Five Fast Facts About Former Grey’s Anatomy Star Chyler Leigh

Chyler Leigh currently stars on Supergirl as Alex Danvers, but she’s definitely best known for playing the iconic Lexie Grey on Grey’s Anatomy for just over five seasons. Though Leigh is no longer a part of the show, she’s definitely still a fan-favorite of longtime viewers.

From her complicated past with drugs to her reason for leaving Grey’s Anatomy, here are five fast facts you need to know about Chyler Leigh.

In the Beginning
Leigh was born in Charlotte, North Carolina and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Her parents ran a weight-loss company, but when that went bankrupt, they split. Leigh then moved to Miami with her mom and brother. Her mom remarried her first husband. Leigh was estranged from her father for many years, but they’ve since reconnected.

Troubled Past
Leigh met her husband, Nathan West, when she was just 16 years old. They began a relationship and Leigh even left home so she could be with West. They both had tough upbringings and began doing drugs together. They became addicted to cocaine but ended up getting clean just a few years later.

Real Life Meets Reel Life 
She and her husband, after getting clean, tied the knot in 2002. However, they worked together just a couple of years before getting married on the television show 7th Heaven. They played Mary Camden’s (Jessica Biel) friends Frankie and Johnnie.

Youngest Ever
Leigh was cast on Grey’s Anatomy as Meredith Grey’s younger sister, Lexie Grey, in the third season. She then became a series regular for Season 4, which made her the youngest cast member to ever be made a series regular. She was just 25 at the time.

Dying to Leave
Leigh was on the popular ABC drama through Season 8, but she decided to leave the show after that season, so Lexie was killed off. Her reason for wanting to go was to spend more time with her three children, who were quite young at the time.