Grey’s Anatomy

While Sarah Paulson is beloved for playing real and fictional characters alike , one of her more underrated unity is her role onGrey ’s Anatomy . Along with Sarah Chalke , Jesse Plemons , Jurnee Smollett - Bell , and Wilmer Valderrama , these were some of the good guest stars who left a live impression on the show as they played either patients , professional who are helping with a crisis , or a sept member of a loved one who is experiencing a health panic .

Paulson has mostly appeared in revulsion projects throughout her career , which make herGrey ’s Anatomyrole standstill out . Paulson was cast onAmerican Horror Storyand has star in each season except for time of year 9AHS : 1984 . She is known for serious characters , from Nurse Ratched onRatchedto Diane Sherman , a mother who hazard her tiddler is ill , in the 2020 Hulu filmRun . The actor also take in acclaim for her pitch - thoroughgoing depicting of Marcia Clark onThe People v. O. J. Simpson : American Crime Story . Her turn onGrey ’s Anatomyis voiced than these other part and she plays a meaningful persona .

Sarah Paulson Played A Young Ellis Grey In Season 6

Sarah Paulson flirt a young Ellis Grey in time of year 6 , episode 15 , " The Time Warp . " Richard Webber ( James Pickens Jr. ) shine on a case that he and Ellis lick on in 1982 when a patient diagnose Philip Nichols ( Ian Jensen ) came into the hospital with care , which was called GRID at the clip . Ellis is one ofMeredith Grey ’s ( Ellen Pompeo ) most unlikable relatives , as she is sleep with to be a brilliant surgeon but is insensate toward her girl . However , Paulson ’s Ellis shows a dissimilar , more compassionate side than common , as she push up against her superior ’s belief that Philip ca n’t be help .

Richard ’s memories are deplorable , as Philip exit away after surgery , and while Richard and Ellis were determined to help him , this is an example of when doctors ca n’t save patients . This flashback proves that Ellis was always more focused on her career ambitions than on being a present parent , as Richard call up Meredith at the infirmary looking upset that her mother did n’t require to spend time with her .

Why Sarah Paulson Didn’t Return In Season 11

While a younger Ellis Grey appears again in season 11 , Sarah Paulson did n’t return to the series as she was shootingAmerican Horror Story : Freak Show , so Sally Pressman pack on the use ( viaTVLine).Paulson film Bette and Dot in a creative style , and the season would have been very dissimilar without her compelling portrayal of the conjoined twins . Pressman ’s variant of Ellis appears in season 11 , episode 4 , " Only Mama know , " which shares the backstory that Richard was confused over Ellis get a Harper Avery award nominating address and ended their thing .

Ellis And Richard’s Love Story Is Brief But Tragic

Ellis and Richard truly get it on each other , and Paulson ’s Ellis believes that Richard will end his marriage , as they sit at a bar at the stopping point of her time of year 6 episode and she hints that it will only be a matter of prison term before he tells his wife Adele ( Loretta Devine ) that it ’s over . However , neither leaves their marriage , and they never have the chance for a real , serious commitment . As a result , Richard and Meredith have a sweet relationshiponGrey ’s Anatomyas they share a unwashed sadness over Ellis suffering from Alzheimer ’s and slipping away from them .

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Grey’s Anatomy Poster

Sarah Paulson looking serious as a young Ellis Grey on Grey’s Anatomy

Ellis Grey and Richard Webber younger on Grey’s Anatomy

Sarah Paulson as Bette and Dot Tattler American Horror Story Freak Show

A flashback scene showing Ellis and Richard’s happy days in Grey’s Anatomy