Sara Ramirez is open to returning to the role of Callie Torres on a future episode of Grey's Anatomy. Ramirez, who came out as non-binary in 2020 and uses they/them pronouns, was one of the longest-running cast members on the show. Shonda Rhimes' Grey's Anatomy debuted on ABC in 2005, with Ramirez joining the cast in Season 2. Since then, they appeared in more than 200 episodes throughout 11 seasons before departing the series in 2012.
Torres' storyline was not only integral to the wider plot of Grey's Anatomy, but it was also groundbreaking for primetime television. Torres was openly bisexual early on in the show, and Ramirez's role is considered the longest-running LGBT character in U.S. TV history. The head of orthopedic surgery at Grey Sloan underwent many transformations throughout the character's decade on the show. Torres started as a resident, moving her way up in the hospital. She got married a few times, went through intense heartbreak, and became a parent. Torres left Seattle and her high-ranking position to rekindle her relationship with her ex/co-parent Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) in New York City.
In a recent interview with People, Ramirez spoke about portraying Torres, a role they hold near and dear to their heart. In general, Ramirez said the character helped to show audiences a queer identity that previously wasn't represented on TV. They consider their work as Torres the "role of a lifetime" and would consider returning to the show if the showrunners were interested and the writing made sense. They said:
"I wouldn't be who I am today without the experience I had on Grey's Anatomy and my heart is completely open to going back and checking in with Dr. Callie Torres ... But that would only happen if the writers' room and the story really organically led them to need a character like Callie to come back."
Ramirez added that while it's up in the air as to whether or not Callie Torres will return to Grey's Anatomy in the future, the showrunners understand their unwavering support of the show regardless. They added, "Being part of the Shondaland family was one of the greatest honors of my life." It sounds like that if Torres were to ever make a return to Seattle, Capshaw might be looking at reprising her role as Robbins in the near future.
Torres has always been one of the most dynamic and relatable characters in Grey's Anatomy. Aside from breaking barriers, it also seems like the character still has plenty of storylines to explore. Fans would probably love to see Torres' new life outside of Grey Sloan, reunited with Robbins and parenting in the big city. Also, Torres did leave the show as one of Grey Sloan's board of directors. So that could mean their daughter Sofia, who is also related to the late Mark Sloan (Eric Dane), could have a future at the hospital, and potentially in the future of Grey's Anatomy.
Source: People