Entertainment Weekly broke the news today that ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” has parted ways with Brooke Smith, who plays Dr. Eric Hahn on the popular show.
EW says this was not creator Shonda Rhimes’ decision but rather an order that came down from the network. The ABC executives reportedly “had issues” with both the explicit direction Hahn’s relationship with Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) was taking and with the Hahn character in general.
Surprisingly, this Thursday will be the last time you see the Hahn character, who doesn’t get a proper goodbye as she just heads out to her car. You can read a full interview with Smith on the situation here.
In related news, E! Online adds that Melissa George’s (“Alias”) new character came on to the show as a bisexual character and love interest for Callie, but now isn’t as they changed the script. George plays Meredith’s (Ellen Pompeo) best friend and a new intern at Seattle Grace.
Shonda Rhimes also issued the following statement tonight:
“Brooke Smith was obviously not fired for playing a lesbian. Clearly it’s not an issue as we have a lesbian character on the show — Calliope Torres. Sara Ramirez is an incredible comedic and dramatic actress and we wanted to be able to play up her magic. Unfortunately, we did not find that the magic and chemistry with Brooke’s character would sustain in the long run. The impact of the Callie/Erica relationship will be felt and played out in a story for Callie. I believe it belittles the relationship to simply replace Erica with ‘another lesbian.’ If you’ll remember, Cristina mourned the loss of Burke for a full season.”
