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'Grey's' Boss 'Surprised' By Heigl Comment

By Victor Balta
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:20:12 GMT

'Grey's Anatomy' creator Shonda RhimesIt was oddly ironic that Shonda Rhimes, the creator and executive producer of "Grey's Anatomy," had to face a room full of 200 TV critics on the day when Emmy nominations came out, considering that the biggest off-season story with the show were Katherine Heigl's comments a few weeks ago that the writers didn't provide her with material that was worthy of Emmy consideration.

Rhimes said she considers Heigl a very close friend and admitted that she was surprised by the statement.

"I have a really wonderful working relationship with Katherine, so, for me, it was surprising," Rhimes said. "But I think Katie is an outspoken person, and I think we all know that."

Rhimes, who is a writer on the show, disagreed with the characterization that Heigl was insulting the writers.

"I don't necessarily know that she was insulting the writers, per se," Rhimes said. "She had a strong storyline with George for the first half of the season, then she asked me personally to write her light so she could work on her movie. I didn't feel insulted."

[Spoiler alert!] Heigl will have one of the season's pivotal storylines in the upcoming season. US Weekly reported this week that inside sources say Heigl's character, Dr. Izzy Stevens, will get a brain tumor that will trigger visions of her lost love, Denny Duquette.

During a panel that included all of ABC's show runners, "Ugly Betty" creator Silvio Horta quipped, "I'd put her in a coma."

Marc Cherry, who created "Desperate Housewives," recalled dealing with his own firestorm three years ago when the stars of his show had a highly publicized feud on the set of a Vanity Fair photo shoot. He shared his philosophy about dealing with such media flurries when cast members cause a stir.

"Usually the best way to deal with actors is that you pretend that they're real people and you talk to them," Cherry said. "For me, when we had that disastrous photo shoot thing, the writer (of the story) saw it from one perspective. I ultimately solved it by hugging a sobbing actress in her trailer for a half an hour and telling her, 'This, too, shall pass.'"

*** What do you think? Do actors get an unfair shake when these controversies pop up? Are you looking forward to seeing Izzy's story this season? Click here to comment!

****** Victor Balta and Tracy Phillips are blogging live from the TV critics press tour. What do you want to know about your favorite shows? Let us know. Click here to ask about your favorite TV shows!



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Message Edited by Victor_Balta on 07-17-2008 07:23 PM
She works for you.
You don't own hert.
She is entitled to her opinion.

RJTimcoe

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:23:32 GMT | Rontimcoe

katherine is her own person, not a great actress, but not a airhead. I think she would better suited as a full time analysis for the policitially correct watchdogs

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:28:05 GMT | asIseeit53

I'm not surprised by Izzy's comments. I am not that into her...she is not all that. Often times scarlets began to believe the press, Izzy believes all that she reads and all that she reads is so far removed from the truth.
Someone should tell her she is still in the developmental period....Think tadpole ole girl....

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:52:00 GMT | nanasunshine

I have two words from TV series stars who think they are 'all that'...David Caruso!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:03:12 GMT | Pattiann

I am so tired of Izzy. I don't think anyone would miss the character from the show

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:38:41 GMT | hockeymom2

I agree with "hockeymom2". Katherine has too much time on the show as is, and she is not that great an actress to handle a big part on the show.

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:04:29 GMT | Lobo3333

Haha I like how Marc Cherry said that 'the best way to talk to actors is to PRETEND they're real people'..... I guess they are aliens??

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:06:19 GMT | Angelitaloca

The show is called "Grey's Anatomy" not "Stevens Anatomy"! If it weren't for "Grey's" she'd still be a nobody...Heigl what?

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:06:54 GMT | schnitzel

I'm tired of Heigl's comments to the media. I think the fame is going to her head. She'd be nothing without Grey's. I say get rid of her character. She wouldn't be missed.

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:24:40 GMT | vas

I absolutely do not believe Katherine Heigl's comment has anything to do with ego! From what I read regarding her comment about not having the material to warrant a nomination is in reference to the fact that there was a long hiatus do to the Writer's strike, and that the story development between her character and the rest of the cast was limited. Therefore, she felt she was not worthy!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:18:50 GMT | psyfichick

I liked Izzy a lot with Denny, but not at all with George---they just do not seem to be "couple" material to me. It has really gone down hill since they put her with him. There was enough going on with him & Callie without throwing that into the mix. To me, it really "cheapened" things.

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:29:51 GMT | whazup

Izzy is an integral part of the show. She is the humanitarian and somewhat level-headed person on the show. Do not write her off!!!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:14:49 GMT | snooze

I am not a big fan of her on the show. So if she were to go I would not be all that upset...however, a brain tumor where she sees her past love....General Hospital just played out that storyline. It did not work for them and I cannot see hoe it will work for Gray's. Can't they be more creative?

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:55:03 GMT | justme75

I like Izzy, but am extremely tired of the Denny character. I feel that if they follow this brain tumor - Denny dreams, I'll be watching something else this fall!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:23:13 GMT | Sharonshay

I think she is right they all had bad story lines this season, with the writers strike its a wonder the show still had viewers. Like they all don't make enough money!! Hollywood needs to get real and we need to stop making they think they are God like >

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:32:40 GMT | dawner

I really thnk that the cast of greys anatomy is a whole...each individual brings something to the show...if Izzy goes so should Yang! Talk about annoying and someone that *itchs to much!! Well I will still watch the show no matter what happens...DRAMA!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:43:31 GMT | hag09

Katherine Heigl need to go. She is to mouthy and what she said was disrespectful to the writers and producers of the show in a season that was riddled with reruns due to the writers strike, and a short season of production. She also was the biggest mouth in making sure Burke's role was eliminated. Katherine Heigl you are fired in my book!!!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:44:27 GMT | CeeYah

While Ms. Heigl's statement may have been composed of some poor chosen words... I don't think her intentions were malicious or swelled headed. She's O.K. and I think that her statement has been blown out of proportion.

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:29:07 GMT | CommonSense07853

I think you all need to give Katherine a break. You have to remember she has strong convictions with her faith and I think (believe) she was refering to the fact that her character caused the break up of a marriage. Even though I do not believe in her religion I have strong convictions of the sacred bond of marriage. I would have hated the story line too.

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:06:38 GMT | aimhigh4once

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