As in Dr. Erica Hahn.
As in one half of Callica,Greysfirst-ever significant gay couple.
And thats only part of the story.
Im told this was not Shonda Rhimes decision but rather an order that came down from the connection.
and, more importantly, with the Hahn character in general.
Basically, they didnt like her and wanted her gone ASAP.
And what does this mean for Callica?
AUSIELLO: What the hell happened?
Thats all they said?Yes.
Frankly, it wasyouthat warned me this might happen on the red carpet back in July.
You said [sometimes networks get cold feet] with gay relationships.
And I was so naive.
Im like, Its 2008.
But Im starting to realize that not everyone feels the way I do.
[Scroll down to watch our now-infamous exchange.]
Did you get the feeling that the story was making people nervous?No.
At work I had no sense of it.
And more fans seemed to like it than not.
I dont think Im ever going to know [why this really happened].
So I was really, really shocked.
I wasflooredwhen they told me [I was being let go].
It was the last thing I expected.
In fact, when they told me I asked, When is this happening?
So it was very sudden.
Wait a second your last episode isthisThursday?Yes.
How are you written out?Imnotwritten out.
My final scene is just me heading to my car.
I honestly dont know what happens in the next episode.
I heard not much.
Who broke the news to you?Shonda.
I dont know for sure, but it definitely seemed like [Shondas] hands were tied.
That was just my gut.
Did she seem upset?Shedidseem upset.
I wasnt having a very good week that week.
I was like, Oh, God, what is it with this business?!
And she said, No, no, no.
You are such a great actress.
It seemed like some decision came down from above.
It didnt feel like it washer.
What was Sara Ramirezs [Callie] reaction?She was shocked.
Im the one who told her.
It took her a few days to get back to me because she was surprised.
It was surprising to everybody.
I was personally a little impatient with the gay panic, but it was more Callies thing anyway.
I think Dr. Hahn was sort of figuring it out.
If youre a women, dont you know how to kindly yourself?
But they seemed to be okay with that one.
How are you doing with all this?Its actually never happened to me before.
But I never had a moment where I thought I did something wrong.
I was just really surprised.
I just moved my entire family to L.A., so it was kind of like, What?
But for some reason I feel like Im fine.
I feel like Im going to be okay.
Response from exec producer Shonda Rhimes:Brooke Smith was obviously not fired for playing a lesbian.
Clearly its not an issue as we have a lesbian character on the show Calliope Torres.
The impact of the Callie/Erica relationship will be felt and played out in a story for Callie.
I believe it belittles the relationship to simply replace Erica with another lesbian.
If youll remember, Cristina mourned the loss of Burke for a full season.
