Katherine Heigl’s portraying the character of Izzie Stevens remains one of the most striking parts of Grey’s Anatomy’s early seasons. But as much as Izzie’s storyline captured the hearts of the viewers, her hasty exit in Season 6 left many fans with an itch on their heads.
Over the years, plenty of rumors have come around as to why such an important character exited Grey's Anatomy without much indication. Was it creative differences, a personal want/choice, or something more complex behind the cameras?
Let’s dive deep into what actually went down and how Heigl’s relationship with the series has grown since.
Izzie's Grey's Anatomy exit: What happened on and off-screen?
On-screen, Izzie Stevens’ departure from Grey’s Anatomy was abrupt and hard-hitting. Just when it seemed like her character arc was gaining motion —her battling with cancer, getting married to Alex Karev, along with professional struggles—she died out from the narrative that kept her plotlines going.
After a number of hindrances involving her getting fired from Seattle Grace and the collapse of her marriage, Izzie left the hospital to start a new whilst also sending divorce papers to Alex. While her story was briefly revisited in Season 16, it was done without Katherine Heigl herself.
However, behind the cameras, things were far more complicated for Heigl. Much of Izzie’s exit seems to be traced back to Heigl’s off-camera challenges. In 2008, Heigl retracted herself from an Emmy contention, asserting that she hadn’t been given materials, scripts, and storylines worthy of receiving a nomination.
This move generated tension, especially with Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Shonda Rhimes, and led to rumors about Heigl’s disappointment with the show. It wasn’t long before the rumors went on, and about that, her role was suddenly being phased out.
Katherine Heigl opens up about leaving Grey’s Anatomy
While alleged media reports talked about on-set drama, disputes, and contract disagreements, Heigl later explained that the real reasons for exiting were more personal.
Speaking in interviews and with Lynette Rice’s book, How to Save a Life: The Inside Story of Grey’s Anatomy, Heigl talked about how her choice to leave the fan-favorite show was heavily inclined by her shift in priorities after taking on the role of being a mother. She says;
"I went on family leave...and just got to be a mom, and it changed my whole perspective…that was really the turning point…”
In 2009, Heigl and her husband adopted their daughter, and this decision is what changed everything. Initially, she planned on balancing being a mother and Izzie on Grey’s Anatomy.
However, it eventually became clear to her that adapting to a newer family dynamic without interrupting the cast and crew’s work schedule would be a bit of a task.
Ultimately, Heigl demanded to end her contract. Dissimilar to the online rumors about her never wanting to return to Grey’s Anatomy, she highlighted that she never rejected to return to the set, but she wanted a solution that would blend well for everyone involved.
In an interview with Cosmopolitan, Heigl also talked about the experience of being scrutinized as being ungrateful—a label that stuck like glue to her after the Emmy dispute.
Recalling that time, she acknowledged dissatisfaction with how she let herself be seen while only reiterating her appreciation for the opportunities given to her on Grey’s Anatomy as Doctor Izzie Stevens.
"The 'ungrateful' thing bothers me the most. And that is my fault… I allowed myself to be perceived that way. So much about living life, to me, is about humility and gratitude…I'm just so disappointed in myself that I allowed it to slip. Of course, I'm grateful. How can I not be?"
Could Izzie Stevens return to Grey's Anatomy?
Even though Izzie’s departure from Grey’s Anatomy felt ultimate for many years, the doors of the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital may still be wide open for an Izzie Stevens comeback.
Over the years, Shonda Rhimes and Katherine Heigl implied that the strain and tensions between them have mellowed down quite a bit. Rhimes has even expressed sincerity in wanting to see Izzie back in action. Heigl herself has also shown great gratitude for the show Grey’s Anatomy.
Whether or not she’s ever seen on Grey’s back again remains to be seen.
Trending
Katherine Heigl’s choice to exit Grey’s Anatomy was molded due to personal priorities her exit left many questioning her true intent. However, the doors still remain open for Izzie’s return.
Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!
Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation
