Kate Walsh has spent years moving in and out of the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. However, returning to “Grey’s Anatomy” apparently never feels like starting over.
The actress recently explained why she continues reprising her role as Dr. Addison Montgomery more than two decades after the character first appeared. For Walsh, much of the appeal comes down to the people who have been shaping Addison’s story from the beginning.
Her comments also leave the door open for another appearance after Addison made an emotional return during Season 22 of the show.
Kate Walsh Says Returning To ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Feels ‘Like Going Home’
Walsh recently opened up about what keeps drawing her back to “Grey’s Anatomy.” Speaking to People at the US Open in New York City, the actress credited creator Shonda Rhimes and current showrunner Meg Marinis for making her occasional return feel so natural.
“It’s Shondaland, it’s Shonda, everything she writes,” Walsh told the outlet. She went on to praise Marinis, noting, “She’s been there since day one with Shonda, and they know Addison, they know the show.”
According to Walsh, that familiarity makes returning feel “like going home.” Walsh first appeared as Addison in the season 1 finale of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Her arrival immediately complicated Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd’s relationship after she introduced herself as the latter’s wife.
The character later became a series regular before leaving Seattle for California. Her move eventually launched the “Grey’s Anatomy” spinoff series “Private Practice,” which ran for six seasons between 2007 and 2013.
Leaving Grey Sloan, however, never meant Walsh was finished with Addison. She returned for guest appearances over the years and eventually had larger arcs during Seasons 18 and 19. Her most recent comeback happened in Season 22 after several seasons away.
To Walsh, her long history with the character is another reason returning feels so easy. She previously told Shondaland that part of her mind seems permanently reserved for Addison. After playing her for roughly 20 years, the actress said she no longer has to think as hard about stepping back into the role.
Addison Montgomery’s Latest Return Showed A Different Side Of Her
Walsh’s latest appearance also gave viewers a noticeably different version of Addison. The character returned during the January 29 Season 22 episode “Strip That Down.” Amelia Shepherd pulled Addison out of a sabbatical when she needed help with a complicated case involving a pregnant patient.
However, the surgeon wasn’t simply returning to solve someone else’s problems. The episode revealed that she was struggling personally. Her husband, Jake Reilly, had left after their marriage deteriorated amid Addison’s continued dedication to her work.
Walsh told Shondaland that she specifically wanted viewers to see Addison in a more vulnerable state. She suggested turning the normal dynamic between Addison and Amelia around. Rather than having Addison arrive and immediately fix her former sister-in-law’s problems, she wanted Addison to be the one who was struggling. That allowed Amelia to provide support for a character traditionally portrayed as confident and always in control.
The actress also liked the idea of exploring how Addison’s commitment to her work affected her marriage. According to her, she appreciated the fact that the character ultimately chose her work. She believed the conflict was something many people could recognize.
Walsh praised Caterina Scorsone, who plays Amelia. She described their working relationship as naturally sisterly.
Kate Walsh Hasn’t Ruled Out Another Addison Return
(Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)Walsh’s latest comments don’t come with confirmation that Addison will appear again. However, the actress has made it clear that she isn’t closing the door.
When Shondaland asked whether viewers could expect more episodes featuring Addison, Walsh revealed that conversations with the “Grey’s Anatomy” team continue.
“We’re always talking,” she said. “I don’t know what is going to happen, but I’m always open to it.”
