Mary McDonnell News

Grey's Anatomy guest star Mary McDonnell (Dr. Dixon) recently sat down to discuss her thoughts on the show and playing a character with Asperger's Syndrome. It's always interesting to hear it from the actors' and actresses' perspectives. Here's what she had to say...

Battlestar Galactica star Mary McDonnell graced Seattle with her presence last night, even if she didn't quite fit in with the socially charged gang.

Her character, Dr. Virginia Dixon, has Asperger's syndrome, which means she's got the intellectual skills for the gig, but isn't exactly a social butterfly.

Plus, after Dr. Burke and Dr. Hahn, she is the show's third heart surgeon in five seasons. Will Virginia Dixon survive the cardiac character curse?

Mary McDonnell spoke to E! Online a little about that ...

Why Seattle Grace Wants Her: Although Virginia's a little socially awkward compared to the rest of the raucous bunch, Mary said, "Dixon's a crackerjack surgeon, and to me that's what is thrilling about the role—to be able to support the brilliance of Asperger people, because quite often they are extremely brilliant in one area, and we, as a society, need their contributions."

Why Seattle Grace Doubts Her: The doctors are a little unsure of the new heart doc. So how do they take to her? "They're forewarned when she's coming that she is a little off, but they don't really know exactly what that means until she's there," said Mary.

Why Seattle Grace Needs Her: The hospital has fallen in the national rankings this season, and the Chief has desperately been trying to fix the place up, hence Dr. Dixon's entrance. Mary said, "She has supposedly the second-lowest death rate in her surgeries in the country, so this woman is really good at what she does, and they need her. The question is, does she need them enough to make the move?"

Why She Needs Seattle Grace: Mary wondered why it is, really, that Virginia comes to SGH: "What would motivate this woman, and why would she need the money? If it's money, why? What's her backstory? Does she have family? I have this sensation that she needs the job, she needs to move."

Is this just a thoughtful actress meditating on her own character's personal history, or will we learn there is more to Dixon than we know so far? Stay tuned.

If you suspected there was a twist surrounding Mary McDonnell's upcoming three-episode Grey's Anatomy story arc, congratulations, you were right.

So says Michael Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly.

Turns out her character, a celebrated cardiac surgeon brought in to boost Seattle Grace's reputation beginning November 13, has Asperger's syndrome.

"Shonda Rhimes thought it would be interesting to have an incredibly skilled surgeon who, socially, is initially misunderstood," explains executive producer Betsy Beers of the autism-related disorder, which is characterized by eccentric behavior and a general social awkwardness.

What's Mary McDonnell's take on it? Let's find out in the Q&A below ...

EW: How does everyone react to your character, Dr. Virginia Dixon?

Mary McDonnell: In her first surgery she works primarily with Bailey and Karev, who are both sort of caught off guard by her difficulty in communication. They don't really know until the end of the episode that she has Asperger's. It's challenging for them. On the one hand, you're introducing a dramatic and comedic dynamic that people have to react to. On the other hand, you're bringing on a very dignified real human being with a disability that can be problematic for everyone.

EW: What's it like playing her?

Mary McDonnell: It's been a wonderful experience. Grey's has to do with social nuance and behavior between people, and this is a character who can't really relate to any of that. She comes in and brings a little bit of a different behavior to Seattle Grace.

Continue Reading...

In guest star news, actress Mary McDonnell of Battlestar Galactica is said to be in talks to appear in a multi-episode story arc on Grey’s Anatomy in Season Five.

Arepresentative for the medical drama confirmed this Monday. Grey's Anatomy is currently shooting its tenth episode, and if contracts are signed soon, as is expected, we assume Mary McDonnell will be in action, shooting scenes with the cast of the show shortly.

Given that McDonnell’s episodes fall in the middle of the Grey’s Anatomy season, it’s not known whether they will air before or after the December break.