Back in 2005, when Kate Walsh joined the cast of Grey's Anatomy for its first season, she couldn’t have predicted the massive success it would become. Fast forward nearly 15 years, and the show has not only broken records by surpassing ER as the longest-running primetime medical drama but is now heading into its 16th season with no signs of slowing down.
So, what’s the secret behind this enduring success? Kate Walsh, the talented actress behind Dr. Addison Montgomery, has some thoughts to share.
Why Grey’s Anatomy Keeps Us Hooked
“When we started, everyone hoped for success, but no one could have imagined this kind of run,” Kate, now 51, told Closer Weekly in an exclusive interview. She was promoting her partnership with Zoetis Petcare at the time. “It’s absolutely wild! The show has been a phenomenon.”
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According to Kate, the show's success can be attributed to a combination of factors. “Shonda Rhimes crafted these characters so beautifully. There’s a constant setting—a hospital—and there’s always drama. Even with all the streaming options out there now, there’s something comforting about tuning in every Thursday night to catch up with the people you’ve grown to love over the years," she explained. "It’s like having an old friend you’ve known forever. People really care about those characters, and I still do too. There’s a deep connection and loyalty to them.”
Where Would Dr. Addison Montgomery Be Today?
As for her iconic character, Dr. Addison Montgomery, Kate admits she’s not quite sure where she’d be now or if she’d ever make a return to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. “Honestly, I don’t know. I played her so long ago, and for such a long time—almost a decade,” Kate said with a laugh. “I don’t even know what Addison would be up to these days.”
A Decade of Growth: Kate’s Journey Beyond Grey’s Anatomy
Since her time on Grey’s Anatomy—and her spin-off series, Private Practice, which aired from 2007 to 2013—Kate has explored various roles both on-screen and off. She’s continued to act in films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Girls Trip, as well as TV shows like Bad Judge, 13 Reasons Why, and The Umbrella Academy. But that’s not all—Kate has also ventured into entrepreneurship with her beauty and lifestyle company, Boyfriend, which she launched in 2010.
Through her experiences, Kate has learned the importance of teamwork and trust. “At first, I tried to do everything myself, but eventually, I realized that’s not sustainable. It’s all about letting others do their jobs and trusting they know how to do them. I’ve become more hands-off in a way that empowers others to shine,” she shared.
This realization has influenced the advice Kate would give to her younger self: “Ask for help more. Don’t try to do everything alone. That wisdom came with age. I’ve always been a go-getter, maybe a little of an outsider, which made me more compassionate and a fighter for causes close to my heart.”
Partnering with Zoetis Petcare: A Cause Close to Her Heart
One such cause is her partnership with Zoetis Petcare, where she’s helping educate dog owners about skin allergies in dogs and the importance of visiting the vet for treatments like Apoquel. This month, she’s encouraging pet owners to share photos or videos of their furry friends on social media using the hashtag #MyDogsAGame. Each post triggers a $10 donation to Zoetis Petcare’s K-9 Courage Program.
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Growing up surrounded by animals, Kate has always had a special bond with her furry friends. “We were always a house full of animals,” she recalled. “Rosie, my rescue dog, is pure unconditional love. She brings so much joy to my life. Even when I can’t take her with me on location, the house just feels empty without her. She’s family.”
A Legacy of Advocacy
Kate’s activism stems from her upbringing. Her father was a union advocate fighting for workers’ rights, her mother was a social
