Grey’s Anatomy is bringing back a long-running cast member three years after her most recent appearance.

Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. are the only two original Grey’s Anatomy cast members still in a full-time capacity, with Ellen Pompeo making appearances every so often and continuing to provide the narrative voiceovers.

 

According to Variety, Kate Walsh will once again play OB/GYN and neonatal surgeon Addison Montgomery on Grey’s Anatomy, this time as a guest star in the January 29, 2026, episode, “Strip That Down.” Unfortunately, specifics about her upcoming storyline are unknown at this time.

Walsh started on Grey’s Anatomy as a guest star before being promoted to a series regular. Addison made a splash right from the beginning as Derek’s estranged wife, who cheated on him with Mark Sloan. Derek (McDreamy) eventually left Addison for good and pursued a relationship with Meredith Grey.

ABC used Walsh’s character to launch a Grey’s Anatomy spinoff called Private Practice, which centered on Addison moving to California to work at Oceanside Wellness Group. Her co-stars included Tim Daly, Audra McDonald and Paul Adelstein. Caterina Scorsone joined the spinoff halfway through its six-season run as Derek’s sister Amelia Shepherd before transitioning to Grey’s Anatomy after Private Practice ended.

Eight years later, Walsh returned for Grey’s Anatomy seasons 18 and 19 in a recurring capacity for several episodes.

When she was a part of the cast of Grey’s Anatomy, she and her co-stars won a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. Now the actress is returning to the show that gave her a breakout role on TV.

For now, Walsh will only be reprising the character of Addison for one episode. Considering she had a recurring role in multiple episodes just a few years ago, it’s possible this guest spot could turn into even more appearances in the future.

After all, despite many cast member departures over the years, no one ever truly leaves Grey’s Anatomy for good; even dead characters, like Derek, have been known to show back up years later.

There’s no doubt that Walsh’s return will be welcomed with open arms by long-time fans of Grey’s Anatomy.

Grey’s Anatomy season 22 returns Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10 p.m. EST on ABC.