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Grey's Anatomy: The Biggest Guest Stars
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  3. Grey's Anatomy: The Biggest Guest Stars

Grey's Anatomy: The Biggest Guest Stars

Madeline Boardman
May 06, 2016 at 01:50 PM EDT
<p>Years before he would pick up a <a href="https://ew.com/article/2016/05/03/tony-awards-2016-hamilton-record-nominations" target="_blank">Tony nomination</a> for his role of Aaron Burr in the runaway Broadway hit <em>Hamilton</em>, Leslie Odom, Jr. popped up in one 2008 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. The celebrated star played P.J. Walling, a young man who reluctantly participates in a domino surgery of kidney transplants, which his estranged father is benefitting from.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Leslie Odom, Jr. 

Years before he would pick up a Tony nomination for his role of Aaron Burr in the runaway Broadway hit Hamilton, Leslie Odom, Jr. popped up in one 2008 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. The celebrated star played P.J. Walling, a young man who reluctantly participates in a domino surgery of kidney transplants, which his estranged father is benefitting from.

 

ABC
<p>A few years before she earned her first Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, Sarah Paulson booked a one-episode gig in <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. The famed actress played Dr. Ellis Grey in a 2010 flashback episode, depicting Meredith&#8217;s mother during her residency.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Sarah Paulson

A few years before she earned her first Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, Sarah Paulson booked a one-episode gig in Grey’s Anatomy. The famed actress played Dr. Ellis Grey in a 2010 flashback episode, depicting Meredith’s mother during her residency.

 

ABC
<p>Back in her <em>Sonny with a Chance</em> days, Demi Lovato stopped by one 2010 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. The pop star played Hayley May, a patient whose condition was difficult to diagnose and made those around her doubt her symptoms.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Demi Lovato

Back in her Sonny with a Chance days, Demi Lovato stopped by one 2010 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. The pop star played Hayley May, a patient whose condition was difficult to diagnose and made those around her doubt her symptoms.

 

Mitch Haddad/ABC via Getty Images
<p>After saying goodbye to <em>Gilmore Girls</em>&#8216; Doyle McMaster, Danny Strong played a man named Paul in one 2012 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. He visits the hospital after getting attacked by a lion belonging to his girlfriend.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Danny Strong

After saying goodbye to Gilmore Girls‘ Doyle McMaster, Danny Strong played a man named Paul in one 2012 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. He visits the hospital after getting attacked by a lion belonging to his girlfriend.

 

ABC
<p>Rita Moreno brought her star power to <em>Grey&#8217;s</em> in the 12th season. She portrayed Gayle, a woman who is visiting her cheating husband in the hospital.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno brought her star power to Grey’s in the 12th season. She portrayed Gayle, a woman who is visiting her cheating husband in the hospital.

 

ABC
<p>Katie Lowes made her way to Shondaland before she ever played <em>Scandal</em>&#8216;s Quinn Perkins, when she appeared in a 2011 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. Lowes played an unnamed blood donor.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Katie Lowes

Katie Lowes made her way to Shondaland before she ever played Scandal‘s Quinn Perkins, when she appeared in a 2011 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. Lowes played an unnamed blood donor.

 

ABC
<p>The same year that she kicked off her gig as Peggy Olson on <em>Mad Men</em>, Elisabeth Moss appeared in a 2007 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> as Nina Rogerson. She played the daughter to a woman with a delicate condition, who becomes obsessed with the patient&#8217;s care.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Elisabeth Moss

The same year that she kicked off her gig as Peggy Olson on Mad Men, Elisabeth Moss appeared in a 2007 episode of Grey’s Anatomy as Nina Rogerson. She played the daughter to a woman with a delicate condition, who becomes obsessed with the patient’s care.

 

ABC
<p>Within months of making his debut as <em>Friday Night Lights</em>&#8216; Landry Clarke, Jesse Plemons dropped in on a 2006 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. He played Jake Burton, a patient with a unique condition that makes him look like a lion.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Jesse Plemons

Within months of making his debut as Friday Night Lights‘ Landry Clarke, Jesse Plemons dropped in on a 2006 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. He played Jake Burton, a patient with a unique condition that makes him look like a lion.

 

ABC
<p>Former child star Keke Palmer picked up a one-episode gig on <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> in 2014. Before hitting <em>Scream Queens</em>, she played Cheryl Jeffries, a pregnant patient visiting the hospital who wants to participate in a clinical trial.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Keke Palmer

Former child star Keke Palmer picked up a one-episode gig on Grey’s Anatomy in 2014. Before hitting Scream Queens, she played Cheryl Jeffries, a pregnant patient visiting the hospital who wants to participate in a clinical trial.

 

ABC
<p>In 2009, Faye Dunaway popped up in an episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>, playing Dr. Margaret Campbell. Her character was one of the first powerhouse surgeons at the hospital who drops back in for a procedure.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Faye Dunaway

In 2009, Faye Dunaway popped up in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, playing Dr. Margaret Campbell. Her character was one of the first powerhouse surgeons at the hospital who drops back in for a procedure.

 

Ron Tom/ABC
<p>Ten years after playing Toula Portokalos in <em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em>, Nia Vardalos appeared in a 2012 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> as Karen. She played a patient undergoing a liver transplant.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Nia Vardalos

Ten years after playing Toula Portokalos in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Nia Vardalos appeared in a 2012 episode of Grey’s Anatomy as Karen. She played a patient undergoing a liver transplant.

 

Colleen Hayes/ABC via Getty Images
<p>Kurt Fuller added to his extensive filmography in 2007 with an episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. He played Jerry, a patient with an extensive run of bad luck.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Kurt Fuller

Kurt Fuller added to his extensive filmography in 2007 with an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. He played Jerry, a patient with an extensive run of bad luck.

 

ABC
<p>Veteran star Annie Potts dropped in on <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>&#8216;s 10th season in 2013. She played Joyce Bosco, a woman who is at the hospital with her husband.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Annie Potts

Veteran star Annie Potts dropped in on Grey’s Anatomy‘s 10th season in 2013. She played Joyce Bosco, a woman who is at the hospital with her husband.

 

ABC
<p>Ethan Embry popped up in a 2012 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s</em> as Dr. David Moore. He played a doctor who worked with Arizona after the loss of her leg.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Ethan Embry

Ethan Embry popped up in a 2012 episode of Grey’s as Dr. David Moore. He played a doctor who worked with Arizona after the loss of her leg.

 

ABC
<p>After wrapping her run as <em>Happy Endings</em>&#8216; Penny Hartz, Casey Wilson appeared in a one-off episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> in the show&#8217;s 12th season. She played Courtney Hall, a pregnant patient who chats with the doctors about their taxes.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Casey Wilson

After wrapping her run as Happy Endings‘ Penny Hartz, Casey Wilson appeared in a one-off episode of Grey’s Anatomy in the show’s 12th season. She played Courtney Hall, a pregnant patient who chats with the doctors about their taxes.

 

ABC
<p>In the years between her stint as Paris Geller on <em>Gilmore Girls</em> and as Amanda Tanner on <em>Scandal</em>, Liza Weil appeared in a 2009 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. Weil played Allison Clark, a cancer patient who bonds with Izzie.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Liza Weil

In the years between her stint as Paris Geller on Gilmore Girls and as Amanda Tanner on Scandal, Liza Weil appeared in a 2009 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. Weil played Allison Clark, a cancer patient who bonds with Izzie.

 

ABC
<p>Mary Pat Gleason found a spot in a 2013 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. The veteran actress played Marge Walker, a patient with one gnarly infection.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Mary Pat Gleason

Mary Pat Gleason found a spot in a 2013 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. The veteran actress played Marge Walker, a patient with one gnarly infection.

 

ABC
<p>In 2010, Jamie Chung made an appearance in <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> as Trina Paiz. She found herself in the hospital after falling and cutting her ear.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Jamie Chung

In 2010, Jamie Chung made an appearance in Grey’s Anatomy as Trina Paiz. She found herself in the hospital after falling and cutting her ear.

 

ABC
<p>Famed performer Natalie Cole appeared in a 2006 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. The late star, who died in 2015, played Sylvia Booker, a patient who comes into the hospital with a fork in her neck and leaves after undergoing surgery for a seemingly inoperable tumor.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Natalie Cole

Famed performer Natalie Cole appeared in a 2006 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. The late star, who died in 2015, played Sylvia Booker, a patient who comes into the hospital with a fork in her neck and leaves after undergoing surgery for a seemingly inoperable tumor.

 

ABC
<p>After playing Gypsy on <em>Gilmore Girls</em> and Gwen Chambers on <em>Parenthood</em>, Rose Abdoo played Dr. Kim Dawson in one 2014 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. She appeared as a therapist who works with Callie and Arizona.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Rose Abdoo

After playing Gypsy on Gilmore Girls and Gwen Chambers on Parenthood, Rose Abdoo played Dr. Kim Dawson in one 2014 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. She appeared as a therapist who works with Callie and Arizona.

 

ABC
<p>Mary Lynn Rajskub appeared in an episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> in 2012. The <em>24</em> actress portrayed Marion Steiner, a woman who contracts a parasite after traveling abroad.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Mary Lynn Rajskub

Mary Lynn Rajskub appeared in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy in 2012. The 24 actress portrayed Marion Steiner, a woman who contracts a parasite after traveling abroad.

 

ABC
<p>The late Doris Roberts joined <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> for one episode in 2011, a few years after she wrapped her run as Marie Barone on <em>Everybody Loves Raymond</em>. Roberts played Gladys Pulcher, a patient who comes to the hospital after her surgery does not go as planned.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Doris Roberts

The late Doris Roberts joined Grey’s Anatomy for one episode in 2011, a few years after she wrapped her run as Marie Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond. Roberts played Gladys Pulcher, a patient who comes to the hospital after her surgery does not go as planned.

 

ABC
<p>Years before he began his famed Shondaland turn as David Rosen in <em>Scandal</em>, Josh Malina appeared in one 2008 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> as Seth Hammer. He plays a man who visits the hospital with his hypochondriac wife.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Josh Malina

Years before he began his famed Shondaland turn as David Rosen in Scandal, Josh Malina appeared in one 2008 episode of Grey’s Anatomy as Seth Hammer. He plays a man who visits the hospital with his hypochondriac wife.

 

ABC
<p>Sara Gilbert played a character named Kim Allen in a 2010 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. She appeared as a woman who has come to the hospital to die after her cancer has gone too far.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Sara Gilbert

Sara Gilbert played a character named Kim Allen in a 2010 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. She appeared as a woman who has come to the hospital to die after her cancer has gone too far.

 

ABC
<p>Jurnee Smollett picked up a two-episode arc on <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> in 2008. The <em>Friday Night Lights</em> and <em>True Blood</em> actress played Beth Monroe, a patient participating in a clinical trial who is in love with a fellow patient.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett picked up a two-episode arc on Grey’s Anatomy in 2008. The Friday Night Lights and True Blood actress played Beth Monroe, a patient participating in a clinical trial who is in love with a fellow patient.

 

ABC
<p>Lee Majors made his appearance on <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> in 2011. He played Chuck Cain, a patient who has his priorities mixed up when he focuses on his looks, rather than his health.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Lee Majors

Lee Majors made his appearance on Grey’s Anatomy in 2011. He played Chuck Cain, a patient who has his priorities mixed up when he focuses on his looks, rather than his health.

 

ABC
<p>In the midst of her <em>Private Practice</em> run, Audra McDonald stopped by <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> as Dr. Naomi Bennett. She played her <em>Private Practice</em> character, finding herself in Seattle as a support system for Addison, whose brother is undergoing surgery.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Audra McDonald

In the midst of her Private Practice run, Audra McDonald stopped by Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Naomi Bennett. She played her Private Practice character, finding herself in Seattle as a support system for Addison, whose brother is undergoing surgery.

 

Ron Tom/ABC
<p>Ernie Hudson made an appearance in one 2011 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. The prolific star took on the role of Dr. Brad McDougall, a doctor on the hospital&#8217;s competing baseball team.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Ernie Hudson

Ernie Hudson made an appearance in one 2011 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. The prolific star took on the role of Dr. Brad McDougall, a doctor on the hospital’s competing baseball team.

 

ABC
<p>Early in her career, Abigail Breslin picked up a one-episode gig on <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> as Megan Clover. She played a little girl who bonds with Alex over her inability to feel pain.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Abigail Breslin

Early in her career, Abigail Breslin picked up a one-episode gig on Grey’s Anatomy as Megan Clover. She played a little girl who bonds with Alex over her inability to feel pain.

 

ABC
<p>Years before she played Amber Holt on <em>Parenthood</em>, Mae Whitman appeared in two episodes of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> as a patient named Heather Douglas. A teenager, Heather is bitter over her seemingly dire condition, but gets new hope thanks to Izzie.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Mae Whitman

Years before she played Amber Holt on Parenthood, Mae Whitman appeared in two episodes of Grey’s Anatomy as a patient named Heather Douglas. A teenager, Heather is bitter over her seemingly dire condition, but gets new hope thanks to Izzie.

 

Michael Desmond/ABC
<p>Mandy Moore did a four-episode stint on <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> in 2010. The former pop star and <em>A Walk to Remember</em> actress played a woman named Mary Portman. She is a patient at the hospital during the deadly shooting and is caught up in the violence but makes it out alive, only to die months later.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore did a four-episode stint on Grey’s Anatomy in 2010. The former pop star and A Walk to Remember actress played a woman named Mary Portman. She is a patient at the hospital during the deadly shooting and is caught up in the violence but makes it out alive, only to die months later.

 

Danny Feld/ABC
<p>Bernadette Peters joined <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> for two episodes in 2008. Peters portrayed Sarabeth Breyers, a woman who is at the hospital with her friends after the women and their husbands get into a car accident.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters joined Grey’s Anatomy for two episodes in 2008. Peters portrayed Sarabeth Breyers, a woman who is at the hospital with her friends after the women and their husbands get into a car accident.

 

Scott Garfield/ABC
<p>Veronica Cartwright appeared in two episodes of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em> in 2013 as Lydia Ashford. She plays a patient in the hospital who is worried about her the state of her house after a violent storm.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Veronica Cartwright

Veronica Cartwright appeared in two episodes of Grey’s Anatomy in 2013 as Lydia Ashford. She plays a patient in the hospital who is worried about her the state of her house after a violent storm.

 

ABC
<p>Years before she made her debut as Mellie Grant on <em>Scandal</em>, Bellamy Young appeared in two 2007 episodes of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. She played Kathy, a patient who comes in for a sports injury but ends up dealing with her relationship problems.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Bellamy Young

Years before she made her debut as Mellie Grant on Scandal, Bellamy Young appeared in two 2007 episodes of Grey’s Anatomy. She played Kathy, a patient who comes in for a sports injury but ends up dealing with her relationship problems.

 

ABC
<p>Christina Ricci hit the small screen in 2006 for two tense episodes of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. She played Hannah Davies, a paramedic who finds herself in a sticky situation when a patient comes in with live ammunition in his body.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Christina Ricci

Christina Ricci hit the small screen in 2006 for two tense episodes of Grey’s Anatomy. She played Hannah Davies, a paramedic who finds herself in a sticky situation when a patient comes in with live ammunition in his body.

 

Peter "Hopper" Stone/ABC
<p>In the midst of his run as <em>Friday Night Lights</em>&#8216; Matt Saracen, Zach Gilford played a character named Charlie Lowell in one 2009 episode of <em>Grey&#8217;s Anatomy</em>. He played a soldier who&#8217;s working to get in fighting condition to go back to the battle field.</p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
Zach Gilford

In the midst of his run as Friday Night Lights‘ Matt Saracen, Zach Gilford played a character named Charlie Lowell in one 2009 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. He played a soldier who’s working to get in fighting condition to go back to the battle field.

 

ABC
1 of 37

Advertisement
1 of 36 ABC

Leslie Odom, Jr. 

Years before he would pick up a Tony nomination for his role of Aaron Burr in the runaway Broadway hit Hamilton, Leslie Odom, Jr. popped up in one 2008 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. The celebrated star played P.J. Walling, a young man who reluctantly participates in a domino surgery of kidney transplants, which his estranged father is benefitting from.

 

Advertisement
2 of 36 ABC

Sarah Paulson

A few years before she earned her first Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, Sarah Paulson booked a one-episode gig in Grey’s Anatomy. The famed actress played Dr. Ellis Grey in a 2010 flashback episode, depicting Meredith’s mother during her residency.

 

3 of 36 Mitch Haddad/ABC via Getty Images

Demi Lovato

Back in her Sonny with a Chance days, Demi Lovato stopped by one 2010 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. The pop star played Hayley May, a patient whose condition was difficult to diagnose and made those around her doubt her symptoms.

 

Advertisement
4 of 36 ABC

Danny Strong

After saying goodbye to Gilmore Girls‘ Doyle McMaster, Danny Strong played a man named Paul in one 2012 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. He visits the hospital after getting attacked by a lion belonging to his girlfriend.

 

Advertisement
5 of 36 ABC

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno brought her star power to Grey’s in the 12th season. She portrayed Gayle, a woman who is visiting her cheating husband in the hospital.

 

Advertisement
6 of 36 ABC

Katie Lowes

Katie Lowes made her way to Shondaland before she ever played Scandal‘s Quinn Perkins, when she appeared in a 2011 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. Lowes played an unnamed blood donor.

 

Advertisement
7 of 36 ABC

Elisabeth Moss

The same year that she kicked off her gig as Peggy Olson on Mad Men, Elisabeth Moss appeared in a 2007 episode of Grey’s Anatomy as Nina Rogerson. She played the daughter to a woman with a delicate condition, who becomes obsessed with the patient’s care.

 

Advertisement
8 of 36 ABC

Jesse Plemons

Within months of making his debut as Friday Night Lights‘ Landry Clarke, Jesse Plemons dropped in on a 2006 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. He played Jake Burton, a patient with a unique condition that makes him look like a lion.

 

Advertisement
9 of 36 ABC

Keke Palmer

Former child star Keke Palmer picked up a one-episode gig on Grey’s Anatomy in 2014. Before hitting Scream Queens, she played Cheryl Jeffries, a pregnant patient visiting the hospital who wants to participate in a clinical trial.

 

Advertisement
10 of 36 Ron Tom/ABC

Faye Dunaway

In 2009, Faye Dunaway popped up in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, playing Dr. Margaret Campbell. Her character was one of the first powerhouse surgeons at the hospital who drops back in for a procedure.

 

Advertisement
11 of 36 Colleen Hayes/ABC via Getty Images

Nia Vardalos

Ten years after playing Toula Portokalos in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Nia Vardalos appeared in a 2012 episode of Grey’s Anatomy as Karen. She played a patient undergoing a liver transplant.

 

Advertisement
12 of 36 ABC

Kurt Fuller

Kurt Fuller added to his extensive filmography in 2007 with an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. He played Jerry, a patient with an extensive run of bad luck.

 

Advertisement
13 of 36 ABC

Annie Potts

Veteran star Annie Potts dropped in on Grey’s Anatomy‘s 10th season in 2013. She played Joyce Bosco, a woman who is at the hospital with her husband.

 

Advertisement
14 of 36 ABC

Ethan Embry

Ethan Embry popped up in a 2012 episode of Grey’s as Dr. David Moore. He played a doctor who worked with Arizona after the loss of her leg.

 

Advertisement
15 of 36 ABC

Casey Wilson

After wrapping her run as Happy Endings‘ Penny Hartz, Casey Wilson appeared in a one-off episode of Grey’s Anatomy in the show’s 12th season. She played Courtney Hall, a pregnant patient who chats with the doctors about their taxes.

 

Advertisement
16 of 36 ABC

Liza Weil

In the years between her stint as Paris Geller on Gilmore Girls and as Amanda Tanner on Scandal, Liza Weil appeared in a 2009 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. Weil played Allison Clark, a cancer patient who bonds with Izzie.

 

Advertisement
17 of 36 ABC

Mary Pat Gleason

Mary Pat Gleason found a spot in a 2013 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. The veteran actress played Marge Walker, a patient with one gnarly infection.

 

Advertisement
18 of 36 ABC

Jamie Chung

In 2010, Jamie Chung made an appearance in Grey’s Anatomy as Trina Paiz. She found herself in the hospital after falling and cutting her ear.

 

Advertisement
19 of 36 ABC

Natalie Cole

Famed performer Natalie Cole appeared in a 2006 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. The late star, who died in 2015, played Sylvia Booker, a patient who comes into the hospital with a fork in her neck and leaves after undergoing surgery for a seemingly inoperable tumor.

 

Advertisement
20 of 36 ABC

Rose Abdoo

After playing Gypsy on Gilmore Girls and Gwen Chambers on Parenthood, Rose Abdoo played Dr. Kim Dawson in one 2014 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. She appeared as a therapist who works with Callie and Arizona.

 

Advertisement
21 of 36 ABC

Mary Lynn Rajskub

Mary Lynn Rajskub appeared in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy in 2012. The 24 actress portrayed Marion Steiner, a woman who contracts a parasite after traveling abroad.

 

Advertisement
22 of 36 ABC

Doris Roberts

The late Doris Roberts joined Grey’s Anatomy for one episode in 2011, a few years after she wrapped her run as Marie Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond. Roberts played Gladys Pulcher, a patient who comes to the hospital after her surgery does not go as planned.

 

Advertisement
23 of 36 ABC

Josh Malina

Years before he began his famed Shondaland turn as David Rosen in Scandal, Josh Malina appeared in one 2008 episode of Grey’s Anatomy as Seth Hammer. He plays a man who visits the hospital with his hypochondriac wife.

 

Advertisement
24 of 36 ABC

Sara Gilbert

Sara Gilbert played a character named Kim Allen in a 2010 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. She appeared as a woman who has come to the hospital to die after her cancer has gone too far.

 

Advertisement
25 of 36 ABC

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett picked up a two-episode arc on Grey’s Anatomy in 2008. The Friday Night Lights and True Blood actress played Beth Monroe, a patient participating in a clinical trial who is in love with a fellow patient.

 

Advertisement
26 of 36 ABC

Lee Majors

Lee Majors made his appearance on Grey’s Anatomy in 2011. He played Chuck Cain, a patient who has his priorities mixed up when he focuses on his looks, rather than his health.

 

Advertisement
27 of 36 Ron Tom/ABC

Audra McDonald

In the midst of her Private Practice run, Audra McDonald stopped by Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Naomi Bennett. She played her Private Practice character, finding herself in Seattle as a support system for Addison, whose brother is undergoing surgery.

 

Advertisement
28 of 36 ABC

Ernie Hudson

Ernie Hudson made an appearance in one 2011 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. The prolific star took on the role of Dr. Brad McDougall, a doctor on the hospital’s competing baseball team.

 

Advertisement
29 of 36 ABC

Abigail Breslin

Early in her career, Abigail Breslin picked up a one-episode gig on Grey’s Anatomy as Megan Clover. She played a little girl who bonds with Alex over her inability to feel pain.

 

Advertisement
30 of 36 Michael Desmond/ABC

Mae Whitman

Years before she played Amber Holt on Parenthood, Mae Whitman appeared in two episodes of Grey’s Anatomy as a patient named Heather Douglas. A teenager, Heather is bitter over her seemingly dire condition, but gets new hope thanks to Izzie.

 

Advertisement
31 of 36 Danny Feld/ABC

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore did a four-episode stint on Grey’s Anatomy in 2010. The former pop star and A Walk to Remember actress played a woman named Mary Portman. She is a patient at the hospital during the deadly shooting and is caught up in the violence but makes it out alive, only to die months later.

 

Advertisement
32 of 36 Scott Garfield/ABC

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters joined Grey’s Anatomy for two episodes in 2008. Peters portrayed Sarabeth Breyers, a woman who is at the hospital with her friends after the women and their husbands get into a car accident.

 

Advertisement
33 of 36 ABC

Veronica Cartwright

Veronica Cartwright appeared in two episodes of Grey’s Anatomy in 2013 as Lydia Ashford. She plays a patient in the hospital who is worried about her the state of her house after a violent storm.

 

Advertisement
34 of 36 ABC

Bellamy Young

Years before she made her debut as Mellie Grant on Scandal, Bellamy Young appeared in two 2007 episodes of Grey’s Anatomy. She played Kathy, a patient who comes in for a sports injury but ends up dealing with her relationship problems.

 

Advertisement
35 of 36 Peter "Hopper" Stone/ABC

Christina Ricci

Christina Ricci hit the small screen in 2006 for two tense episodes of Grey’s Anatomy. She played Hannah Davies, a paramedic who finds herself in a sticky situation when a patient comes in with live ammunition in his body.

 

Advertisement
36 of 36 ABC

Zach Gilford

In the midst of his run as Friday Night Lights‘ Matt Saracen, Zach Gilford played a character named Charlie Lowell in one 2009 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. He played a soldier who’s working to get in fighting condition to go back to the battle field.

 

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