Isaiah Washington Comments on Katherine Heigl Situation
In the wake of the latest Katherine Heigl controversy, two former Grey's Anatomy co-stars are going on the record with Entertainment Tonight about the actress' decision to remove her name from Emmy contention.
A winner just last year, Heigl said she did not submit her name for the awards because of material she didn't feel was worthy of consideration.
Not surprisingly, the show's writers take issue.
Former co-star Isaiah Washington is no stranger to controversy himself. In fact, he removed himself from Emmy consideration after the firestorm of criticism following his alleged remarks about co-star T.R. Knight.
Washington spoke candidly about Heigl's situation to ET.
"It's unfortunate that what is happening is happening. I understand both sides, I was there. I know exactly where everyone's coming from," he said.
Isaiah Washington said he called Grey's Anatomy creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes as soon as he heard that the news broke.
"I've reached out and said, look, whatever I can do to help out, I'm open to it," he said.
Meanwhile, Kate Walsh, who appeared on an episode of Grey's Anatomy this spring and is the star of its spin-off, Private Practice, didn't address Heigl directly, but had praise for the writers on her current show.
"All I know is I think that they're, it's an amazing show and amazing writers, and I love going to work everyday," Walsh said.
Katherine Heigl (seen below vacationing with husband Josh Kelley in Mexico) is expected back when Grey's Anatomy returns to production June 25.
Despite widespread rumors that the actress wants to leave the hit show, she has never made a comment to that effect publicly. Stay tuned.
June 17th, 2008 11:13 AM
You don't always have to come right out and say it. A lot of times your actions will speak for themselves.
June 17th, 2008 12:19 PM
aww. i want burke back. his actions here make me think he might be open to coming back afterall.
June 17th, 2008 2:51 PM
While I don't defend her in any way, shape or form--and I love Katherine but she probably should have kept her mouth shut on this one--you kind of have to admit, the writers didn't really give her some good material. For a while, everyone was complaining about how whiney Izzie was, and how she shouldn't have slept with George and all of that. I still kind of miss the old Izzie from the first season--she was passionate and out to prove to everyone that she could be a great surgeon.
That being said, Izzie from the second season wasn't that bad, but she's gone downhill ever since Denny died. I don't condone or praise Katherine for saying what she said or how she said it and all of that, but it's not like she was completely wrong. She probably just should have plainly said that she was keeping her name out of the contention at that was it.
I know I should have posted this on the other articles on Katherine, but there were so many comments on the situation I felt it would be better to say it here.
June 17th, 2008 4:43 PM
it's sad really..it's just sad that people like katherine heigl could cause such a mess in a gr8 show like that .. i mean how could a person be so selfish and ungrateful like that .. seriously what did she gain from turning a little problem like that into a huge problem in public ... anyway i hope Isaiah comes back to grey's .. i was sad when he left so i hope he joins the cast in season 5
June 17th, 2008 5:22 PM
I want to defend Katherine but I really can't on this one. I love Grey's anatomy and the integrity of the show means more to me. However she was right because her roles have been diminishing since season 2 after denny died. She should never be nominated in the first place but withdrawing your name makes a bad statement about the show which I didn't like, because the show is great. She just need to suck it up because there are about 12 main characters and everyone needs their time to shine. So I do not commend you for what you did. Shonda is a great writer and she deserves better from you cause she did make you who you are today. I would be asking Katherine Heigl who!! if it wasn't for Grey's so just be thankful for what you have.
June 17th, 2008 10:21 PM
she complains that she didn't get great material, but sandra oh and chandra wilson didn't get great spot light roles this season and you don't hear them complaining. KH's head has gotton way to big after knocked up and she needs to just not talk in public, hint hint take your own advice.
oh before i forget does this mean IW is willing to come back. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, you have to admit the season wasn't the same with out burke and cristina
June 18th, 2008 11:51 AM
Really up until the end of season4 none of them were getting the greatest material. But you try your best at working with what you have. To me that is part of being a good actor/actress.
June 18th, 2008 2:09 PM
And why would Isaiah Washington even want to get involved in the whole thing???.... COME ON! Go away Mr. Washington. What is done, is done and you are gone from GA. GA has moved on. This is really not your business. Do your thing and success to you. But GO AWAY.
June 18th, 2008 10:14 PM
He probably got involved because they asked him like they asked Kate Walsh, i don't think he grabbed the reported and just commented
June 18th, 2008 10:36 PM
I think that Katherine Heigl is being extremely selfish. She is one of the greatest shows on television right now and by insulting it's writers is just rude. I think everyone needs to take a chill pill, she herself hasn't said that she was leaving so untill (and if) she does everyone should calm down. And I really really really want Burke to come back, I (and bunch of people) miss him alot alot alot. Although i total understandall of the others feelings about that, i think the return of Burke will make season five amazing. (:
June 19th, 2008 2:54 AM
A lot of people also thought Izzie sleeping and being in love with george was the best thing to ever happen on this show. To me, Gizzie was my MerDer, the magic of the show. I have not watched since and so have hundreds of Gizzie fans I know.
June 20th, 2008 1:03 AM
Monique - To others, Burktina was our MerDer, the magic of the show. I will always miss Preston Burke, and Cristina was never the same ever since he left. And plus, if any one of the cast were to complain about not getting good material, it's Sandra Oh. She's capable of SO MUCH MORE, but just didn't get the chance to shine. So yes, shut up Katherine Heigl. To quote yourself, you really shouldn't be allowed to speak in public.
June 20th, 2008 5:09 PM
Kh is just as ungrateful as they come. Maybe she would appreciate her luck if she had not had it come to her so easily. Some insecurity about her own future would go a long way in curing her swelled head and loud mouth. She could defend her darling friend TRK with all her energy ....but would shoot her mouth off about the very writers that gave her the platform to even get this far. Where is her loyalty to the show and writers ? Does she only like to stir trouble ?
Now, IW..he loved his role , adored the show and was always really grateful to Shonda. Look what happened to him ! Ironical. He made his role stand out and deserved all the Emmys. KH won her Emmy too soon and it's made her quite unbearable.
If the material was not good on GA, it is because they chopped the main storyline Burktina. Get back people like IW..who really cared for GA, you and the writers, Shonda! Get IW back on the show ! Burke is missed to this day, which says a lot for his acting, commitment, and talent. His loyalty to GA can never be questioned, unlike KH. He deserved a whole lot better.
Whatever anyone might say I am sure more people want him back on the show than not. High time GA hired back IW. Are you listening ABC ? We deserve to enjoy the show like we used to and it is not fair to deprive Burktina and GA fans, jussst to appease a section of detractors who may not even be fans of the show.
June 21st, 2008 8:53 PM
He reached out to Shonda? What exaclty did he think he could do?
June 23rd, 2008 11:55 AM
What exactly did he think he could do ? ...
Maybe show that there are no hard feelings from his side, in case they get some sense and want him back. lol Make the first overture. That can be extremely hard for studio high-ups and head honchos, esp. after 'they' humiliated him so destructively. Of course he 'did' make a huge gaffe, but it did not deserve such career-destroying moves on the part of ABC. That really did not seem so ethical. Too harsh and cruel.
Wonder which were the gay higher-ups who were instrumental in the decision not have him back on the show.. Disney has become so pro-gay in the last decade.
If life has justice, IW should make it big w/o ever having to go back to the people that treated him awful bad.....the way Kh treats them..lol KH gives a damn and it works. TRK cocks a snook about that gag order, goes and broadcasts on Ellen all over the place. Result: He gets more screen time ( blechhh) and fat pay raise/s. Moral: Don't bow to your employers and just care a damn. That seems to work good. They get Emmys, huge bumps in their pays, and more screen time.
No wonder it turns the heads of such people when the network rewards the wrong ones and punishes the 'apologetic ones' who reach out.
Welcome to the real world.
Show sucks w/o IW. The more they show of KH and TRK the more boring it gets... grrrrr
The only reason to watch Season 4 is the hope of seeing IW back in Season 5. Let's see. Otherwise will just have to let it go....sigghhh
June 23rd, 2008 4:00 PM
Ok first off why is it ok for her to say shit but he can't express himself!! That's crap because I liked him better then her anyway! Kathrine grow up and act your age and be thankful at least you have a job!! I can't stand people like that because be happy you get to do something you love and get paid for it!! Anyway that's how I feel about it!!!
Later ;P
July 20th, 2008 11:16 PM
Katherine Heigl should have been written off Grey's long ago. She loves to cause chaos. She is a DRAMA QUEEN/DIVA. Grey's would be better off if they replace her now. She is a ticking time bomb waiting to blow up the whole set!!!!!!!
July 21st, 2008 11:11 AM
All we are saying...is give peace a chance.
August 13th, 2008 7:35 PM
Kathriene- your hot!! STOP SMOKING!!
August 19th, 2008 1:12 AM
i want Isaiah and Kate Walsh came back to the show
August 22nd, 2008 5:59 PM
IW ADDS so much more to the show. It is not the same without him! I have stopped watching faithfully. I will watch it if I happen to be home now.
bring him back!
September 3rd, 2008 10:31 PM
Please, please, please, bring Preston Burke back to Grey's Anatomy. There was truly a place for him in the show, and it is he along with the rest of the cast, that made it the best show every on tv.
September 3rd, 2008 10:45 PM
To keep Grey's Anatomy from losing anymore of it's viewers, you must bring Dr. Burke back....it’s imperative that you do this immediately. Without him the show will be good. However, with him the show will be great. Isaiah Washington is a man of integrity. He's a standup guy. He apologized, and went to counseling. Here's a thought, he didn't even get the airtime as Mac Dreamy, and yet viewers all over the world raises their voices loudly, chanting for the return of Preston Burke. Imagine if he really did get the same airtime as Mac Dreamy, one can only guess how far the show would skyrocket through the roof. Be wise; don't let a great show find it's way down a slippery slop. Rather, keep it steady, and upstream. Additionally, Dr. Burke is sexy, mysterious, yet dedicated, and loyal. True qualities rest within this actor. Please grant him another opportunity to team up with Grey's anatomy. The show will be all the better for it. For think, the story line with Meredith and Derek, is growing dim...seriously!
September 5th, 2008 10:00 AM
Just bring Isaiah Washington back to the show...the show needs him...just let that big head KH go!SERIOUSLY!!!PLEASE...
I MISS YOU SO MUCH PRESTON BURKE...