Dr. Addison Montgomery (formerly Shepherd), M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.O.G., is a fictional character played by Kate Walsh in the American medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. She debuts as a supporting main character on the show and as the main character of its spin-off Private Practice.
In the Season 1 finale of Grey's Anatomy, Addison made her debut as Derek Shepherd's (Patrick Dempsey) estranged wife. Originally intended to be a recurring guest character, Addison became a series regular by season 2 episode 7, "Something to Talk About," since creator Shonda Rhimes liked Walsh's characterization. The season 3 finale, "Didn't We Almost Have It All?" featured Addison's last regular appearance, but her character was a major part of seasons two and three. Even after leaving the show as a regular, Addison made guest appearances for the next five seasons, including a significant two-part performance in Season 5.
Grey's Anatomy is an American medical drama that centers on the personal and professional lives of attendings, residents, and surgical interns at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, which was subsequently renamed the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The pilot was written by Shonda Rhimes, who also served as executive producer, head writer, and showrunner until her departure in 2015. The show centers on Dr. Meredith Grey (Pompeo) for most of its run, following her journey from surgical intern to fully certified physician to the chief of general surgery at the hospital.
Addison Montgomery’s storyline in Grey’s Anatomy
In Grey's Anatomy's Season 1 finale, Addison makes her first appearance after traveling to Seattle at Richard Webber's offer. Despite Derek's growing affection with Meredith, her first objective is to make amends with her estranged partner. Derek is still upset with her for having an affair with Mark, but when Addison shows up, their old feelings are rekindled, and they try to get back together.
Derek eventually decides to pick Addison over Meredith as a result, even though he acknowledges that he is falling in love with Meredith. Together, they attempt to start over, with Addison taking the lead in a new surgical service that combines obstetrics, gynecology, and neonatal surgery. Derek's lingering affections for Meredith, however, still pose a problem for their relationship. When Mark Sloan shows up in Seattle in search of Addison, things grow even more complex. Mark assures Addison that he truly loves her and that Derek is still in love with Meredith. After a while, Addison admits the reality: Meredith has Derek's heart.
In a vulnerable moment, Derek sleeps with Addison while he copes with Meredith moving on. Addison has a one-night stand with Mark in revenge after finding out about this. Addison declines Mark's offer of a committed relationship because she understands how complicated her feelings are for both men.
After Alex Karev nearly gets her into legal problems in Season 2, Addison first punishes him by putting him on her service. But as season three progresses, Addison grows attracted to Alex romantically, and the two end up sharing a bed. Addison feels even more alone after realizing right away that Alex does not want a relationship with her.
The storyline which serves as the backdoor pilot for Private Practice begins when Addison, who is switching from Grey's Anatomy to the spin-off, sees her friend Naomi Bennett, a reproductive specialist, about wanting a child.
After a while, Addison decides to leave Seattle and relocate to Los Angeles, where she works for Sam and Naomi Bennett's Oceanside Wellness Group. Although Addison continues to make guest appearances on Grey's Anatomy through Season 8, her role as a series regular on the show officially ends with this. However, Addison still appeared in a few episodes of seasons 18 and 19.
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Addison’s personality in Grey’s Anatomy
Addison is an intelligent, composed, confident woman. She is fairly kind and friendly, but she may also be considered cold and unforgiving. Because she is regarded as the greatest in her profession, she is also extremely focused and committed to her work. Addison can be welcoming and loving, yet she can also be tough and uncompromising at times.
According to Addison, she is a worrier who spends time with both the now and the future. She has a great deal of confidence in her work, but not in herself. She likes to believe that worrying helps her be ready for anything.
Who played Addison Montgomery in Grey’s Anatomy?
Kathleen Erin Walsh portrayed the character of the composed and confident character Dr. Addison Montgomery in Grey’s Anatomy. She is an American actress and businesswoman born on October 13, 1967, in the United States.
She was cast in her breakthrough role as Derek Shepherd's estranged wife, Dr. Addison Montgomery ("Dr. McDreamy," played by Patrick Dempsey), on the show in 2005. In February 2007, Walsh's character on Grey's Anatomy was given a spin-off in the series Private Practice. Walsh still appeared in Grey’s Anatomy as a guest star in several seasons.
FAQs about Addison Montgomery in Grey’s Anatomy
Addison's journey to the Grey's spinoff Private Practice started when she decided she wanted to have a child and traveled from Seattle to see her friend and fertility expert, Naomi.
Derek left Addison after discovering her affair with his best friend, Mark Sloan.
With board qualifications in obstetrics, gynecology, and maternal-fetal medicine, Addison is a top-tier neonatal surgeon. She has also finished a fellowship in medical genetics.
