After two decades of playing Dr. Miranda Bailey on the hit medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” Chandra Wilson has revealed that it is finally time for her to watch the show for herself. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Wilson shared that she began watching the series during the COVID-19 pandemic, but only managed to get through the first three seasons before returning to work. The 55-year-old actress expressed her enthusiasm to catch up on the show, stating, “I need to go back. I need to know what they’re talking about.”
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Since Grey’s Anatomy debuted on ABC in 2005, Chandra Wilson has been a vital part of the cast, portraying the no-nonsense Dr. Miranda Bailey. Alongside James Pickens Jr., who plays Dr. Richard Webber, Wilson is one of the only remaining stars from the show’s first season who still regularly appears on the series. Despite other original cast members moving on, like Ellen Pompeo, who played Dr. Meredith Grey, Wilson remains dedicated to her role as Dr. Bailey. Pompeo has made sporadic appearances on the show and cited no financial reason to permanently depart from the long-running series.
Wilson’s dedication to portraying Dr. Miranda Bailey stems from her love for the character’s complexity and growth throughout the show. She expressed her enjoyment in bringing the character to life and allowing viewers to see different facets of Dr. Bailey’s personality. Wilson also mentioned the ever-evolving nature of Dr. Bailey’s appearance, especially her changing hairstyles, which adds another layer to her character.
As “Grey’s Anatomy” gears up for its 22nd season this fall, the milestone of reaching over 450 episodes is on the horizon. Wilson shared that the cast and crew started celebrating this significant achievement last year. She expressed her excitement for the opportunity to continue telling compelling stories, maintaining the show’s close-knit family dynamic, and moving forward with new narratives.
Despite the show’s enduring popularity and longevity, Wilson admitted that the prospect of a 22nd season leaves her pondering, “I don’t have the slightest idea what a season 22 would be about.” As the season 21 finale approaches, fans are left eagerly anticipating what twists and turns the next instalment will bring to the beloved series. “Grey’s Anatomy” airs on ABC on Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day for viewers to catch up on all the medical drama.
In conclusion, Chandra Wilson’s journey of finally watching “Grey’s Anatomy” after 20 years encapsulates the enduring legacy and impact of the beloved series. With the upcoming 22nd season on the horizon and the milestone of surpassing 450 episodes, the show continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling and beloved characters. Wilson’s dedication to her role as Dr. Miranda Bailey reflects the profound connection actors have with their characters, showcasing the enduring magic of television that keeps viewers coming back for more.