Katherine Heigl Cried Over 'Grey's Anatomy' Exit Interview

Actress Katherine Heigl reportedly faced intense anxiety and panic following a 2023 interview where she candidly discussed her departure from the medical drama Grey's Anatomy. Variety Editor-at-Large Kate Aurthur recounted on a podcast that Heigl was in tears, fearing she had overshared. Aurthur's team intervened to calm the actress, assuring her that her previous controversial takes on the industry and her exit were now more widely accepted.

Heigl's exit from Grey's Anatomy in its sixth season was marked by public criticism, with the actress feeling labeled 'ungrateful' and 'difficult.' This stemmed from her outspoken comments about the show's writing and a reported feud with creator Shonda Rhimes. The backlash from these incidents, including withdrawing her name from Emmy consideration, contributed to years of significant anxiety for Heigl.

During a 2023 discussion with co-star Ellen Pompeo, Heigl reflected on her naive belief that she could be outspoken without severe repercussions. She described feeling like she had 'displeased everybody' and spent years learning to manage the resulting stress and anxiety. Pompeo, now a producer on Grey's Anatomy, also noted her efforts to foster a more supportive environment on set.