years, this character was the Chief of Surgery at Seattle Grace Hospital and in some ways, he always will be. Mo matter who else is in charge, they still look to this doctor for advice. His wife Adele suffered from Alzheimer's until her death and he thought that he would never be happy again. Eventually he married Catherine Avery and is now quite content in both his relationship and his career. He has also found fulfillment in getting to know his daughter.
Is this person familiar?
This character is played by Jessica Capshaw and first appeared in season 5. She is now Head of Fetal Surgery and an Attending Pediatric Surgeon, as well as a board member at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. For a long time she had a romantic relationship with Callie Torres, but they eventually split and Callie has long since moved away. The two share custody of their daughter, Sophia, despite living in different states. Do you know what this character's name is?
Who is this?
Played by Eric Dane, this character appeared from seasons 2-9. He was the McSteamy to Derek's McDreamy. He and the neurosurgeon used to be best friends, that is, until Derek caught him sleeping with his wife. Eventually, the two men reconciled and put all of the drama behind them. At one point, he and Addison even tried to make a go of it, but it was never going to work out. In the end, his heart belonged to Meredith's sister, Lexie.
Can you recall this character's name?
This is another character who wound up at Seattle Grace due to the Mercy West merger. She is a very divisive character. Fans typically love or hate her. This character is played by Sarah Drew. She left her fiancé at the alter and ran away with Jackson, but unfortunately they couldn't make it work in the end. Much of this had to do with losing their first child. By the time she realized that she was pregnant again, they were already getting a divorce.
Do you recognize this character?
This character is played by Jason George. He and Miranda Bailey had an on and off relationship for years before finally settling down and getting married, but these days the couple seems pretty happy. Recently, this character spun off onto another show called Station 19, about his fledgling career as a fire fighter. All in all, he and Bailey have a healthy relationship and they make it work, regardless of what life tries to throw at them. What is his name?
What is her name?
Portrayed by Veronica Mars alum Tina Majorino, this character only appeared in seasons 9 and 10 before she wound up electrocuted. It was sad and all, but honestly, there was really nothing to set this character apart from the others. She didn't have an exciting personality or a memorable backstory or even witty dialogue. Nothing made her death land a real emotional blow, especially because Richard's life was on the line. Sorry, if the choice is between her and Richard, that's no choice at all.