Five Fast Facts About Former Grey’s Anatomy Star Sarah Drew

If you’ve watched television over the past decade or so, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Sarah Drew. Not only did she star as April Kepner on Grey’s Anatomy for nine seasons, but she’s also been on countless other shows including Law & Order: SVU, Mad Men, Glee, Everwood, and Private Practice.

From her surprising connection to DC Comics to her very first role, here are five fast facts you need to know about former Grey’s Anatomy star, Sarah Drew.

Religious Roots
Much like her popular character on Grey’s Anatomy, Drew grew up in a religious household. Her father is the pastor at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in New York City and her brother is a pastor in Philadelphia.

Batman Connection
Believe it or not, Drew is actually cousins with Ben McKenzie, who is best known for playing Ryan Atwood on The O.C. He currently stars on the TV show, Gotham.

First Role
Drew snagged her first role back in 1997 when she was just in high school She voiced the character of Stacy Rowe on the animated series Daria. She was on it from 1997 to 2001.

Written Out
After being on Grey’s Anatomy since Season 6, Drew revealed to fans last year that Season 14 was going to be her last. As it turns out, the executive producers on the show decided to write her character and Arizona Robbins out of the show. April found happiness against, got married and left Gray Sloan Memorial Hospital.

Two Passed Pilots
After leaving Grey’s Anatomy, Drew was cast as Detective Cagney in CBS’s Cagney & Lacey reboot. Despite tons of buzz because of its connection to a beloved show in the past, CBS decided to pass on the pilot. She was then cast as Sarah Cooper in The Republic of Sarah, but CBS passed on that pilot as well.