Shonda Rhimes is a celebrated name in the television world, and her production company, Shondaland, is responsible for giving fans a cluster of TV’s most beloved shows. Rhimes’ most prominent work forever remains the popular medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. The troupe of actors that Shonda introduced through her unforgettable story has become her “go-to” people over the course of several years.
That’s why every now and then, when fans tune into Shondaland shows, a series of familiar faces pop up, giving fans a serious déjà vu moment. The Shondaland “squad” is a group of exceptionally talented actors who have appeared in various roles in Rhimes’ most acclaimed works.
Scott Foley Was Exceptional In His Role as Henry
Henry and Teddy’s emotional arc was one of the best in Grey’s Anatomy. Their bittersweet love story was genuine and profoundly moving, especially how Henry came to a point in Teddy’s life when she was emotionally stunted. Actor Scott Foley was extremely lovable in his role as a terminally ill patient who eventually fights the worst odds to spend some very special moments with Teddy.
Foley’s departure was heartbreaking, but thankfully, fans got to see more of his diverse acting talents in Scandal. Foley played a completely opposite character to his Grey’s Anatomy counterpart and adorned Jake Ballard’s enigmatic personality. His character experienced exponential growth from being a Navy Officer to a presidential candidate.
Jay Haden Became the Heart of Station 19
Haden’s charismatic personality won the fans playing the playful and quite handsome Travis Montgomery in Station 19. As a series regular, Haden cemented his worth in the show by portraying a firefighter with exceptional skills, heart, and bravery. Travis had considerable growth on the show, but his character eventually left Station 19 to follow Victoria to DC.
Besides saving lives on Grey’s Anatomy spin-off series, Haden also impressed fans with his role in The Catch. Haden played the alluring private investigator Danny Yoon, hired by Ethan Ward to tail Alice. Haden was a series regular and appeared in almost all episodes before the show was canceled after two seasons.
Darby Stanchfield Showcased Her Talent As Abby
Shondaland’s saucy political drama, Scandal, intrigued fans with its nail-biting story and plot twists. Alongside Kerry Washington’s Olivia Pope, Darby Stanchfield played the strong-headed Abby Whelan, one of Olivia’s trusted associates. Stanchfield was one of the key characters on the show, who was so ambitious and driven to the point where she even betrayed Olivia.
As part of Shonda’s exclusive troupe, Darby had to guest star in at least one of her shows. So, the talented actress graced fans with her presence in Private Practice as a religiously conservative woman who felt guilty of getting pregnant via IVF. She appears as Tess Milford in Season 2 and undergoes a complex transition.
Alexis Floyd Plays the New Grey’s Anatomy ‘Overachiever’
Most Grey’s Anatomy fans must know the beautiful Alexis Floyd, who is the ambitious doctor Simone Griffith from the fresh batch of interns at Grey Sloan Memorial. Like the original five, Simone is also one of the new key characters and young blood making her way into the ranks of the hospital’s finest. The actress is expected to return for Season 21 of the long-running medical drama.
Inventing Anna is another Shondaland production Floyd appeared in. She played the character “Neff,” who works as a concierge at a prestigious hotel and also aspires to become a successful filmmaker. She helped Anna get into the “exclusive circle” and later supported her during the trial.
Bellamy Young Was Fierce in Scandal
The gorgeous Bellamy Young also appeared in multiple Shonda Rhimes shows. However, she’s best known for her role in Scandal. Everyone remembers her as the series’ first female president of the state, making her the ultimate boss girl. Young played Mellie Grant, the ex-wife of Fitzgerald Grant III, who later realized that she was better suited for the throne rather than the First Lady role.
Young also appeared as a guest star on Private Practice and Grey’s Anatomy. She appeared in both shows under the name Kathy but had a more prominent role in the former series. She and her husband sought help from the practice’s therapist.
Jeff Perry Is a Celebrated TV Personality
Thatcher Grey may not be the father of the year, but that didn’t stop him from landing a critical role in another one of Rhimes’ shows. Jeff Perry played Meredith Grey’s biological father, who had an estranged relationship with his daughter. Even after long years and receiving a piece of liver from Meredith, the duo couldn’t find a solid footing in their relationship.
Perry played his Grey’s Anatomy part with great conviction, and he also did justice to his conniving Chief of Staff role in the Scandal. Perry played Cyrus Beene, who was miles away from his failed father role in the medical drama. Beene was extremely calculated and a tough nut to crack when it came to politics.
Sarah Drew Appeared In Private Practice Before Playing April
Before everyone knew her as a farm-girl-turned-surgeon, Sarah Drew appeared on Private Practice in a small role. Drew is best known for her Grey’s Anatomy character, April Kepner, who went on to become a series regular after she was hired during the Mercy West merger. Drew played Kepner for about a decade before departing the series in Season 14. Although she was a series regular, Drew’s exit was somewhat scandalous.
Drew appeared in Private Practice as a pregnant college girl named Judy, who wanted to give up her baby for adoption after birth. However, Judy suffers complications during delivery and ends up in an awkward situation with the couple adopting the baby.
