Will Dr. Addison Montgomery Return To Grey’s Anatomy? Kate Walsh Weighs In

By Ridenour

18 Apr 2025

Hey there, Grey's Anatomy fans! The question on everyone's mind as Season 14 gears up for its premiere on ABC this September is: will Dr. Addison Montgomery make a triumphant return to Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital? Played by the talented Kate Walsh, Addison became a fan favorite during her time on the show and in her own spin-off, Private Practice. But guess what? Kate herself isn't so sure about revisiting the character.

During an interview with AOL’s BUILD Series back in April, the 49-year-old actress opened up about the possibility of reprising her iconic role. “People ask me this all the time, every single day. And honestly, I don’t know. Shonda and I, we love each other deeply,” Kate explained. “If Shonda ever asked me to collaborate with her again—whether it’s Grey’s or something else—I’d absolutely say yes. But as of now, nothing’s on the table.”

Why Addison Might Not Be Returning

For those who have been hoping for a revisit to the world of Grey’s Anatomy, Kate had some insightful words. While she expressed openness to future collaborations with Shonda Rhimes, she wasn’t entirely sold on revisiting the Grey’s universe. “We really dived deep into Addison’s character during her time on Grey’s and Private Practice,” Kate elaborated. “We explored her life, her struggles, her triumphs—everything. So, while there’s definitely a desire from fans to see her return, we both feel like we’ve given Addison her due. It feels like a chapter that’s been closed.”

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    Shonda and Kate back in 2008. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

    Kate's Reflections on Grey's Anatomy's Legacy

    Despite her reluctance to return, Kate remains in awe of the show’s enduring legacy. Grey’s Anatomy has been a cultural phenomenon since its debut in 2005, and its impact continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. “It’s mind-blowing, honestly,” Kate admitted. “The fact that people are still tuning in, still engaging with these characters, speaks volumes about the incredible team behind the scenes. The writers, the actors, the crew—they’ve all contributed to something truly special.”

    Kate’s tenure on Grey’s Anatomy spanned seasons one through eight, and her departure marked a significant moment in the series. But even after stepping away, she continues to marvel at the show’s staying power. “In today’s world, where we’re inundated with so much content, it’s remarkable that Grey’s has managed to maintain its relevance. It’s a testament to the artistry and dedication of everyone involved.”

    Kate's Battle with Health Challenges

    After her time on both Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, Kate faced a personal health challenge that shifted her focus. In 2015, she underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor the size of a lemon. Despite her extensive experience playing a doctor on screen, Kate revealed in a recent interview with Cosmopolitan that she was terrified of the procedure.

    “You’d think that after playing Dr. Addison for so many years, I’d feel more at ease in a hospital setting. But nope, I was absolutely petrified,” Kate confessed. “I felt like a little kid again. My mom gave me rosary beads, and a friend even gifted me a stuffed animal for comfort. It just goes to show that no matter how strong you appear on the outside, being a patient is an incredibly vulnerable experience.”

    Despite the challenges, Kate’s sense of humor and resilience shone through. “Playing Addison taught me a lot about medicine, but nothing could prepare me for being on the other side of the stethoscope. It was a humbling experience, but one that ultimately strengthened me,” she added.

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  • Kate and Patrick Dempsey Reunite

    On a lighter note, Grey’s Anatomy fans were thrilled to see Kate reunite with her former co-star, Patrick Dempsey, in a recent commercial for Cigna. The duo, who played onscreen spouses, brought their chemistry back to life in the fun-filled spot. “Working with Kate again was a blast,” Patrick shared. “She’s always been such a talented and fun collaborator. We had a great time making each other laugh.”

    This heartwarming reunion reminded fans of the strong bond between the two actors, both on and off screen. While there’s no official word on Addison’s return to Grey’s Anatomy, Kate’s continued involvement in the entertainment world ensures that her star power is here to stay.

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