Grey’s Anatomy will air a tribute to Stephanie Leifer at the end of season 21

Gray’s anatomy has officially returned for its 21st season, which will see the return of old faces and the loss of a regular.

The most recent premiere of America’s longest-running medical drama was dedicated to Stephanie Leifer, and while regular fans of the long-running medical drama may not realize who she is, paying tribute was a touching moment as Leifer played a key role in the show’s enduring success.

Leifer died of cancer in June at the age of 56. She was the program director and supervised Gray’s anatomy working at ABC – the US station where the show airs – and also at ABC Signature, the company that produces it. She worked at ABC for 28 years until her departure in 2022.

Gray’s anatomyShowrunner and executive producer Meg Marinis was asked about the sacrifice in an interview discussing the episode. Marinis, who started on Grey’s Anatomy as an assistant, worked with Leifer for more than 15 years and called her former employee “amazing.”

I’m talking to DeadlineMarinis said: “Stephanie Leifer was an amazing person and a dedicated champion Gray.

“She really believed in us from the beginning and supported our creative vision.

“I started my career as a PA, delivering Gray scripts to her office and I remember her door was always open. She was very encouraging of writers and participated in several Gray breakthrough events. It was a painful loss for this family.”

In 2019 Gray’s anatomy changed the history of American television and became the longest-running medical drama in the US, overtaking the previous winner, ER.

ERstarring Anthony Edwards, George Clooney and Julianne Margulies, aired for 15 seasons from 1994–2009. The overall record is held by the BBC series Accidentaired in the UK since 1986.

Gray’s anatomyFormer series lead Ellen Pompeo made the shocking decision to leave the series in 2021, stating, “I am eternally grateful and humbled by the love and support you all have shown me, Meredith Gray and the show for 19 seasons!”

Pompeo didn’t leave the show completely, however, as she returned in several episodes of the show’s 20th season and will continue to do so this season. She was reduced from a series regular to a recurring character.

He also remains the series’ executive producer and continues to provide narration at the beginning and end of each episode.