Anybody that’s seen Grey’s knows that aching feeling in their chest that they get when “Chasing Cars” or “How to Save a Life” comes on during the show. Trust me, I know the feeling too. Whether the character died or moved onto other endeavors, they are greatly missed and we wish we could bring them back.
8. Addison Montgomery
The only reason Addison is last on this list is because, lucky for her, she snagged her own show where you can get your daily dose of Addison. Unfortunately, though, her presence is still greatly missed on Grey’s Anatomy. Addison isn’t your typical lovable character because she cheated on the one and only McDreamy, but she definitely grows on you after being a main character and guest star in the first eight seasons. Even her hot chocolate juju is one for the books.
7. Izzie Stevens
Ahh, Alex’s first love: who didn’t adore watching Alex truly show his emotions for the first time towards Izzie? Izzie might have had a bit of a crazy side (i.e. cutting an LVAD wire for her patient/lover) but isn’t that what made us love her in the first place? Izzie’s spunky attitude and charming wit added to her likability and made her memorable enough for us to want her to come back to the show (and maybe even re-kindle her love with Alex).
6. Denny Duquette
Although he only played a short role, Denny is permanently stamped into my being. He was one of the most charismatic characters to step foot onto the show. Honestly, I don't think I could ever get enough of Denny. I’m not sure I’d even be satisfied with an entire show dedicated to his backstory. Either way, I pray they’ll bring him back, even if it has to be as a ghost.
5. George O’Malley
007, Heart-in-the-Elevator Guy, Bambi: my favorite character and saddest goodbye. I didn’t rank him higher up because his time on the show was significantly shorter than the characters ahead of him, but he was one I would absolutely love to see back on the show. His tragic but heroic death was the best way for George to go because it captured his caring heart and innocent demeanor. Georgie will always be in my heart.
4. Lexie Grey
Everyone loves Lexiepedia, and now she can’t grant her wisdom on us anymore. Although Lexie was, at first, too bubbly and happy for Meredith, both Meredith and the audience alike learned to love her; I’m pretty sure everyone I know rooted for her and Sloan. Even though Lexie’s time on the show was tragically ended, we will never forget her legacy at Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital.
3. Mark Sloan
McSteamy needs to come back for many reasons, but one being the most obvious: Karev and Avery need to become an eye candy trio. When Sloan was first introduced, I couldn’t understand how anyone could come to love his character: he was Derek’s best friend and slept with his wife! Nothing about him seemed good. But once Callie gave birth to his child, it changed everything for me. Now, I’m dying (no pun intended) to see where his and Lexie’s love story would have gone had they survived the plane crash and gotten back together.
2. Cristina Yang
How in the world could Meredith Grey’s person leave the show? Yeah yeah, she’s been on the show for ten seasons, but so have Meredith, Alex, Bailey, and Dr. Weber, and they haven’t left! I commend Shonda Rhimes for letting Yang go with good reason, and I liked Preston’s reappearance during that time, but the best dynamic duo in all of television shouldn’t have been split up like that. What would Christina say now that Meredith has kids AND is Chief of General Surgery? I guess we’ll never know.
1. Derek Shepard
Obviously one of the most heartbreaking parts of the show entirely. Derek warmed all of our hearts, and even broke them sometimes, with his love story with Meredith Grey. Derek and Meredith’s “dark and twisty” road to love and marriage was one for the books; a modern love story that touched the hearts of millions. Derek’s death left not only Meredith and her kids devastated, but all of us at home as well. Although Derek wasn’t perfect and had many flaws of his own, we still love him and wish this whole thing would be just one big dream.
