Grey's Anatomy Shocker: Brooke Smith Hits the Unemployment Line
Monday November 3, 2008
It looks as though Seattle Grace is going to be in need of yet another world class cardiothoracic surgeon -- Brooke Smith, who portrays Dr. Erica Hahn, has been unceremoniously fired from Grey's Anatomy.
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello, Smith reveals that the upcoming episode on Thursday will be her last. If you're expecting a teary goodbye from Callie, don't hold your breath as the actress also reveals that her character wasn't so much as written out of the show.
Former Alias star Melissa George is set to begin airing as "Sadie" on Grey's Anatomy this month and the plan was for her character to possibly become a love interest for either Callie or Erica. And this would be where the plot line thickens.... Not only is the Callie/Erica love story coming to an abrupt halt, but plans to make this new character a lesbian/bisexual have also been scrapped.
ABC hasn't offered any sort of official explanation as of yet, but I'd love to hear how they're going spin this sordid tale. What do you think about their decision to do away with the gay storyline? Post your thoughts below....
Photo Credit: Bob D'Amico © American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.
Comments
I would love to see the gay story line disappear for GOOD…People who accept it can live without,they still watched the show with NO gay scenes,people who don’t want to see it will QUIT watching the show,so it makes sense not to have gay scenes & that will please all the viewers……..
Vicky, but we’re talking about a very talented actress that is now unemployed and with two daughters to feed because of a crappy developed storyline (thank you, writers!). Give me more Brooke Smith, I say!
That’s impeccable logic there, Vicky.
Perhaps you’re right, Vicky. But I just saw over a hundred comments of people hurt and angry at this news who will not be watching Grey’s Anatomy anymore. I watched the show with no gay scenes. But no longer.
The writers and actors involved met with GLAAD before this storyline started. They made several statements to the gay community that they would develop this story in a respectful way. With the start of this new season Callie and Erica never kissed on screen, Callie had sex with another person 3 times, and now we hear Erica won’t be written off, she’s just disappearing.
Finally, if your delicate sensibilities are shocked more by a couple who take things slow, date before they have sex, and rarely kiss on scree than the other couples on the show that bed hop like crazy, whatever. But Sam is right. They didn’t just degay these characters, they didn’t even write either of them off. Broke Smith’s last episode is Thursday, and then she’ll be gone, presumably with no explanation. They just fired her. Classy, ABC. Real Classy.
I hated the storey line because I love Sandra Ramirez and thought she was too talented to go with this type of story line…sorry, but I did not like it…I don’t agree they should fire Brooke, but there has always been a sound reason and I don’t think “degaying” as some have put it is the reason. So give it up those who loved the relationship…we all have our own opinions and not watching the show because there won’t be this “girl on girl” storey line, oh well, who is really narrowminded?
Greys is a great show and has been from the beginning…Brooke did not make the show nor add to it. I did not like her as an actress from the beginning.
I am so sad that they fired Brooke Smith who I loved on the show. And I’m really upset that it obviously WAS because of the lesbian coupling. I liked that storyline and I’m more annoyed that Hahn doesn’t get a proper send-off.
I had already stopped watching the show and was tuning CSI in instead. Maybe I’ll go back to watching it now.
This is the best thing that could have happened.. I was considering not watching if it kept going with the lesbian coupling. It was stupid and inappropriate and was certainly not needed in a good weekly show… Let’s stick to what originally made this show what it started out to be….a successful,well written, entertaining story line.
I hated the gay thing. I think it took away from the show instead of adding to it. I hate they let her go. She was a good actress. But, I think they should leave the gay thing out of Grays Anatomy
I stopped watching the show after the first season, way to much bed hopping for me to keep track of. Don’t know the actress being discussed her….so will not comment on that.
I think that stinks that she is leaving the show. The storyline was terrible, though. I was very excited about it at the end of last season, but this season it is not going well. I mean come on, having to sleep with Sloan 3+ times to check and see if you are really gay. seriously?! pathetic. I was very disappointed in the direction the storyline was going. The whole show in general has been a slump.
I had decided that I was going to quit watching this show because of the gay part. Quality programs are so rare these days; I did think this show had some promise; why do they have to cheapen it with constant imoral sex? Writers is this what you write when you can’t come up with anything clever? Not all people’s minds are constantly in the gutter! Give us a break from all this krap!
Wow Kay, look outside, it’s 2008! I hate to tell you but bringing in a “gay” storyline would only seem to bring some real world aspects to the show. It’s not proposed to only bring “horror” of “immorality” to your beloved show. Get off your pedistal and see thet you’re not the only one in this world.
Now, regarding the release of Brooke, yes, it’s a shock and I feel badly for her losing her position but I don’t think we know the whole story…hopefully they’ll shed some light on this situation in the near future.
that is just ridiculous that they fired brooke smith over that! she added so much to the show, and the callie erica storyline was great. it was about time they had a lesbian relationship portrayed on t.v. gay people need characters to relate to just as much as straight people. i am so disappointed that people are still so narrow minded about this.
it’s a shame she got fired-great actress-hell, she’s an actress not the writer—now, i don’t care what people do behind closed doors—but every channell you look at is trying to make women with women –men with men–trying to shove it down our throats—it’s not just grey’s anatomy-which they for the most part-they’re just wanting sex—i have had my trials with doctors, believe you me, which in most cases i truly have no use for–this show really makes them look like educated idiots–i’m sick of the gay, bi, crap—i know—what was that show–we’re not leave it to beaver—but guess what i can promise you, i’m far from sainthood, but if the shows ratings are going down the hill- the Truly Big Man has something to do with it—get better writers—the actors speak and act what is written for their part-duh—————————thank you
Good!!!! Glad the story line is gone!!!
it’s about time that a Major [nite time] series has stood up & said ” N O ” [we will not have a Lesbian love interest * this series was about to loose me [can't stand to be watching & here it comes , '2' women kissing [ugh] not going to get into the fights BUT will say IT JUST ISN’T RIGHT or NATURAL ! & i for 1 are V E R Y H A P P Y that
” Grey’s Anatomy ” isn’t going to give into the Pressure {U know that it’s coming] U’ve got my support
THANK U THANK U THANK U
butch
I know the concept of the show is that doctors are all 14-year olds in emotional development. But it was painful watching Erica pour her heart out while Callie was looking semi-repulsed. I’m with Sloan – what’s sexy about that? Pity that Brooke Smith is paying the price for this lack of good storyline and lack of good writing.
I had decided to stop watching Grey’s Anatomy
when the gay story started to develope.Glad to read that it has been scrapped.Sorry that Brooke Smith was fired. Are the writers scraping the bottom of the barrel?
–Elizabeth
I had no problem with the bi/lesbian storyline that was developing. It was a nice change from the ‘I love McDreamy,I don’t love McDreamy’ stuff. This is a medical drama folks,not a soap opera! As for Brooke Smith getting fired,good riddance! I don’t don’t know what the real Brooke Smith is like,but her character Erica Hahn is a first class…!
Grey’s has sucked for a real long and sucks that Brooke had to lose her job for people to realize how wire thin the plot is. Desperate Housewives sucks too XP
Glad to see the storyline changed!! It is boring!!!!!
This is great news. I cannot stand the lesbian scenes.
I think it was really inappropriate to tell people how they could turn into gays and enjoy it as much. It’s not natural to be with someone of the same sex. Might be ok in some places, but not natural.
I didn’t like the story line on that.
thankfully the writers have figured out that this story line was offending so many people that it was destroying the show. Good call ABC.
i’m sooo glad that the lesbian story is being scrapped. it just is so unapropriate. i don’t think it should be shown on any shows. that goes for gay relationships.
I didn’t mind the gay storyline, but I did think in some cases it was simply TMI. (The idea of Callie having Sloane demonstrate how to make love to a woman on her did gross me out a little.) But I’ll miss Erica. She was a good character and it doesn’t seem right that she should just be fired for no reason.
I’m glad to hear they scrapped that offensive storyline. And I was glad to read that another offensive character from another show is also gone. Maybe *this* new trend will replace the repulsive old one and now network TV will watchable again.
I am THRILLED that the gay stuff is off the air. It was quite sickening!!!!!!!!
Very glad the lesbian part has been scrapped. This series is good without the sordid stories. Stick to the better scripts from 2-3 years ago.
I didn’t think she should have been on this show. I mean she just didn’t fit before and after the lesbian issue. I mean I didn’t actually watch the scenes that had anything to do with that. I was like oh its Callie & Erica, hit the mute button. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being a lesbian but those two were the weirdest couple I’ve ever seen on tv, i couldn’t stand it. I’m not saying I don’t like Brooke Smith b/c this is the first time i’ve heard of her. I just don’t like Erica Hahn, she’s always so b***hy and snooty. I mean she’s right up there with Peyton from OTH and I really don’t like her.
I am relieved that the producers/directors of Grey’s Anatomy have chosen wisely to remove this lesbian relationship. As a mother I found it concerning that the show was so openingly “teaching” girls how to explore the possibilities of becoming bisexual and how to be involved in sexual acts. To the point that Callie asked her male friend to teach her how to perform oral sex on a female and then asked Erica to drop her drawers so she could do her again. I found it over the top and distasteful. If a show was discussing the same thing inappropriately regarding straight relationships I would also be offended. Too many young people watch this show. I was just about ready to ban the show in our house and I have been a Gray’s addict!
OMG people where are you all living? In this day and age we all know at least one person who is gay! I was finding the education part of it facinating, how Callie struggled with the concept of being attracted to another woman. That is really what happens to some women, you just find yourself all of a sudden attracted to the same sex! So I thought the education was a must for all you prudes out there who can’t seem to handle the changes in this world.
I can’t wait to see what you all have to say about having a black man in the white house!!!!
Good riddance to the storyline.Just another attempt at promotion of that lifestyle as being mainstream . It’s not . Good for you ABC !
It’s about time. I am sick to death of all the “alternative” lifestyles being SHOVED doewn our throats. Enough is enough!!!! Get on with real stories and romances, not this fantasy garbage!
Enough already with this “alternative” lifestyles being SHOVED down our throats. Lets move on to real life stories and real life romances. The actress will find another job…somewhere.
My own oldest daughter is a lesbian and I accept that. It does NOT mean that I have to watch or allow my other children to watch lessons what it is like to make the switch to being gay and how to accomplish sexual acts with other women. It is not a family rated topic for a family time period show. PERIOD! The networks need to get back to TV that families can sit down and enjoy together without having to wonder what “unique” storylines they’ll have to sidestep with their children. I also have enjoyed watching with my elderly mother but not with these types of storylines. She is offended and it is not a pleasure to watch together. The story line does not add to the plot.
Regarding your comment about us not being able to deal with an African-American in the White House, what kind of a left field comparision is that?? Just because we don’t want or need to see sexually explicit homosexual behavior on Tv does not mean that we are racist and bigots. What a stereotype you are throwing us all into. Does not speak highly of you. By the way, I have no problem with anybody being President who will do a good job.
Oh for GODSSAKES, GROW UP, PEOPLE. I have all the Greys seasons on DVD, and have been watching it since day one, and having a lesbian storyline didn’t change my mind about what a groundbreaking show this is. I cannot BELIEVE how many homophobes still think we’re in the f*cking middle ages. Like Whoopi Goldberg once said: “Gay folks have been around since – AIR!” If you don’t want to watch “those scenes,” or have your kids see them, CHANGE THE CHANNEL. And, I’ve got news for you – the Callie and Erica line wouldn’t teach kids anything more about sex than they already know – in fact, they probably know more than you think. WAKE UP! Brooke was not my favorite actress, but she doesn’t deserve to be fired because of the storyline she was in. They could have had Callie and Erica realize they were wrong, or bi-sexual – or whatever, and then phase the thing out slowly, but Shaundra apparently has no idea what the definition of that word is. NOTHING is subtle about Greys – so why in HELL would the lesbian story be subtle? Firing Isaiah Washington was one thing – he was pretty stupid in how he handled his homophobia (I mean, what idiot gets on a mic in front of the press in the Emmy Award room and denys a homophobic slur by making another one? GEESUS.) But firing Brooke was not fair at all. And while I didn’t like her that much, she is a very talented actress, and deserves better. But PEOPLE – GROW-UP. If you don’t like a storyline, DON’T WATCH IT. And, please, don’t make Obama comparisons here. For my part, I wasn’t thrilled with either candidate, both of mine had dropped out before the election, but I voted for Obama because we’ve had ENOUGH GOP. PERIOD. That said, if we’re going to talk about the election, then start another thread and leave this one alone. But folks, don’t show your homophobia here without thinking about what you’re going to hear in return.
I’M GLAD THE GAY STUFF IS OFF. GOOD FOR YOU ABC.
Good grief people, it’s a television show! It isn’t real life, it is pretend. Get a life for goodness sake. I have to explain to my 80 year old mother-in-law that most of what she sees on television isn’t real but then too she likes to watch Japanese historic dramas which are loosely based on the truth of five hundred years ago.
I’m glad the story line about the lesbians is gone from th show. This is the best show on television and does not need that to get more audience. It is my favorite show.
I am so glad the gay line is GONE!!!! I loved Grey’s Anatomy until this season. They went too far this time….. I will continue to watch the show now….
Good! I not sad the story line is going away.
ABC has blown an enormous opportunity to open doors of self awareness for anyone struggling with sexual identity. Callie has just shown what bisexuality is about. Erica has just discovered her given- by -the- Creator true sexual self. The script was incredibly illuminating and insightful. A brilliant opportunity blown by ABC and viewers who probably once felt equally hostile toward people of color!!!
I don’t understand how some people say they have a problem with gay/lesbian story lines when the “straight” plots have actors playing musical beds with no ramifications. Who knows why she was fired? It should have been handled in a more professional manner with respect for the viewers. But if it had to do with the gay plot then it truly is a loss for all. This TV show strives to reflect “real” life. What a joke.
Well, I am disappointed in ABC. It seems to me that the writers were writing the storyline for sensationalism from the beginning. Then they finally started writing to explore what some women experience later in life (later than their 20’s!) and now its just been abandoned. I personally thought the storyline had less to do with sex and more to do with discovering one’s own self and what many women don’t know which is what they themselves like, whomever they like it with!
Thank you. Thank you. The gay storyline ruined the show. The show used to be one of my favorites before they started messing it up.
So disappointed by this. I loved Brook;e character as Erica Hahn, and am going to really miss ‘Callica’. If you want to try and help bring Brooke back to Grey’s, sign the petition at-
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/hope4hahn
Thanks, it’ll only take a minute of your time.
I was uncomfortable with the on screen slap & tickle of the two ladies. And I voted for the right of gays here in FL. this week!
Get rid of the lesbian storylines and T.R.Knight/George should come out of the closet once and for all. Whiny Meredith should either marry Derek or let him go so he can pursue some other woman that would be more suited for him. Izzy,is diagnosed with lung cancer,quits to spend more time with biological daughter and the adoptive parents,no teary funeral scenes,just a call from Izzy’s daughter’s parents saying she died with her surrogate family at her bedside and no walking off into heaven scene with Denny,she might see him in a morphine induced fog. Yang and the trauma surgeon a must and Alex needs a slap in the face and an epiphany,so he’s not a jack-ass any longer.Lexie needs to grow a pair and the chief and Bailey need stronger storylines,they’re the most interesting characters.Meredith continues counseling,discovers she’s nuts and can never be a good surgeon until she realizes how much she actually hated her mother and no more favors from the chief just because he hooked up with her bitchy-coldhearted mother.
Get rid of the lesbian storylines,George comes out of the closet…finally. Whiny Meredith either marries Derek or cuts him loose and continue counseling,discovers she’s nuts and will never be as good a surgeon as her cold-hearted,bitchy mother,until she realizes how much she hated her mother and her life style…hooking up with the married Chief and all that drinking,as the Chief is now a recovered alcoholic. Callie will continue to sleep with anyone…male or female,she’s confused but will realize that Sloan is her match. Izzy is diagnosed with bone cancer,leaves SGH and lives out her remaining days with her biological daughter and the adoptive parents.No teary funeral scenes or walking off hand-in-hand with Denny to heaven,just a call from her “surrogate” family saying she died with her daughter at her bedside. She might see Denny in a morphine-induced haze while battling the pain.
Yang and Owen a must,Chief and Bailey…more stronger storylines for them,they’re interesting and not so self-absorbed.Lexie needs to grow a pair and Alex needs a kick in the butt and an epiphany so he’s no longer a jackass. Derek needs a pair,too,so as to dump Meredith’s ass and if he’s serious,find a good woman,get married and have children
I would love to see the gay storyline disappear altogether. That’s not something I want to watch and it was ruining the show for me. I’m glad that Brooke Smith will no longer be on the show because I didn’t like her character at all…even before the gay storyline was brought in.
I hated the lesbian story line I always tape the show then fast forward thru tose parts. But why can’t they stop that storyline and keep Brooke Smith on. She was a grest character before that. I liked her sarcasm and haughtiness with the rest of the characters especiallt the residents and interns.
this show has been dragging this season and the lesbian story not only was unnecessary, it was embarrasing to see a qualty actress like brooke be given such trash then fired. wake up producers…bring her back as the original fiesty in your face surgeon and we will have a much better show..you are wimping out all the characters this year..stop it. I was only watching this year because Brooke Smith was on it…now I can change channels.
I cannot believe half of the comments on this story. I stopped watching Grey’s because it was not interesting anymore. But to hear that people did not watch because of the gay story line is really sad. Can you tell me how it is ok for all the heterosexuals to bed hop but it’s not ok to see two women kiss. What a bunch of pathetic people you are.
As a lesbian living in Seattle, I have to say I appreciated this story line. It could’ve been written a lot better, but it added a little realistic element to the show. It’s hard to believe there’s any workplace in Seattle that doesn’t have more than a few gay people on staff. I’m offended by the contention that people don’t want to see two responsible consenting adults taking a slow, steady approach to building a relationship on TV, when they’re just happy to watch people shoot each other, blow things up, or have one night stands all over the place (remember the Grey’s episode where Meredith had a different guy every night and her one night stand’s penis “broke”? that was somehow less “immoral” than this storyline?) that said, i never loved the character of erica hahn, and i hope the show got rid of her because the character was bad, and not because of any of the homophobia addressed in these comments here.
The lesbian love affair should’ve NEVER started. That’s why *I* quit watching it. The viewing of the two military guys giving one another a lip lock just repulsed the heck out of me. Obviously, the writers of Grey’s Anatomy don’t have a clue about decency! Unfortunately, they aren’t the only ones.
I stopped watching because I was sick of watching all of them sleeping with each other and the other story lines were too rediculous. As far as the gay scenes go I don’t think that there is anything wrong with it at all. What I don’t understand about all the comments is that most of the comments are about decency? Is it decent for everyone to be bed hopping?
I don’t get it! So, maybe the stroyline didn’t work out as the producer’s were hoping for – That doesn’t mean you get rid of an actress. I have seen so many series over the years with no chemistry between characters – Brooke Smith is an excellent actress, and like Sarah, she has great comedic and dramatic talent – from “Silence of the Lambs” to “In her Shoes” to Grey’s. Shame on you ABC. She was such a breath of fresh air and made the show exciting again.
Lesbian or not, the sexual content is now just white noise. The actors all talk in the same tone, like parrots. BORING! Go cable, go web, or just go. But go away!
Yes-this is good! There must be more to the story of why Brooke was fired…but getting rid of the lesbian smut they have been showing is a good idea. It’s one thing to have a gay character, but the level of detail they were getting into was WAY TOO MUCH!
Sooooo….folks who are against homosexuality—are against it in fiction too? Wow…do they also censor their dreams???
It’s fiction.
I think that firing brooke smith was a huge mistake…they could have just rewrote their storyline by Callie and Erica breaking up but still work together proffessionaly. This is a huge slap in the face to the whole gay community. I have been a huge fan since season 1 but after this ordeal i don’t think that i will be watching the show anymore…they did a very bad thing by firing her. RE-HIRE BROOKE SMITH!!!! I also can’t believe that now there is going to be a new character who will be bi and has a LOVE INTEREST IN CALLIE (sara ramirez) that is going to be taking the place of Brooke…BIG MISTAKE!!! You can’t replace Brooke. There storyline i think kept people wanting to see what was going to come of the relationship.
I’m glad Brooke got the axe. I don’t like watching her in any role. The lesbian story-line probably wouldn’t bother people if all the storylines didn’t revolve around sex. They’re either talking about it or doing it all the time. Never have liked Meredith and Derek together. He needs somebody more fiesty and exciting. Meredith is dull, dull, dull. Mary McDonnell will be a great addition!
I am absolutely shocked at the narrowmindedness of you people. I cannot believe that in this day and age there are still people who have to force their views and values onto other people’s way of life. Grey’s Anatomy is nowhere near to being the best show on TV – in fact it’s pretty bad. The writing is terrible and the storylines are pretty ridiculous in my opinion. Entertaining maybe but not the best show on TV by far. You all say how you stopped watching because of the lesbian storyline but the double standard it that all of the bed hopping on this show is ok. I’m disgusted, absolutely disgusted. I really don’t understand why people can’t be allowed to live their lives any way they choose without having to be discriminated against by narrowminded, judgemental people.
I have one word for all you who think it is great the storyline between Callie and Erica is over, that is NARROWMINDED! Why is it when it is our own views that happen to be the “mainstream” thought we aren’t pushing our ideas on to others, but when the idea isn’t the mainstream it is being forced on others? Having the storyline in a show is NOT forcing anyone TO DO ANYTHING! You choose to watch or not watch. Why is it okay to watch a man and a woman but not 2 men or 2 women? God loves us all!
I would say I’m glad the lesbian storyline is closing, but I think that Grey’s has already gotten so beyond tacky in the sex-based storylines that it’s beyond saving. I tuned in to watch a medical drama whose niche was showcasing medical interns. It was a great premise since it dealt with men and women who had chosen a tough, but stimulating and rewarding career, and were just getting to the make-it-or-break-it point. Although I enjoy the tie-ins with their personal lives, you would think all interns do are work and have sex. They apparently spend just about no time with their families, none of them attend worship services, they never go shopping or do any kind of “normal” activities, they have no hobbies (except sex) and have no friends outside the group with which they work. The medical storylines are getting more and more ridiculous, while the personal storylines are pretty much about sex or the characters’ mental issues. Grey’s started out as a very good show, but it’s gone totally down the tubes.
I love Greys Anatomy and the lesbian twist. It made the show more exciting and I couldnt wait til the next week to see what happens. I will not stop watching but I will miss Hann. She was great and she played the part very well.
Seems to me that all the religious backlash from prop 8 is still around. The network would not want to offend everyone who thinks marriage/sex should only happen between a man & a woman. They would not want to loose viewers I for one will not watch a show that is so prejudice as of last week I am done.
No I am not gay I just think it is none of my business what sexual preferences someone has & I really don’t judge anyone except when they are small minded & think it is ok to be treating gays just like the south treated colored people not too many years ago. They should be asahamed! More bad has been done in the world in the name of religion than good, mabey that should change especially if people believe in your hearts in god!