As a dedicated fan of Grey’s Anatomy who has followed Sarah Drew’s journey since her debut as April Kepner back in Season 6, I can’t help but feel a pang of empathy for the actress when she talks about her exit from the show. It’s heartbreaking to see an actor, especially one who became a fan-favorite, feeling let go in a way that felt “mean and unjust.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the six years that have passed since my beloved character, April Kepner, was unexpectedly written off Grey’s Anatomy during its 15th season. It’s been a confusing journey for me too, as I, like many fans, had grown deeply attached to her storylines and the impact she made on the show.
Sarah Drew recently appeared as a guest on the “Call It What It Is” podcast, which is hosted by her ex-colleagues Camilla Luddington and Jessica Capshaw from “Grey’s Anatomy.” During the conversation, she opened up about her feelings when she discovered that she would be departing the show at the end of Season 14, after nine years portraying April Kepner. She later clarified a statement she made around that time, where she described it as feeling like “attending your own funeral,” explaining:
What I aimed to express was… I was abruptly dismissed in a manner that felt incredibly harsh and unfair, and as a result, the affection shown towards me was so immense that it seemed as if everyone was saying all the wonderful things they feel about you after you’ve passed away.
It’s evident that she harbors some lingering negative emotions regarding the conclusion of her stint on Grey’s Anatomy, yet this hasn’t deterred her from occasionally reprising her role. She resurfaced in Season 17, coinciding with Jesse Williams’ departure as their on-again, off-again love interest Jackson Avery. Remarkably, both Sarah Drew and Williams appeared together in the Season 18 finale, thereby confirming to fans that Japril had rekindled their relationship.
Guest-starring has been a completely different experience for Sarah Drew, as she continued:
Since I’ve let go of any connection to it completely, there’s a sense of tranquility. Therefore, when you appear on the show, you never can tell what might transpire. You may find your storyline losing appeal or upsetting someone, which could lead to unforeseen events. Essentially, you never know. Yet, upon my recent return, I experience no apprehension. I don’t require anything from anyone on that set anymore, so they are no longer responsible for my well-being, achievements, or happiness. As a result, returning feels incredibly liberating.
Apart from discussing other topics, Sarah Drew mentioned during the podcast that the show, as well as her character’s romance with Jackson Avery, had an impact on the types of roles she was offered after that point. In other words, these elements influenced the kinds of acting jobs she received following the show.
Before my character began dating Jesse Williams, I had typically portrayed characters who were awkward, off-putting, unattractive, and reminiscent of the “ugly duckling”. These roles often included a persistent stalker pursuing Mr. Schue, an unhappy wife married to a man who doesn’t care for her, or even the unattractive best friend to Emily VanCamp’s character in Everwood who was frequently criticized for wearing glasses. Yes, I was usually portrayed as unattractive until my character started dating Jesse. Now, I am fortunate enough to play romantic lead roles.
Since parting ways with Grey’s Anatomy, Sarah Drew has been keeping herself occupied primarily by taking on romantic roles, in addition to dabbling in writing and executive producing. Interestingly, she also teamed up once more with Justin Bruening, her former co-star from the medical drama, for a festive movie produced by Lifetime.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the captivating performances of one actress who truly shone during some of Grey’s Anatomy’s finest episodes, particularly after her debut in Season 6 – often referred to as the “Mercy West Era,” a period that’s a must-watch for any diehard Grey’s Anatomy fan. It’s unfortunate how her character was written out, but there’s always hope for a comeback – especially since her on-screen partner, Jackson Avery, has made his return in Season 21.
Stay tuned to discover whether we’ll catch up with April Kepner once more, as fresh episodes of Grey’s Anatomy are broadcast at 10 p.m. every Thursday on ABC. If you miss the live telecast, don’t worry, you can stream it the following day with a Hulu subscription.
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2024-10-17 18:37