Another Beloved 'Grey's Anatomy' Character Is Coming Back for a Surprise Appearance
Lexie Grey surprised everyone when she arrived to Seattle Grace Hospital in Grey's Anatomy season 3 as a new intern—who also happened to be Meredith Grey's secret half-sister. Lexie, and the actress who played her, Chyler Leigh, was only supposed to appear in a handful of episodes. Instead, she instantly charmed fans (and showrunner Shonda Rhimes) and was soon elevated to main-character status.
Through the years, we cheered for "Lexipedia" as her medical career thrived, and her once strained relationship with Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) grew into a strong sisterly bond. We also watched as she fell deep in love with Dr. Mark Sloan, a.k.a. McSteamy (Eric Dane). Lexie remained one of Grey's Anatomy's most beloved characters until tragedy struck in season 8...but more on that later.
Now, almost nine years after her last Grey's appearance, Chyler is coming back to the show as Lexie. Here's everything you need to know about her highly anticipated return!
Let's back up. Why did Chyler leave "Grey's Anatomy" in the first place?
Chyler explained why she left Grey's Anatomy in a statement to TVLine in June 2012.
“Earlier this year, I made the decision that season eight would be my last on Grey’s Anatomy,” she said at the time. “I met with Shonda and we worked together to give Lexie’s story appropriate closure. I am very lucky to have worked with this amazing cast and crew for five seasons. My experience on Grey’s Anatomy is something that I will treasure for the rest of my life."
“I want to take this time to say thank you to the fans,” she added. “Your unconditional love and support have made these last five years very special for me. I look forward to my next chapter and I hope you will continue to follow me on my journey.”
Chyler didn't give an official reason for leaving the show, but her departure followed an extended summer hiatus, which she took to spend more time with her husband, fellow actor Nathan West, and their three children.
What happened to Lexie on "Grey's"?
In true Grey's fashion, Lexie's exit was dramatic and heartbreaking. It all went down in the season 8 finale, "Flight," which saw Lexie, Mark, Meredith, Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh), Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), and Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) get in a catastrophic plane crash. Lexie was trapped under a piece of the aircraft, and ultimately didn't survive. She spent her final moments with Mark, who was also tragically killed in the crash.
Honestly, we're tearing up just *thinking* about this sad twist of television fate, so let's move right along to the good news.
When is Lexie Grey coming back?
Lexie is returning to Grey's in the upcoming April 1 episode! Chyler's Lexie is the latest former Grey's Anatomy character to return from the dead to visit Meredith on her magical "beach," a limbo-like place where she's passing the time as she drifts in and out of consciousness while battling COVID-19.
Fan-favorites T.R. Knight and Patrick Dempsey have also appeared on the beach this season as their late characters George and Derek, respectively.
In a promo video for the April 1 episode, we find Meredith on the beach, dipping her feet in the ocean, when suddenly someone hands her a towel. Ahh—it's Lexie!
The clip declares Lexie "the surprise beach guest you've been waiting for," and goes on to show Meredith telling her half-sister, "I like it here."
"Are you going to stay?" Lexie asks just before the video ends.
Of course, that's the question on all of our minds! (That, and whether Grey's Anatomy is ending after the current season 17. Say it ain't so!)
We can't wait to see how Meredith's story ends. But in the meantime, we're enjoying the return of all of our favorite gone-but-not-forgotten characters like Lexie.
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