For more than two decades, Grey’s Anatomy has been a fixture of primetime television. The medical drama, created by Shonda Rhimes and airing on ABC since March 27, 2005, holds the record as the longest-running medical drama on primetime TV. Its cast has shifted dramatically over 22 seasons, yet a handful of original faces remain at the center of the story.
As the show moves through its 2025–2026 season, viewers continue to ask who is still working at Grey Sloan Memorial and who has left the halls behind. Below is a breakdown of the main cast, recent changes, and notable absences heading into season 22.
Who Are the Main Cast Members of Grey’s Anatomy?
Grey’s Anatomy
2005–present
ABC
Shonda Rhimes
- Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey) is the longest-running main cast member, having appeared in every season, but she transitioned to a recurring role in season 19 while remaining an executive producer and narrator.
- Chandra Wilson (Miranda Bailey) and James Pickens Jr. (Richard Webber) are the only original cast members confirmed to appear in all 18 episodes of season 22.
- Kevin McKidd (Owen Hunt) and Kim Raver (Teddy Altman) were announced on March 25, 2026, as departing after the season finale.
- Caterina Scorsone (Amelia Shepherd) had a reduced presence in season 22, with a shorter episode run than most other regulars.
- Jake Borelli and Midori Francis are absent from the main cast in season 22, marking the first season without them since their respective additions.
| Actor | Character | Seasons | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ellen Pompeo | Dr. Meredith Grey | 1–19 (recurring after) | Lead |
| Chandra Wilson | Dr. Miranda Bailey | 1–present | Main |
| James Pickens Jr. | Dr. Richard Webber | 1–present | Main |
| Kevin McKidd | Dr. Owen Hunt | 5–present | Main |
| Patrick Dempsey | Dr. Derek Shepherd | 1–11 | Main |
Who Is in the Cast of Grey’s Anatomy Season 22?
Season 22 premiered on October 9, 2025 (though some sources point to October 16 as a possible date, the majority of cast documentation supports the earlier premiere) and is set to run 18 episodes. The ensemble blends legacy characters, the current residency cohort, and a handful of returning guest stars.
Core Season 22 Regulars
The main cast includes 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, Caterina Scorsone as Amelia Shepherd, Camilla Luddington as Jo Wilson, Jason George as Ben Warren, Chris Carmack as Atticus Lincoln, Anthony Hill as Winston Ndugu, Alexis Floyd as Simone Griffith, Harry Shum Jr. as Benson “Blue” Kwan, Adelaide Kane as Jules Millin, Niko Terho as Lucas Adams, and Trevor Jackson as Wes Bryant. Jackson was promoted from guest star to series regular for season 22.
Recurring and Guest Cast
Debbie Allen returns as Catherine Fox, Scott Speedman as Nick Marsh, Jaicy Elliot as Taryn Helm, and Kate Burton as Ellis Grey. New recurring faces include Jade Pettyjohn as Dani Spencer, Floriana Lima as Nora Young, Anita Kalathara as Kavita Mohanty, Samantha Marie Ware as Katie Rogers, and Natalie Morales as Monica Beltran.
Ellen Pompeo appears in approximately seven episodes during season 22, according to available reporting. Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. are the only original cast members confirmed for all 18 episodes. Caterina Scorsone’s role was also scaled back compared to past seasons.
Which Actors Played Iconic Characters Like Lexie Grey and Denny Duquette?
Two characters remain especially memorable among fans who ask about specific roles from earlier seasons.
Who played Lexie Grey on Grey’s Anatomy?
Chyler Leigh portrayed Dr. Lexie Grey, Meredith’s half-sister, who joined the show in season 4 and remained a main cast member until her death in season 8. Leigh’s performance made Lexie a fan-favorite character whose absence is still felt by longtime viewers.
Who played Denny Duquette on Grey’s Anatomy?
Jeffrey Dean Morgan played Denny Duquette, a heart transplant patient who became romantically involved with Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl). Denny appeared primarily in season 2 and remains one of the most memorable guest characters in the series.
Both Lexie Grey and Denny Duquette are examples of how Grey’s Anatomy uses character exits—whether through death or departure—to create lasting emotional impact. Their actors have not returned as regulars, though flashbacks and dream sequences have occasionally brought them back.
Who Are the New Cast Members in Recent Seasons?
The show has continued to inject fresh faces into Grey Sloan Memorial, particularly from season 19 onward.
New additions in season 22
Trevor Jackson, who had previously appeared as a guest star, was promoted to series regular for season 22, playing Wes Bryant. Natalie Morales joined the recurring cast as Monica Beltran. Jade Pettyjohn and Floriana Lima also entered the rotation as Dani Spencer and Nora Young, respectively.
Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver are expected to leave after the season 22 finale, according to an announcement made on March 25, 2026. Jake Borelli and Midori Francis are not part of the main cast this season, marking a significant shift in the ensemble.
Who Were the Original Cast Members of Grey’s Anatomy?
The series premiered on March 27, 2005, with a nine-person main cast: Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, Justin Chambers, T.R. Knight, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., and Isaiah Washington. Of those, only Pompeo, Wilson, and Pickens remain connected to the show in season 22. Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. are the only two original cast members appearing in every episode of the current season.
Grey’s Anatomy Cast Changes Over the Seasons
- Season 1 (2005): Original cast debuts: Pompeo, Dempsey, Oh, Heigl, Chambers, Knight, Wilson, Pickens, Washington.
- Season 2 (2005–2006): Katherine Heigl promoted to main; notable guest appearance by Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Denny Duquette.
- Season 3 (2006–2007): Isaiah Washington exits; Sara Ramirez promoted to main as Dr. Callie Torres.
- Season 6 (2009–2010): Katherine Heigl exits; Jessica Capshaw joins as a main cast member playing Dr. Arizona Robbins.
- Season 10 (2013–2014): Sandra Oh exits; Kelly McCreary joins as Dr. Maggie Pierce.
- Season 11 (2014–2015): Patrick Dempsey exits; Martin Henderson joins as Dr. Nathan Riggs.
- Season 16 (2019–2020): Justin Chambers exits; Richard Flood joins as Dr. Cormac Hayes.
- Season 19 (2022–2023): Ellen Pompeo reduces to recurring; new main cast includes Adelaide Kane, Harry Shum Jr., and Alexis Floyd.
- Season 22 (2025–2026): Current ensemble features Wilson, Pickens, McKidd, Luddington, and the residency-era group; Trevor Jackson promoted to regular.
What We Know vs. What’s Unconfirmed
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Ellen Pompeo has reduced her role but remains an executive producer and appears in about seven episodes of season 22. | Whether former main cast members such as Jessica Capshaw or Sarah Drew will return for guest arcs in upcoming seasons. |
| Patrick Dempsey left after season 11 and has not returned as a regular. | The full list of guest stars for season 22 beyond those already announced remains unknown. |
| Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. remain core cast members for all of season 22. | Ellen Pompeo’s future level of involvement beyond season 22 has not been confirmed. |
Why Grey’s Anatomy Cast Longevity Matters
The show’s ability to retain a core group of actors across two decades has been central to its success. Even as major characters have exited—some through death, others through creative decisions—the presence of actors like Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. provides continuity. The transition of Ellen Pompeo from full-time lead to recurring narrator and producer reflects a broader shift: seasons 19 through 22 have intentionally brought in younger actors, allowing the series to refresh its ensemble without losing institutional memory.
Where to Find the Full Cast List
Complete and regularly updated cast information is available from several authoritative sources. The IMDb Grey’s Anatomy cast page offers a searchable database of every credited actor. Wikipedia’s list of cast members provides a detailed season-by-season breakdown. The official ABC cast page features the current season’s roster with character descriptions. For a visual then-and-now look at the original ensemble, Good Housekeeping’s photo gallery traces how the actors have changed since 2005.
“Ellen Pompeo has been the heart of Grey’s Anatomy for nearly two decades.”
— Derived from reporting on Pompeo’s role as the show’s anchor
What’s Next for the Cast of Grey’s Anatomy?
Season 22 continues with the current ensemble, and the departure of Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver after the finale will open space for further changes. The show is expected to maintain its strategy of balancing veteran actors with new residents. Future casting announcements from ABC will determine whether fan-favorite former cast members return for guest appearances. For a deeper look at how the season unfolded, see our Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Recap and the Grey’s Anatomy Original Characters guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many seasons of Grey’s Anatomy are there?
As of 2025, Grey’s Anatomy has 22 seasons and is ongoing.
Who is the oldest cast member of Grey’s Anatomy?
James Pickens Jr., born in 1954, is currently the oldest main cast member.
Who is the youngest main cast member?
Current younger cast members include Adelaide Kane (born 1990) and Harry Shum Jr. (born 1982).
Has the cast of Grey’s Anatomy changed a lot?
Yes, over 22 seasons the series has seen numerous departures and additions; only a handful of original cast remain.
Where can I see the full cast list?
Complete cast lists are available on IMDb, Wikipedia, and the official ABC page.
Is Ellen Pompeo still on Grey’s Anatomy?
She is no longer a full-time regular but continues as narrator, executive producer, and appears in roughly seven episodes per season.
Who played Lexie Grey on Grey’s Anatomy?
Chyler Leigh played Lexie Grey from season 4 until season 8.
Who played Denny Duquette on Grey’s Anatomy?
Jeffrey Dean Morgan played Denny Duquette, primarily in season 2.
Are Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver leaving Grey’s Anatomy?
Yes, they were announced on March 25, 2026, as departing after the season 22 finale.
Who are the new cast members in season 22?
Trevor Jackson was promoted to series regular, and Natalie Morales, Jade Pettyjohn, and Floriana Lima joined in recurring roles.
Henry Wallace is Managing Editor at RegionalReport.co.uk, running the daily news list, the regional publishing schedule and newsroom workflow.