'Grey's Anatomy' Cast on Saving Lives for 13 Seasons and Counting – Variety

When the Greys Anatomy cast visited PaleyFest at the Dolby Theatre to a packed house of 2,500 fans, the panel was an affectionate look at where the characters have been and where they might be headed in their thirteenth season on ABC. Fans got an early look at the episode Ellen Pompeo directed, which will air March 30and contains a heartbreaking development.

The cast paid sincere respect to their fearless leader Shonda Rhimes for giving them rich characters to play and for her endlessly creative mind. Chandra Wilson said, Her mind never stops. Ive learned from her.

Now that TV legend Debbie Allen is both acting and directing on Greys, shes also been a guiding force. Pompeo credited Allen for encouraging her to direct an episode, Shes the most incredible mentor and I work with the most incredible talent.

Allen also got one of the biggest laughs of the panel when she was asked what she loves most about her character, Dr. Catherine Avery, and replied, That I get to have mad old sex with Dr. Webber (James Pickens Jr.). Even more chucklesensued when Justin Chambers tried to think of which dead character hed want to bring back to life. Pressured, he finally answered, McDreamy, McSteamy, I miss them!

As for whats on the horizon, Jesse Williams said hed love to work more with Eric Roberts, who guested in last weeks bottle episode and was revealed to be the father his character, Jackson Avery, never knew. Williams said, I was excited [about the episode.] It was a big cloud hanging over the character. Kevin McKidd, who directed the episodethat added to the rare number of timesthatviewers get to leave the hospital confines. McKidd said, I wanted the episode to feel like an independent film. I was happy to get the chance to tell one story.

As for the relationship between Jackson and April Kepner, actress Sarah Drew sounded optimistic, Theres so much love and respect there. Theyll always be each others person, even if theyre friends. Everything is hopeful.

As the panel wound down, Allen was asked what she thought was special about Greys and sheanswered eloquently, Its about characters that are real and real life stories. Our writers look at journals for cutting edge medical stories. Our show is saving lives every week.

Greys Anatomy airs9 p.m.Thursdaynightson ABC.

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'Grey's Anatomy' Cast on Saving Lives for 13 Seasons and Counting - Variety