Celebrating two decades since its debut, Grey’s Anatomy has showcased a multitude of actors throughout its extensive run of over 400 episodes, including the talented Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Morgan appeared during the earlier seasons, sharing the stage with original cast members like Katherine Heigl and Sandra Oh. As the show enters its 21st season, significant changes have occurred, particularly with Ellen Pompeo, who portrays Meredith Grey, stepping back to pursue other interests. Nevertheless, many actors, including Morgan, have expressed a desire to remain part of this beloved medical drama.
Though Morgan is widely recognized for his portrayal of the infamous Negan in The Walking Dead, he has an impressive range of roles across various genres. From playing Joe Kessler in The Boys to John Winchester in Supernatural, Morgan has also showcased his romantic side, most notably as Jason Crouse in The Good Wife. However, his role as Denny Duquette in Grey’s Anatomy continues to resonate deeply with fans, leading him to fight to retain the character even after the curtain fell on Denny’s narrative.
The Tragic Demise of Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Denny Duquette
A Heartbreaking Proposal Before His Untimely End
Among the many poignant moments in Grey’s Anatomy, Denny Duquette’s death remains one of the most heart-wrenching. In season 2, episode 27 titled “Losing My Religion”, Denny, battling viral cardiomyopathy, falls in love with Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) during his hospital stay for a heart transplant. In an attempt to help him, Izzie makes the daring choice to cut his LVAD wire, seemingly leading to success when he receives the transplant.
With hope on the horizon, Denny proposes to Izzie, who gladly accepts. Tragically, shortly after their engagement, Denny suffers a sudden fatal stroke caused by a blood clot, leaving behind an unforgettable scene of Izzie devastated in her prom dress beside his lifeless body—a moment that has etched itself in the hearts of viewers.
Morgan’s Plea to Stay Alive on Grey’s Anatomy
A Haunting Return in Izzie’s Hallucinations
During an appearance on the popular YouTube series Hot Ones, Jeffrey Dean Morgan candidly discussed the demise of his character. With a career punctuated by multiple character deaths, Morgan humorously acknowledged this recurring theme in his projects. However, his desire to remain part of Grey’s Anatomy for Denny’s storyline was palpable. He recalls:
“Grey’s Anatomy I knew was something special. That’s the one time I saw my death coming and was trying everything I could do to get out of that death. That character Denny and that love story with Izzie kind of took the world by storm. I knew how f**king lucky I was to be there, and I was like, ‘Please don’t kill me! I will do anything!’… and I did, I did. I begged her [Shonda Rhimes].”
Whether as a result of his heartfelt pleas or the overwhelming support from fans, Morgan indeed made a return as Denny, albeit in a different capacity after his death. In season 3, he reappears in the “afterlife” during an episode featuring Meredith’s drowning. Moreover, his character makes a notable comeback in season 5, manifesting as part of Izzie’s hallucinations triggered by her cancer—a twist that marked the final chapter of his journey on the show, through the episode “Here’s to Future Days.”
Ultimately, Morgan’s role as Denny Duquette significantly impacted his career trajectory, paving the way for his major breakthrough as the Comedian in Zack Snyder’s Watchmen. Morgan reflects, “That’s what changed my life. Being Denny, where I never got out of bed, is why Zack Snyder hired me to be the Comedian.” While he may have longed for a prolonged stint on Grey’s Anatomy, Morgan’s flourishing career since his time on the show attests to the lasting impression of his portrayal.