Kate Walsh returns to Grey’s Anatomy. Walsh announced on social media on Wednesday that she would return to the long-running ABC series as fan-favorite Dr. Addison Montgomery in the next episode on May 5. Walsh first appeared as Addison, the ex-wife of Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) in the Season 1 finale.
“I’m back in uniform and that can only mean one thing…” Walsh captioned a video of herself that she shared on Instagram. She did not share specific details about the upcoming appearance.
After creating the character in Season 1 of Grey’s, Walsh continued the series through Season 3 before moving on to headline his own spin-off, Private Practice. This series ran for six seasons on ABC between 2007 and 2013. Walsh has previously appeared on Grey’s previously this season, after showing up for a two-episode arc in February. This arc saw Addison return to Seattle to perform a groundbreaking uterine transplant and finally make peace with Derek’s death.
Created by Shonda Rhimes, Grey’s Anatomy is currently in its 18th season on ABC. The series debuted on March 27, 2005, and is the longest-running scripted primetime show currently airing on ABC. The network recently revealed that the long-running medical drama will wrap up its 18th season with a two-hour finale on Thursday, May 26 at 8 p.m. ET. The series was renewed for season 19 in January after series star Ellen Pompeo signed on for at least one more season. Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. are the only three cast members on the show to star in all 18 seasons.
“Grey’s Anatomy is a real phenomenon, appreciated by audiences around the world. Whether they catch it live on ABC, stream it on Hulu or stream it worldwide on Disney+ or Star+, it’s clear fans can’t get enough of Shonda Rhimes’ brilliant creation.” said Dana Walden, President of Entertainment, Walt Disney Television, in a press release, “We have tremendous confidence in Shonda, Krista Vernoff, Ellen Pompeo and the entire creative team to unlock new, never-before-seen stories that will continue to focus on modern medicine, to tackle the issues that shape the world around us, and to resonate deeply with loyal fans for years to come.”
“I couldn’t be more excited that we can continue to tell the stories of Meredith, Bailey, Richard and all the other doctors at Gray Sloan Memorial for another season,” said Grey’s Anatomy designer Shonda Rhimes. “It’s a true testament to Krista Vernoff, the cast, the crew and all the writers who keep audiences hooked week after week. And it wouldn’t be possible without the generations of incredible fans who have supported Grey’s Anatomy for so many years.”
“Grey’s Anatomy has a global impact that cannot be overstated. Grey’s touches, and sometimes changes, hearts and minds around the world through the depth of connection people feel with these characters,” said executive producer and showrunner Krista Vernoff. “I’m excited to work with our amazing writers to imagine where we go from here, and I’m forever grateful to our partners at Disney and ABC for enabling us to tell bold stories with real impact.”
Grey’s Anatomy stars Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey, Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, James Pickens Jr. as Richard Webber, Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt, Kim Raver as Teddy Altman, Camilla Luddington as Jo Wilson, Caterina Scorsone as Amelia Shepherd, Kelly McCreary as Maggie Pierce , Chris Carmack as Atticus “Link” Lincoln, Jake Borelli as Levi Schmitt, Richard Flood as Cormac Hayes, and Anthony Hill as Winston Ndugu. Rhimes serves as the series’ executive producer. Betsy Beers is also an executive producer. Debbie Allen, Meg Marinis and Mark Gordon serve as executive producers, along with Ellen Pompeo for season 19, with Zoanne Clack serving as medical advisor and executive producer. ABC Signature, part of Disney Television Studios, produces Grey’s Anatomy.