‘Grey’s Anatomy’ pays tribute to Disney TV executive Stephanie Leifer

Premiere of the 21st season of the ABC series Gray’s anatomy ended with a card dedicating the episode to Stephanie Leifer. Although the name may not be recognizable to the average person Gray fan, this tribute has deep meaning for those who worked on the series at every stage of its run.

Leifer, who died in June of cancer at age 56, was a beloved programming executive who worked a total of 28 years at ABC and its sister studio before leaving the company in 2022. She supervised Gray’s anatomy as a current executive at the network and then at ABC Signature (formerly ABC Studios), which produces the hit medical drama.

In an interview with Deadline related to the premiere of season 21: Gray’s anatomy Executive producer/showrunner Meg Marinis talked about the decision to dedicate the episode to Leifer. Marinis has worked with Leifer for more than a decade and a half, rising through the series’ ranks from assistant to writer, executive producer and now showrunner.

“Stephanie Leifer was an amazing person and a dedicated champion Gray. She really believed in us from the beginning and supported our creative vision,” Marinis said. “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.”

For more on the twists and turns in the premiere and what to expect from the rest of the season, check out Deadline’s interview with Marinis.