In a 2006 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, the then-36-year-old creator of Grey’s Anatomy, opened up about the immense pressure of maintaining the show’s number-one status, the impact of color-blind casting, and the deeply flawed yet beloved characters that have captivated millions.
At the time of the interview, Grey’s Anatomy had skyrocketed to the top of prime-time ratings, drawing more than 35 million viewers after the Super Bowl.
Rhimes, who also penned The Princess Diaries 2 and HBO’s Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, recalled the whirlwind experience of her first TV hit.
“People feel as if they know me,” she told Winfrey. “They think maybe I have some love answers for them—which I don’t.”
Rhimes, a former hospital candy striper turned TV powerhouse, shared how she conceived the medical drama. Initially fascinated by surgical procedures on TV, she wanted to create a world that reflected real women—ones who could be ambitious, competitive, and flawed.
“Most of the women I saw on TV didn’t seem like people I actually knew,” she explained. “They felt like ideas of what women are.”
Diversity was another hallmark of Grey’s Anatomy. Rhimes cast without considering race, allowing the best actors to win their roles.
“No one has ever said anything about the fact that the head of the hospital is Black,” she noted, referring to Chief Webber (James Pickens Jr.). “I would have been horrified if someone had suggested it was a problem.”
During the interview, Sandra Oh, who played Dr. Cristina Yang, dropped by, discussing the challenge of shooting emotionally charged scenes and the joy of working with Rhimes.
The showrunner also revealed the origins of the iconic nickname McDreamy, explaining how the crew was mesmerized by Patrick Dempsey’s “dreamy eyes” while filming.
On balancing her personal life, Rhimes admitted that solitude was a cherished part of her single motherhood journey, especially after adopting her daughter post-9/11.
“I actually like being alone,” she said. “I spend most evenings reading and taking long baths.” Winfrey, an avid bath lover herself, enthusiastically agreed.
As for the show’s future, Rhimes teased that she already knew how it would end but refused to share spoilers.
“I know what each of the characters’ last moments are,” she said cryptically.
At the time, Grey’s Anatomy was just beginning its run as a TV juggernaut. Nearly two decades later, its legacy—built on Rhimes’ commitment to storytelling, diversity, and emotionally gripping drama—remains intact.
