Melissa George Character Rewritten Amid Brooke Smith Firing
As we reported early this morning, sources confirmed that Brooke Smith, who plays Dr. Erica Hahn (a heart surgeon who recently realized she is gay), has been axed from the Grey's Anatomy cast. Brooke Smith sounded off on this to EW's Michael Ausiello.
You may have already seen this, but in the wake of Smith's surprise and sudden firing, insiders connected to the ABC series tell E! Online that some of the gay-themed story lines are being downplayed - and even erased from upcoming Grey's Anatomy scripts.
And that goes for the series' latest (and controversial) newcomer, Melissa George of Alias fame, who is set to join the medical drama this month ...
Melissa came on to the show as a bisexual character and love interest for Callie (Sara Ramirez), but a reliable insider says that's no longer in the cards, "They changed the script, and now she isn't. She starts off flirting with Callie but it never goes anywhere."
Melissa will portray Meredith's (Ellen Pompeo) best friend - with a possible history - and a new intern at Seattle Grace. No word on how that will play out.
Grey's Anatomy included a prominent bisexual / lesbian storyline in Season Five in the blossoming (and complex) relationship between Hahn (Smith) and Callie (Ramirez). That storyline will end in this Thursday's episode, "Rise Up" - which will be Smith's last on the series.
"They don't really give her a goodbye," an ABC source says. "It ends rather abruptly."
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July 13th, 2009 10:21 PM
AReIGO
November 15th, 2008 5:13 PM
I, just like lots of others feel that the firing of Brook Smith was uncalled for to say the least. Hey!! ABC exec's every heard the saying if it isn't broke don't fix it......you should have listened. There are other shows on tv these days with gay couples on them Brother's and Sister's is one of them the only difference is that it is a story line about a gay man a gay man that got married even...... people tend to have more of a problem with gay men instead of lesbian women. When honestly no one should have a problem with either. I personally thought it was a great story line and I feel they should get on thier knees and beg Brook to come back and finish the story line............THIS IS 2008 TIME FOR A CHANGE...GET OVER YOURSELF ABC AND GET ON WITH THE STORY LINE YOU STARTED AND GET ON WITH IT WITH THE SAME CHARACTERS.
November 13th, 2008 2:53 PM
P A T H E T I C
Lost a LOT of respect for the show, for Shonda, and for ABC.
November 11th, 2008 3:31 AM
The GA storylines are growing tired. Brooke Smith is heads above the other actors in talent. Grey's Anatomy has become nothing more than a primetime soap opera. For those who want to see Torres with McSteamey, fine, it will be good for a season as all other GA relationships. Thank you for bringing me back to earth. ABC is the same old ABC. I have taken alot of grief for watching this show for the last three seasons. I deserved it. I am embarrassed. Brooke Smith is the best actress on the show. It will eventually prove to be a blessing for her. She has the talent to elevate her talents to another level.
November 7th, 2008 8:47 PM
I really hate to see Brooke Smith go. They definitely should keep her. And, why are they bringing Melissa George on board? The show is already pretty crowded. I would like to know more about the existing characters before they bring on a new person.
November 6th, 2008 6:18 PM
hi everyone!
I am horribly disgusted, and just sent a comment to ABC. I suggest you do the same! Make sure to make it logical, and not just emotion-based, so they take it seriously!
http://abc.go.com/site/contactus.html?lid=ABCCOMGlobalFooter&lpos=CONTACT
"I am shocked that Brooke Smith has been let go. In a nation that needs change and acceptance, I was proud of Grey's Anatomy and the people at ABC for including an acceptable "coming out" type of story. I feel horrible for the gay and lesbian community that when it seems like they are able to take one step forward, someone pushes them two steps back. Wake up, ABC! You were doing a good thing, with a smart storyline."
November 6th, 2008 5:26 PM
Anyone else think that that picture of Melissa George looks a bit like Izzie did from earlier seasons?
November 6th, 2008 4:41 PM
I'm just wondering how the storyline will pesent such an abrupt character leave-taking..
From the short clip posted on this site (preview number 4), maybe Dr Hahn is FIRED from Seattle Grace for turning so harshly on Izzie/an intern?
In the clip, Dr Hahn not only demands an investigation begin into Izzie's involvement with the fateful heart transplant.. but also blatantly states that if the patient dies, it will be Izzie who will have "killed" him? !
Not exactly professional, much less admirable, teacher behavior..
November 6th, 2008 8:42 AM
Myself and my friends are glad the story line is gone. I don't feel that she should have been let go as I would have liked to see her character actually develop into a true teacher. But, Callie is a red blooded female who enjoys male interaction the story line was not believable to me. Even my 16 year old daughter who has more of an open mind than me couldn't stand the story line.
November 5th, 2008 11:47 PM
Yes!! I am so excited for that crap to be over with! I can finally enjoy a full episode again! Thank you ABC!