Reply to Post
Exclusive: 'Grey's Anatomy' Discharges Dr. Hahn
Nov 3, 2008, 06:07 PM | by Michael Ausiello Categories: Grey's Anatomy AUSIELLO: What the hell happened?!BROOKE SMITH: I was very excited when they told me that Erica and Callie were going to have this relationship. And I really hoped we were going to show what happens when two women fall in love and that they were going to treat it like any heterosexual couple on TV. And so I was surprised and disappointed when they just suddenly told me that they couldn't write for my character anymore. That's all they said? Yes. Frankly, it was you that warned me this might happen on the red carpet back in July. You said [sometimes networks get cold feet] with gay relationships. And I was so naive. I'm like, "It's 2008." But I'm starting to realize that not everyone feels the way I do. [Scroll down to watch our now-infamous exchange.] Did you get the feeling that the story was making people nervous?No. At work I had no sense of it. And more fans seemed to like it than not. I don't think I'm ever going to know [why this really happened]. When did you find out?I found out in mid-September soon after shooting the monologue that aired last week where Erica has the revelation that she's gay. They even came down and told me it was a great scene -- one of the best they ever shot on the show. So I was really, really shocked. I was floored when they told me [I was being let go]. It was the last thing I expected. In fact, when they told me I asked, "When is this happening?" And they said, "The [next episode] is your last," which is the one that airs this Thursday. So it was very sudden. Wait a second – your last episode is this Thursday? Yes. How are you written out?I'm not written out. My final scene is just me heading to my car. I honestly don't know what happens in the next episode. I heard not much. [Quick sidebar: This sheds new light on Mary McDonnell's arrival next week as a top cardiac doc.] Who broke the news to you?Shonda. I'm hearing that this wasn't her decision, but rather ABC's.You know, I have to tell you, I got that feeling. I don't know for sure, but it definitely seemed like [Shonda's] hands were tied. That was just my gut. Did she seem upset?She did seem upset. I wasn't having a very good week that week. I was like, "Oh, God, what is it with this business?!" And she said, "No, no, no. You are such a great actress. We love you." It seemed like some decision came down from above. It didn't feel like it was her. What was Sara Ramirez's [Callie] reaction?She was shocked. I'm the one who told her. It took her a few days to get back to me because she was surprised. It was surprising to everybody. Were you happy with the direction the story line was taking?You know, I was starting to get there, yeah. I was personally a little impatient with the gay panic, but it was more Callie's thing anyway. I think Dr. Hahn was sort of figuring it out. What did you think about Callie going to Mark to get pointers on exploring the "undiscovered country"?It was a little icky. If you're a women, don't you know how to please yourself? But they seemed to be okay with that one. How are you doing with all this?It's actually never happened to me before. But I never had a moment where I thought I did something wrong. I was just really surprised. I just moved my entire family to L.A., so it was kind of like, "What?" But for some reason I feel like I'm fine. I feel like I'm going to be okay. Okay, Grey's fans. I'm guessing you have some strong opinions about Smith's ouster. Share them in the comments section below. But first, check out my aforementioned (and eerily prescient) interview with the actress from last July.
Brace yourselves, Grey's Anatomy fans: The show has parted ways with a female doc who is blond, beautiful, outspoken – and not Katherine Heigl. It's Brooke Smith. As in Dr. Erica Hahn. As in one half of Callica, Grey's first-ever significant gay couple. And that's only part of the story. I'm told this was not Shonda Rhimes' decision but rather an order that came down from the network. (ABC declined to comment.) According to one Grey's source, the suits "had issues" with both the explicit direction Callica was taking (think: undiscovered country, south of the border, etc.) and, more importantly, with the Hahn character in general. Basically, they didn't like her and wanted her gone ASAP. But how soon? And what does this mean for Callica? Keep yourselves braced, because the shocks don't stop in the following Q&A with the sublime Ms. Smith. She deserves better treatment than this, and next go-round, here's hoping she gets it.
Big, Huge Hahn News!!!!!
-
Posted 11/3/2008 8:53:09 PM #
-
We were discussing this in a post, earlier.
I'm no longer watching the show--not even this upcoming episode. I've written fan fiction, followed every episode from the day one, but I can't support a show/network that would allow for such a thing to happen. As much as it will pain me to "breakup" with Grey's, it's more important that I "stick up" for what I believe. The homophobia that the writers fail to acknowledge counteracts all the efforts of the gay community. I won't support something that fails to recognize me as a human being capable of loving another human being (regardless of sex).
Shonda Rhimes writes that the situation is not about Smith’s character being gay—so why is the network “firing” her? Is she a crappy actress? Does she spark controversy with other cast members? Was she not bringing a dynamic to the show?
The feelings I have are absolutely ineffable. I can’t write anymore on the subject without using profanity or expressing something truly hateful. Expect more from me after I’ve slept it off. . .
Posted 11/4/2008 12:42:22 AM # -
I just read about the news and I can't believe it. This is just ridiculous what the ABC execs are doing. I don't think Shonda Rhimes is at fault at all, she introduced the Callie and Erica storyline so she would never end it in such an abrupt way of Dr. Hahn walking to her car and us never seeing her again.
Do the network exec's not realize that T.R. Knight who plays Dr. O'Malley is an outspoken gay man and that they did fire Isisah Washington for the homophobic remarks he made at T.R. Knight but now to go and fire Brooke Smith because of a storyline that her character was involved in. It all seems very hypocritcal of the ABCs execs. If they didn't like the storyline then why not tell shonda rhimes to end the storyline completely instead of firing a actress who was very talented and a very likeable character on grey's.
ABC executives you sicken me!
Posted 11/4/2008 1:16:58 AM # -
I´m more MerDer fan, but I also love Callie and Erica together, ok, I love more Erica, but anyway... I can´t believe what´s going on here... We are living in 21st century and being gay is something wrong??? Meredith´s getting a bisexual intern but Callie and Erica can be themself? They´re hiring soooo many new people to fire Erica or what? I though there´ll be finally old Grey´s Anatomy but THIS FACT MAKES GREY´S ANATOMY GREY!!! It´s not perfect anymore as it used to be...
Posted 11/4/2008 3:48:59 AM # -
The show has started like perfect and it´s going to end like sh.t...
Posted 11/4/2008 3:51:11 AM # -
OH MY FING GOD!!! What the hell is wrong with ABC executives, I agree it doesn't sound like it came from Shonda ARGHHHH!!! I guess that means Sadie won't be hanging around for long then. No wonder the new cardio surgeon is being introduced then GRRR!!! I cannot believe that in 2008 this is still happening (just like Brooke Smith herself).
REALLY the executives need to get a life and realise that it is 2008 gay relationships happen. The question now is will I be able to watch Grey's Anatomy now. I can't believe this week is her last ep. Poor Sara as well what a shock for her and the rest of te cast. As someone else has mentioned I would LOVE to know what TR Knight makes of it all.
Sorry for my rant but totally shocked and blown away by this ridiculous news.
Posted 11/4/2008 5:18:49 AM # -
I´m sad....Erica forever!!!Posted 11/4/2008 6:39:59 AM #
-
I am outraged about what is going to happen on the next episode of Grey's Anatomy... it just proves two things: 1) ABC has no frick'n back bone when it comes to dealing with a few homophobic viewers.2) That it is okay to the apparent "majority" of viewers that heterosexual characters throw out slightly "dirty" lines here and there... but when a gay character says things like "south of the border" or "second base" it is NOT okay... and apparently it really really upset people last week seeing Brooke Smith's monologue with the "glasses, leaves and I'm so gay" thing...This is truly sad... and because of it I officially will have no prior
engagements every Thursday night... ABC sucks...and homophobic people too!
Posted 11/4/2008 6:45:48 AM # -
I 100% agree wtih Bethilicious homophobic does suck!!!
Just before I head off to sleep I'm still beyond shocked about this F*&^KING HELL!! Get a grip people ABC especially this is real life in 2008...
Posted 11/4/2008 6:51:06 AM # -
they shouldn't fire her because of that.. just because they're scared about taking the lesbian storyline to the next level..
I'm against the firing of Brooke.. it's just wrong..
Posted 11/4/2008 7:31:42 AM #
Guest posting is disabled. Click here to login. Click here to register.
