Grey’s Anatomy Surprise Guest Star Reveals How It Felt Being Back

If you haven’t watched the most recent episode of Grey’s Anatomy that aired last night, you are warned that spoilers are ahead, but for the rest of you who got to experience the incredibly emotional roller-coaster ride, read on to find out how much it meant to the special guest star who encountered Meredith on the beach.

An Emotional Grey’s Anatomy Return

As fans of the longtime show know, Meredith Grey is suffering (and we do mean suffering!) from COVID-19 and as she hovers near death, she has been transported to a picturesque beach.

On that beach, those who have already passed away seem to be appearing to her. In previous episodes, it was her late husband, Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey). Last night, it was original cast member T.R. Knight’s George O’Malley.

The actor took to Instagram, sharing an iconic photo from the reunion, to say how it felt to be back acting with co-star Ellen Pompeo. “Ellen is the kind of actor I’m endlessly grateful to act with,” he began.

“She’s the embodiment of truth. George and Meredith love each other, for sure, but I don’t think he can hold a candle to love I have for Ellen. #greysanatomy”

For fans, the reunion of Meredith and George allowed for a type of closure, as his heroic death — stepping in front of a bus to save a woman — hit his fellow interns hard, especially Mer. She was the one to realize the mangled body in front of her was her beloved friend when he was able to use his finger to write “007” — his nickname.

While fans are heartbroken to see Meredith in such dire straights healthwise, it has provided an opportunity for moments and reunions that viewers never thought they would get to see. And in a year that has been horrible for so many, the show has succeeded in bringing a little light and love into it.

Pompeo also spoke out on Twitter to say how it felt to have her former co-star back. “Fun Fact …I love TR Knight,” she wrote. And when asked what it was like to have Knight as a screen partner again, she answered, “Too good.” Which is exactly how most fans would describe it too. Grey’s Anatomy airs Thursdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.