Remember Izzie Stevens From ‘Grey’s Anatomy’? Here’s What Katherine Heigl, 47, Looks Like Now
Remember Izzie Stevens from Grey’s Anatomy? Katherine Heigl, now 47, has had a long and eventful career in Hollywood, and her role on the hit ABC medical drama played a huge part in making her a household name.
Heigl started in the entertainment world at a very young age. When she was just nine, her family sent photos of her to a modeling agency.
She quickly signed with Wilhelmina Models and began appearing in catalogs for Sears and Lord & Taylor. Her first national commercial was for Cheerios cereal. She soon started acting, making her film debut in That Night in 1992, and later appeared in films like My Father the Hero and Under Siege 2: Dark Territory. While she acted in movies, she continued modeling and appeared in magazines like Seventeen.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Heigl appeared in TV shows and films targeted at young audiences, including Roswell, where she played Isabel Evans, and the American Pie series. Forbes reported that the American Pie films have grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide, making them a major pop culture phenomenon. She also appeared in TV movies such as Wish Upon a Star and The Tempest, showing her versatility at a young age.
Everything changed for Heigl in 2005 when she joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Isobel “Izzie” Stevens. Initially a mid-season replacement, the show quickly became one of the most-watched series on television. Her role as Izzie brought her widespread recognition, critical acclaim, and industry awards.
On September 16, 2007, she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She told reporters that the moment was unforgettable, though her exclamation of “Shit!” on stage was censored. Grey’s Anatomy elevated Heigl’s profile, giving her the chance to lead major films like Knocked Up and 27 Dresses, earning her both commercial success and higher pay.
Despite her achievements, Heigl’s time on Grey’s Anatomy was not without challenges. She publicly criticized the direction of some storylines and opted out of Emmy consideration in 2008, calling certain material “not worthy.” This, along with her comments about the film Knocked Up, led to a reputation for being difficult, though she later expressed regret and explained her intentions. In 2010, she left the show to focus on her family, ending a defining chapter in her career.
Heigl’s personal life has been a focus alongside her career. She married singer Josh Kelley in 2007, and the couple live in Oakley, Utah, with their three children. In addition to acting, she has been deeply involved in charity work. She founded Heigl’s Hounds of Hope to rescue and rehabilitate dogs from high-kill shelters and has worked with organizations like the ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society. Heigl has also advocated for adoption, organ donation, and animal welfare.
Heigl has returned to television with projects like Firefly Lane, where she serves as both lead actress and executive producer. In a 2021 interview with The Washington Post, she stated, “I was done apologizing” for her past reputation and emphasized her commitment to speaking out on issues she cares about.
Katherine Heigl’s journey shows how Grey’s Anatomy transformed her from a young actress into a major Hollywood star. The show not only boosted her career but also allowed her to use her platform for personal causes. What do you think about Heigl’s career path and her transition from TV to activism? Share your thoughts in the comments.