Series star - Katherine Heigl talks about Emmy scandal and being kicked off Grey's Anatomy
Former service stars Shannen Doherty and Katherine Heigl share a common past: Both had a reputation for being difficult and were considered hard to work with in the industry due to their frequent public criticisms. Recently, the actresses discussed this topic on Doherty's podcast "Let's be clear" and also touched upon the Emmy scandal surrounding Heigl in 2008.
At the time, the American was at the peak of her success with "Grey's Anatomy," shooting numerous film projects alongside the hospital series, and had even been awarded an Emmy the previous year for her role as Izzie Stevens. However, her name was missing from the nominations for 2008, and this was no mistake. "I'm the only person I know who has turned down an Emmy nomination," Doherty remarked on the matter. Heigl, however, clarified that this was not true – one must first submit their name to be nominated, and she had simply failed to do so. "But I shouldn't have said anything. I should have said I forgot, because it caused unnecessary controversy," she admitted in the podcast.
Katherine Heigl clashed with the "Grey's Anatomy" team
At the time, Heigl, now 45, had released a statement that generated headlines. "I did not find the material this season to be of a quality that I believe I could submit it for Emmy consideration. I am committed to the integrity and creativity of the academy," she stated. Her words caused irritation within the "Grey's Anatomy" team led by showrunner Shonda Rhimes, with Heigl being seen as ungrateful. Tensions had already arisen during salary negotiations. The dispute ultimately led to Heigl's sudden departure from the successful series during the 6th season before her contract expired.
Heigl explained her motivations from her current perspective. "I tried to comment on the material from the season a little sarcastically, but I just didn't like it. (...) I just wasn't proud of my performance," she said. She had tried to act honorably and maintain integrity. Doherty and Heigl agree that there was also a portion of misogyny in the reception at the time. "If it had been a man, they would have said: Look how honorable he is!" Doherty also shared that she had been fired multiple times before for admitting her mistakes, which she still finds difficult, even though things have changed to some extent.
Heigl continued, explaining that the headlines at the time had caused her to try to be quiet and polite for a long time. Only in her 40s did she dare to be herself again. In January, she stood on the Emmy stage for the first time in 15 years alongside her "Grey's Anatomy" colleagues and colleagues. It was a special occasion: The show had been on the air since 2005 and was the longest-running hospital series in TV history.
Shonda Rhimes, the creator of "Grey's Anatomy," was affected by Katherine Heigl's criticism, viewing it as ungratefulness towards the show. After her departure from the series, Shannen Doherty expressed sympathy towards Heigl, suggesting that misogyny might have played a role in the negative reception to Heigl's comments. Katherine Heigl, now 45, shared her perspective on the incident during Doherty's podcast, stating that her public criticism was fueled by her dissatisfaction with her role and performance on the show that year.
