Grey's Anatomy Cast Joins Picketing Writers Again

Even without a script to guide, the Grey's Anatomy cast generated plenty of drama Wednesday when they showed up once again to support striking writers picketing outside the fabled Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles.

Stars Katherine Heigl, who plays Dr. Izzie Stevens, T.R. Knight, who plays her on-screen love interest Dr. George O'Malley, and Sara Ramirez, who plays George's estranged wife Dr. Callie Torres, posed for pictures and gave interviews.

Sara Ramirez, T.R. Knight and Katherine Heigl on the picket line.

Even former cast member Isaiah Washington showed up. Washington, who played Dr. Preston Burke, was not asked back to the show in June amid tension that began and quickly escalated when he allegedly used a slur in reference to T.R. Knight and then used the word again during a Golden Globes appearance.

Isaiah Washington has since apologized, met with gay leaders and checked into rehab, and the actor appeared on NBC's Bionic Woman earlier this fall.

His presence underscored the symbolism of "Diversity Day" in which writers and actors who are gay or minorities were specifically asked to appear on the picket line.

Grey's Anatomy creator and writer Shonda Rhimes, considered one of the most powerful black women in Hollywood, was among those picketing at Paramount.

Isaiah Washington denied there were problems with his former co-workers. He later posed for a photo with another Grey's Anatomy star, Justin Chambers.

"They're former castmates. I've been in over 25 movies, I have lots of former castmates," the actor said.

Justin Chambers and Isaiah Washington on the picket line.

The Grey's Anatomy cast members joined fellow actors Rex Lee from Entourage, Amy Brenneman of Private Practice, Motorcycle Diaries screenwriter Jose Rivera, and other cast and crew from CSI Miami, Cold Case, The Shield and Bionic Woman to support the television and screenwriters in their six-week strike.

The writers are negotiating their payments for work shown on the Internet. Talks broke off last week when the writers walked away from the bargaining table.