She’s the woman you love to hate.
In her role as Dr. Addison Shepherd on ABC’s mega-hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, actress Kate Walsh is the ultimate obstacle for the budding romance between the series’ heroine Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and “Dr. McDreamy” (Patrick Dempsey)–especially since she’s his estranged wife. But as easy as it is to root against Addison, Hollywood.com found it hard not to be charmed by Walsh’s bedside manner during our recent consultation.
Hollywood.com: Talk about an actress with timing–literally. You sign for a few episodes of this unknown little midseason medical show, and suddenly you’re a regular on one of primetime’s biggest hits.
Kate Walsh: “It was definitely a blessing. That never happens. I was originally only supposed to do a five-episode arc, and they asked me back and I said yes, and it’s just been unreal. I’m pinching myself. It never happens, where you get invited on, and then it’s already a hit show.”
HW: What kind of viewer reaction are you getting to Addison since she showed up to shake things up?
Walsh: “I think they like the character despite themselves. That’s generally the feedback I get, even though TV Guide led with ‘The Most Hated Woman on Television.’ I was like ‘Really? I don’t think so.’ I think she’s edgy and smart and tough and rains on the parade, and yet as you watch the show as it continues through the season, you see the softer side of her, being more human. But it’s fun to play that.”
HW: What can you tease us with? What’s coming up for TV’s hottest love triangle?
Walsh: [Coyly] “It’ll be a bumpier ride!”
HW: In your own fantasy scenario, what would you like to see happen with your character?
Walsh: “Hah! Rule the world! I wouldn’t mind her being chief of staff. I’ve got my eye on the brass ring.”
HW: The holidays are right around the corner and your show’s all about the hook-up. Which of your cast mates would you like Addison to catch under the mistletoe?
Walsh: “It’s a toss up between Isaiah Washington and Justin Chambers, I’m not gonna lie to you! And throw Jim Pickens into the mix–he’s pretty hot. And T.R. Knight…They’re all so cute, and there’s a lot of flavors. And Sandra Oh and I had a moment in Under the Tuscan Sun. Who knows? Maybe we’ll go that way around again.”
HW: Which is a nice segue for our random holiday question: What was the best–or maybe the worst–gift you ever received?
Walsh: “My mother gave me acrylic booties when I was 22 and living in Chicago and really just wanted Rice Krispie treats. She sent me acrylic booties in a care package for Christmas, and also industrial strength tear gas, because mace wasn’t enough for the streets of Chicago, so that was possibly the worst gift ever.”
