'Grey's Anatomy' helped many actors grow into directors: Chandra Wilson

The fictitious Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in "Grey's Anatomy" has not only given gifted 'doctors', but also helped many actors recognise their directorial dreams, says actor Chandra Wilson.

The actor, who has been a part of the longest-running scripted primetime show since its inception in 2005, ventured into direction on the Shonda Rhimes-created series because she understood the importance of working behind the camera as a woman of colour.

"I'm always an actor first, but I was flattered and welcomed the opportunity to direct on the show, because I understood that it is going to mean a lot to other directors, other women of colour, that were watching that journey and wanted the opportunity to direct as well," Wilson, 50, told PTI in a telephonic interview from the US.

She has directed several episodes since season six of "Grey's Anatomy". This opened the door to her directing on Rhimes' "Scandal" and three episodes of Freeform's "The Fosters".

Besides Wilson, fellow "Grey's Anatomy" actors, including the main lead Ellen Pompeo, Kevin McKidd, Debbie Allen, Jesse Williams and Sarah Drew have tried their hand at direction on the show.

"I've been able to have other directors come in and watch as a college shadowing year as I direct, go on and start their own journey. So it's like we portray a teaching hospital on TV and we've also been able to be a teaching environment in real world and grow directors right out of our show."
"I've always known that Bailey did not come from me, she came from Shonda. It's really important for me to honour that relationship as my boss, as the writer, as the creator of the show, and to always make sure that I'm bringing that vision forward."