TV News

Grey's Anatomy Dumps Dr. Erica Hahn

November 3, 2008

Entertainment Weekly broke the news today that ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" has parted ways with Brooke Smith, who plays Dr. Eric Hahn on the popular show.

EW says this was not creator Shonda Rhimes' decision but rather an order that came down from the network. The ABC executives reportedly "had issues" with both the explicit direction Hahn's relationship with Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) was taking and with the Hahn character in general.

Surprisingly, this Thursday will be the last time you see the Hahn character, who doesn't get a proper goodbye as she just heads out to her car. You can read a full interview with Smith on the situation here.

In related news, E! Online adds that Melissa George's ("Alias") new character came on to the show as a bisexual character and love interest for Callie, but now isn't as they changed the script. George plays Meredith's (Ellen Pompeo) best friend and a new intern at Seattle Grace.

Shonda Rhimes also issued the following statement tonight:

"Brooke Smith was obviously not fired for playing a lesbian. Clearly it's not an issue as we have a lesbian character on the show -- Calliope Torres. Sara Ramirez is an incredible comedic and dramatic actress and we wanted to be able to play up her magic. Unfortunately, we did not find that the magic and chemistry with Brooke's character would sustain in the long run. The impact of the Callie/Erica relationship will be felt and played out in a story for Callie. I believe it belittles the relationship to simply replace Erica with 'another lesbian.' If you'll remember, Cristina mourned the loss of Burke for a full season."

COMMENTS (37)

Posted by:

Cyrus

November 4, 2008

I Hate this. I was just starting to get fond of Hahn's character.

I think there's more to this story...

Posted by:

Skeptic

November 4, 2008

......... And the ratings dip further.

Posted by:

cat

November 4, 2008

it's obvious that ABC is making them cut out the lesbian storyline, had it been Brooke Smith (who is amazing) they would have kept Melissa George's storyline the same. But obviously ABC is homophobic and can't handle it. A real pity to, especially with Proposition 8 and all the intolerance right now I was happy to see Grey's tackling it. And I really liked Dr. Hahn, far more interesting than stupid Izzie. Do they want me to stop watching the show?

Posted by:

nick

November 4, 2008

it kind of sucks cause i wanted to see what they did with those two and if it caused a problem. hmm would have been interesting but whatever i guess. i didnt really like her too much of a bitc*. and "cat" izzie is cool idk what you're talking about haha.

Posted by:

temperance

November 4, 2008

ABC are some annoying people. I hate how they just dump charecters. I always liked her and they should have given her a proper send off. Whatever.

Posted by:

A Gay

November 4, 2008

hahaha Jack on Lost?

Posted by:

EELYAJEKIM

November 4, 2008

Jack is homo? really. He doesn't present any homo-erotic overtones.

anyway, I too just got to liking Hahn, and am disappointed that she is not getting a proper send off. Unless they the writers are saying she is going off to fight for no on prop 8. but by then it will all be over. so give her some sort of proper send off. at least give the audience that satisfaction.

Posted by:

Agent Smith

November 4, 2008

Cool, can we please bring Burke back now.

Posted by:

Red Hood

November 4, 2008

i to was just starting to like Hahn, and i mean literally within the last 2 weeks. However it is weird she's not getting a proper send off when Burke did and he got fired for something worse than his character not working. HOWEVER!

I agree with Agent Smith, there needs to be a Cardio guy, BRING BACK BURKE!!!

Posted by:

Steve from NY

November 4, 2008

Dr. Hahn really had no chemistry with Callie. I think it's for the best as if they need to do a lesbian b story, then it should be with actors that really hit it off and look like they are into each other. I know thats what an actor's supposed to do, but I think you just have to be able to feel the character, and I don't think Brooke really felt it.