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Michael Ausiello has just broken the news that Brooke Smith and her character, Erica Hahn, will soon be parting from Seattle Grace. As soon as this Thursday’s episode, even.
Apparently, the network – ABC – had issues with the gay relationship on the show and demanded that they get rid of Hahn as soon as possible.
Shonda – it seems – had no choice but to deliver the bad news to the actress. And it kind of sounds like the whole thing was so abrupt the rest of that storyline will be held together with staples.
In an exclusive interview with Brooke Smith, Ausiello digs into the how’s and why’s of this unexpected turn of events.
Smith reveals that this came as much as a shock to her when they told her, that she was “naive” thinking that people were ready to see a gay relationship on TV. She’d had no sense of the impending doom at work, that fans seemed really supportive of the relationship, but then back in mid-September (after they shot the “I’m gay” monologue) they (more specifically Shonda) came down to tell her that she was being let go. “I was floored when they told me.”
Apparently, Shonda seemed upset about the whole thing, assured Smith that it wasn’t her. The decision, it seems, came from above.
Regarding Sara Ramirez’s reaction: “She was shocked. I’m the one that told her. It took her a few days to get back to me because she was surprised. It was surprising to everyone.”
Um. Yeah. I’m typing this and I’m personally so shocked that I can’t even believe it. I was finally getting excited about this storyline and they cut it out? They fire the actress?
Smith has no idea what happens with her character as they didn’t even get around to writing her out. She says her last scene had her walking toward her car. Lovely.
You can read the full interview at EW.
Let it out people, your glee or your outrage. How do you feel about this?
Via | EW
its so stupid, its not about carry or hahn, or even about a tv show relationship.
we must learn to respect each other for what we are!
come on people its the freakin’ 21ste century!!!
I think Brooke Smith was one of the few actors on Grey’s who came across as intelligent enough to be a real doctor. Unfortunately, the story line got too heavy for the right wingnuts, and they probably launched a crusade, possibly through an influential executive, about removing sponsors and the like. American society is still very homophobic. I liked the story line.
Mark, I never thought of her in that light, but you are absolutely right about her character portrayal. I can’t wait to see what other projects she is working on (http://www.greysanatomynews.com/2008/12/12/brooke-smith-discusses-life-after-greys/).
i don’t think that’s a very good move, since T.R. is planning to leave the show and they didn’t get a golden globe nod (i think this show needs all the help it needs to stay afloat).. erica brought something different and edgy to the show, and the callie/erica relationship should bring a whole new (very much needed) fanbase.
anyways, i love this show and wish it the best of luck!!!
From what I read Brooke is working on a project with the producer David Milch from the show NYPD BLUE. She goes on to say that her firing.
Was what it was. And she has no hard feelings. She is a better person than I am. Cause I”m still pissed over this. LOL!!! Different people have spoke of her being hard, kinda hateful. She played that same hard person on the show Crossing Jordan. But that is just how she plays a part. On one of her interviews while on Grey’s, she said that Dr Hahn is all about the work and didn’t have much of a personal life and she didn’t show lot of emotions. When she did feel emotional about anything she got critized for it. So poor girl couldn’t win. But if you watch any of her videos when she isn’t playing a part that has to be a bad ass. You can see her kindness. Brooke Smith is a sweet ,kind, beautiful person.
I have to say that I’m extremely disappointed with GA & ABC with these turn of events. I mean, c’mon people! Seriously!?!?!
Brooke Smith was playing the role of Dr. Erica Hahn with conviction and remarkable credibility…& they gave her the boot just like that!?!?! What is up with that? Can’t you recognize a really good actor when you have one? Besides that, the storyline about her & Callie was just getting off the ground!
They were so bent on getting Isaiah Washington off the cast because of his anti-gay booboo, now they axe Brooke/Erica because of the character she plays?! TR Knight may have a point about wanting to get out of GA & ABC…even Joe the Bartender isn’t getting anymore airtime! OMG.
All these actors were/are doing really good jobs portraying their respective characters…but I guess that’s not important, is it?
All in all, I think ABC brass really need to re-evaluate their POVs on gay relationships and its impact on today’s society.
How can this happen in USA? Weren’t you proud about that thing called freedom of speech? Or did it become obsolete?
I know alot of people that will once again be tuning in to what used to be there favorite show. (And YES we did stop watching!) For as many people that complain about not being able to watch trash, there are many more of us that actually enjoy the drama, comedy and romance that does not include two females gettin it on. (I believe they have channels for that.) Way to go ABC!