A surprise reunion for the resurgent Isaiah Washington and two of his former Grey's Anatomy co-stars - James Pickens, Jr. and Chandra Wilson - took place at an event for a good cause.
The actor, who was let go from the ABC hit in June, unexpectedly showed up Saturday at Kiki Shepard's 5th Annual Celebrity Bowling Challenge to "Bowl a Strike for Sickle Cell Disease" at the PINZ Entertainment Center in L.A.
Washington, who seemed in good spirits, casually greeted James Pickens, Jr., with a pat on the back before the two got to catching up, then gave Wilson a hearty hug and kiss hello.
Carrying an unlit cigar, Washington opted not to bowl and instead watched as James Pickens, Jr., who plays Dr. Richard Webber on Grey's Anatomy, showed off his bowling skills with a few strikes and a couple of spares.
As we reported yesterday, however, Isaiah Washington, 43, has already made a strike of his own.
The actor has landed some new TV roles, including a guest-starring role on this fall's NBC remake of The Bionic Woman with Michelle Ryan.
He's also landed a development deal as the lead star in a potential action drama he pitched to NBC for the 2008-09 season, according to USA Today.
While details of his role on The Bionic Woman remain a mystery, NBC co-chair Ben Silverman thinks this could be a stepping stone for Washington.
"I think he could be an action star," Silverman said. "There aren't any African-American action stars on television, so I thought we'd give him a forum to do his thing."
Silverman, who knows Washington through a mutual friend who's organizing charitable events in Africa, made the decision to hire Washington based on personal knowledge rather than the hype surrounding his often-discussed argument on the Grey's Anatomy set.
"I just think he's a great actor," says Silverman.
As for Washington's former home base, with the Grey's team having reported back to work last Monday, Wilson told People it just isn't the same.
"There's something missing," said Wilson, who plays Dr. Miranda Bailey. "There are definitely big voids there, so you're trying to figure out how do you work now with the voids ... not only personally but for the characters ... and what does that mean?'"
Pickens declined to discuss Washington but did offer some kind words for Kate Walsh, who is also gone, having left to start her own show, Private Practice.
"[Kate Walsh] was such integral part of the cast, so beautiful and funny," he said. "But I'm so happy for her with the new show. I wish her nothing but success with it."
At Monday's gathering of the cast - the first since Season 3 of Grey's ended in May - "We started with a vengeance," said Chandra Wilson. "It's like full 14-hour days already, so it didn't feel like we took a break."
"You hit the ground running," Pickens added.
Added to the cast is Chyler Leigh, who plays Lexie Grey, Meredith Grey's half-sister and a new Seattle Grace intern.
"She's really talented." Pickens said of Chyler Leigh. "We're looking forward to seeing how she integrates into the cast. I haven't had any scenes with her, but from what I've seen I think she's going to be a great addition."
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16 Comments
July 17th, 2007 8:19 AM
Cyler leigh "really talented" ? seriously? now i am jelous! or was he just being nice?
July 17th, 2007 8:59 AM
"I haven't had any scenes with her, but from what I've seen I think she's going to be a great addition."
Talented??!! Her previous works were flops! and then, James, you haven't had scenes with her...
A large part of GA fans don't want her on the show. They should realize it!
July 17th, 2007 9:18 AM
I am not looking forward season 4---without IW and KW and the acting of KH, TRK,CL I am done. It used to be a good show.
July 17th, 2007 9:21 AM
Calliope, you are truly a loyal fan. I have seen your comments on other sites, i have to say i do admire the way you defend your favourite characters with such passion and determination.
I think the chief was just trying to be nice. I have a feeling she will grow on people if she doesnt cause trouble, because that is the only valid reason why everyone hates her in the first place anyway.
I just cannot wait to see what is going to happen in season 4.
July 17th, 2007 10:13 AM
While I don't think any of the cast are being insincere, I think they are really trying to be positive and move forward. I'm sure they want a successful season just like we do, and they, like us, are pretty much at the mercy of Shonda & the writers...
July 17th, 2007 10:18 AM
hafsa you are talking about jared? I'm a Grey's fan, I like all, mostly Sandra, Patrick, Ellen and Chandra because they are private and grateful for their work. I dislike KW and Addison.
Many Lexie haters aren't only MerDer fans. Many of them are only Grey's fans. People will love Lexie. Like many fans wrote, Shonda will change her like she changed Addison.
July 17th, 2007 10:51 AM
I agree with Calliope. I think she'll change her.
July 17th, 2007 1:16 PM
James P. is a gentleman and was trying to be welcoming and nice to the new cast member.
Chandra Wilson, bless her heart for saying such kind words about IW! If SHE feels something is missing, a void even for the characters--how will the fans feel????
July 17th, 2007 4:51 PM
I don't know if he was sincere or not. You can't expect him to bad mouth her. They have to give her a chance. Unless they take a lot of break's like they did last season I can't see where her storyline can really go for an entire season. I hate the fact we have to wait and see. It's obvious they are still walking on egg shell's from everything that's happen. No matter the reason for him leaving they started out with Isaiah and you know they miss what they had. They spent three years building this show for it to come to this.
July 17th, 2007 4:59 PM
It has to be hard commenting on someone who hardly know. I have never seen her work to be able to say weather she's any good or not. But I am a Grey's Anatomy fan and behind MerDer 100%. So a new addition and a Grey to boot I have my own opinion and I don't like it. As much as I have grown to like Addie and Mark and tolerate Callie I miss the original nine.