As a long-time fan of Grey’s Anatomy, I must say that the return of Dr. Sydney Heron was a delightful surprise! It’s always fascinating to see characters from our past make a comeback, and Kali Rocha has effortlessly slipped back into her role.
In a delightful twist, Grey’s Anatomy has brought back a familiar character for Season 21 – Dr. Sydney Heron. However, many fans might be wondering about the absence of this esteemed doctor. The actress behind the role shares the story!
Over the course of its run, Grey’s Anatomy has been known to reintroduce characters from its past, ranging from significant figures to secondary players. The show often leaves the door open for characters who have been absent for years to return and conclude their storylines. However, the unexpected return of Dr. Sydney Heron in the Season 21 premiere was a shocking twist.
The character first appeared way back in Season 2’s “Break On Through” when the hospital was dealing with Bailey on maternity leave and a nurse’s strike. Played by Kali Rocha, she instantly became known for her ridiculously perky and positive attitude that soon drove the other doctors crazy. A flashback episode revealed she’d lost a patient when she was an intern and so put on the show of always smiling through the pain.
For some time, the character was frequently seen, including going on a date with Derek. But after Season 4, she left for a new job in Florida, only to reappear in Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 as the replacement for Bailey as the residency director, and surprisingly, seemed even more energetic than before to confuse the interns.
It’s a fun return, but why did Rocha leave the show in the first place?
Rocha explains her long absence from Grey’s Anatomy
There could be speculation about whether Rocha left due to financial problems or creative disagreements with Shonda Rhimes and the producers. However, in an interview with Tell-Tale TV, the actress clarified that the reasons were not as significant. She had understood from the beginning that her role was limited, and the writers didn’t have many more plans for Sydney. Unfortunately, it was just unfortunate timing that prevented a comeback.
It was a long time ago that I first went on the show, and then very sweetly, they kept bringing me back in different incarnations as Sydney, but in different jobs. And then it just sort of went away with no real explanation. I think they tried to call once, but I was very heavily pregnant, so it wouldn’t have worked, I think, in the storyline. Then I just sort of forgot about it. It never occurred to me that I would get that phone call 17 seasons later saying, ‘Hey, we want to bring you back.’
I couldn’t help but heap praise on Rhimes for making the set of Grey’s feel even more inclusive and welcoming than when I initially joined it. It was an absolute joy to connect with the veteran cast members like Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, and James Pickens Jr., while also bonding with the newbies playing the interns. Moreover, stepping back into my old role after 17 years felt surreal yet familiar, a testament to the lasting impact this show has had on me.
I don’t know exactly why, but it took nothing to go back and remember her needs, her motivations, her insecurities, her ambitions, and her flaws and foibles. It just really came back very quickly. I mean, I think the writers knew my character very well, but I have to say, I also knew my character very well. And I was surprised by that, because it has been so long, but it was not hard to step back into it.
I, the gamer, am excited that Heron isn’t going anywhere, not even when Bailey’s trying to reclaim her position. It’ll be quite a spectacle watching their interactions as Rocha chuckles at how Heron is “smothering Bailey with kindness.” It feels fantastic having this character back in the mix on Grey’s, can’t wait to see more!
Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 airs Thursdays at 10/9c on ABC.
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2024-10-04 00:23