Sarah Drew Says She 'Really Gained a Voice' Working onGrey's Anatomy: How It's Benefitted Her Career Today (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Sarah Drew in March 2024.Photo:Frazer Harrison/Getty

Sarah Drew

Frazer Harrison/Getty

Sarah Drewis looking back at her experience onGrey’s Anatomy.

Th 44-year-old actress — who played April Kepner on the series from 2009 to 2018 on the ABC medical drama — told PEOPLE at the Dance Party to End ALZ: The Halloween Edition at AVALON in  Los Angeles thatGrey’s Anatomywas “an amazing place where I got to grow as a character.”

“I got to be challenged in all kinds of amazing ways and make friendships for life,” she recalled before reflecting on her personal growth journey — including welcoming children Micah Emmanuel, 12, and Hannah Mali Rose, 9, with husband Peter Lanfer — while appearing on the beloved series.

Sarah Drew attends the 2024 Dance Party to End ALZ Benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association at AVALON Hollywood on October 27, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Sarah Drew attends the 2024 Dance Party to End ALZ Benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association

Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

“I had both my babies in an environment that was so supportive of women. I mean, I look back on that time and it was such a period of growth for me,” she added. “And now I’m out in the world creating and making my own stuff and it’s really exciting.”

Sarah Drew on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’.Richard Cartwright/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images via via Getty Images

GREY’S ANATOMY - “Trigger Happy” SARAH DREW

Drew noted leaving in 2018 felt like“being fired from our family”after being part of the cast for nine seasons.

“We were unceremoniously let go in a way that felt really mean and unjust,” she said of her and Capshaw, whose role as Arizona Robbins was cut from the show at the end of season 14 (at the same time as Drew). “And, because of that, the outpouring of love was so enormous it was like you were sitting there watching people say all the things that they love about you after you’re dead."

Sarah Drew on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’.Richard Cartwright via Getty Images

GREYS ANATOMY - Look Up Child - SARAH DREW

Drew — who hassince come backto the show for guest appearances — explained that she no longer has the same ties to the series as she did originally.

“I have no attachment to it at all,” she explained. “So I think so there’s peace. When you’re on the show, you know, you never know what’s gonna happen. You never know if they’re gonna lose interest in your story line or if you piss off the wrong person, then something’s gonna happen. Like, you don’t know. But when I just popped back in to say hello, it I have zero anxiety, and I don’t need anything from anybody on that set anymore.”

“They’re not responsible for my livelihood anymore,” continued Drew, who stars inA Carpenter Christmas Romance, out Dec. 21 on Lifetime. “They’re not responsible for my success or my joy. So it feels very, very freeing to pop back in because I’m like, ‘Hey, this is a fun spot to come visit.’”

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Grey’s Anatomyairs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC and can be streamed on Hulu the next day.Mistletoe Murderspremieres Oct. 31 on Hallmark+ andA Carpenter Christmas Romancedebuts Dec. 21 on Lifetime.

source: people.com