They Should just kick her crying butt off the show!!!!

Not for your Emmy consideration: Katherine Heigl PopWatch Blog EW.com

Currently, there is an email chain clogging the inboxes of EW's TV department, and it began with a link to Tom O'Neil's Gold Derby awards blog and the question, "She's trying to get out of the show, isn't she?"

The she is Grey's Anatomy Emmy winner Katherine Heigl, who was asked by Gold Derby to explain why her name wasn't on the TV Academy's list of Emmy contenders. Her response: "I did not feel that I was given the material this season to warrant an Emmy nomination and in an effort to maintain the integrity of the academy organization, I withdrew my name from contention. In addition, I did not want to potentially take away an opportunity from an actress who was given such materials."

Was this selfless act noble, presumptuous, or a clear attempt to piss off the Grey's producers so they'll send her far, far away (to a place where she can pursue that film career year round)?
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Chloe Q Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 05:53 PM EST
First of all, Katherine did have some very good material in the second half of the season, especially in the finale. But that aside - the Emmy Award she would have been up for is for ACTING, not for the quality of the material. I don't think that Heigl has a "selfless" bone in her body. This is clearly a jab at the writers - and especially considering how accommodating the show has been to her filming schedule, her remarks are very tasteless indeed. Completely unnecessary. What bothers me the most is that she's trying to present herself as if she's being altruistic, when she so clearly is not.

Joey Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 05:42 PM EST
I hope the writers have her character fall down an elevator shaft! Didn't work for my career but maybe it will do her some good!

monica Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 05:08 PM EST
i loved Izzie last season with her Denny storyline, but she's right. She hasn't been given much to work with this season and I would much rather give the award to Christina (Sandra Oh). However, she can't expect--if she is expecting--to have the spotlight all the time. There are like 10-15 main characters. ask for a spinoff or just deal. besides, i think she'll be in the spotlight more next season since her feelings for alex are bound to start emerging.

Ruby Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 04:56 PM EST
Yeah I agree with Ceballos and Mike M. I mean, I'm all for being outspoken and honest, but there is a way to be political. She should be grateful, GA did put her on the map no matter how sucky the material she was given this year. And Knocked Up is the reason we even know her name on this post, no matter how "male chauvinistic or how negatively women were portrayed" (which is such crap, as a woman there are many realisms in that movie about woman).

Sally Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 04:36 PM EST
I stopped watching Grey's seasons ago, esp. when George and Izzie started to hookup or was it after George slept with Meredith? anyway it had to do with George, who's an outward homosexual, playing a heterosexual sexy man -- how uncomfortable can that be for him? The show was titled "Grey's Anatomy" and it started out with Meredith with a sub-plot about her mother. Meredith should be the main character and the main stories should put her in the center. It lost its direction IMO.

Snsetblaze Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 04:36 PM EST
Agree entirely with Ann and Ceballos. In addition, she was still given better material than Sandra Oh this year post Isaih Washington and to some extent Sara Ramirez. The only female actually given great material was Chandra Wilson.

junior Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 04:34 PM EST
It's called "working the system" and everyone here getting riled up about it is part of her (and her publicists') plan.

kristen Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 04:31 PM EST
I'm all for her being outspoken and saying that the writing last year was crap. But she (and other people) seem to be confusing writing and acting. Bad writing doesn't make you a bad actress any more than good writing will make you a good actress.
The problem I have is with her saying that she withdrew her name so that she wouldn't deprive another deserving actress. How nice of her to assume that even if she didn't deserve a nomination she would still receive one.
I guess somewhere on the final list of Emmy noms this year will be at least one actress who shouldn't be proud of her own accomplishments - she should just be groveling at Katherine Heigl's feet.

Cassie Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 04:26 PM EST
There are plenty of actors out there that are displeased with their storylines and material but they refrain from publicly insulting the television series that makes them famous and gives them a paycheck. Between this and slapping Knocked Up in the face, I think she needs to start being very careful. Right now, she looks very ungrateful. I also get the sense that she wants out. She has a huge romantic comedy career in front of her even though 27 Dress was only mediocre. But the fact that she came out and said what she said is making me not like her.

Mike M. Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 04:25 PM EST
Give me a break. "My role stinks but the Academy isn't smart enough to see that. I have to protect them from themselves because they'll have to give it to me if I enter."
Get over yourself!
EM Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 04:22 PM EST

I thought that the GA writers were spread thin this year with Private Practice. The characters were given good material post writers' strike.As far as KH is concerned, kudos for her. If there were more of actors like her to defer nomination because they feel that someone else is more worthy, people like Lauren Graham could've gotten nominated for an Emmy instead of multiple winnings for the SATC girls.
EM Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 04:22 PM EST


I thought that the GA writers were spread thin this year with Private Practice. The characters were given good material post writers' strike.As far as KH is concerned, kudos for her. If there were more of actors like her to defer nomination because they feel that someone else is more worthy, people like Lauren Graham could've gotten nominated for an Emmy instead of multiple winnings for the SATC girls.
Sara S. Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 04:16 PM EST

It p*sses me off as a Grey's Anatomy fan, but I think she's an outspoken, strong woman, and to be honest, they DID give her character the shaft this year.
Jenn Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 04:10 PM EST

Sounds like someone's getting a little too big for her britches. I like how she basically puts the blame on the writers (who were part of the whole team accomodating her for her sudden busy film schdule) for her suck performance this season.
Gabe Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 04:02 PM EST

If her withdrawal means amazing actresses like Mary McDonnell or Connie Britton may have the remotest chance of possibly getting nominated, I say thanks.
Ceballos Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 03:46 PM EST

Anna's exactly right-
There was a way for Heigl to say her work on the show wasn't up to par this year WITHOUT throwing the writers under the bus. Or at the very least without ONLY blaming "the material she was given" and not mentioning anything about her irritatingly wild overacting on the show.
I'll always applaud someone who is outspoken, but it'd be nice if she had been fair in this instance and taken some of the responsibility for her "subpar" year.
DanOregon Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 03:44 PM EST

First Judd Apatow, now Shonda Rhimes, damn! I didn't even know who this person was before those two gave her a shot.Gratitude much?
Leigh Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 03:39 PM EST

Look, it's not like she made a big deal. Her name wasn't on the Emmy ballot and, when asked as to the reason, she gave an honest answer. In an age of PR spin and obvious lies it's nice to have someone who just kinda says what s/he thinks or feels. It's not ego. She's not wrong. The material written for Izzy last year was crappy, even Shonda has practically admitted it. Had Heigl said something other than what she said in all liklihood she would have been lambasted as being evasive. And if there's one thing Katherine Heigl isn't, it's evasive.
Anna Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 03:30 PM EST

"I'm pretty sure the actors who want to be considered for a nomination have to submit the footage they consider Emmy worthy themselves. If she doesn't think any of her perfomances are worthy, she's right to not submit any."
That would be fine if that's what she had said. What she said was that the material she was given wasn't up to par (indicating it was the writers' fault). She said nothing about her own performance.
Bethann Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 03:23 PM EST

It would've been noble had she simply stated that she didn't feel her work was up to a nomination this year. But by saying that she "did not feel (she was given material worthy...", she sounds like she wants out and since they won't let her out of her contract, she's attempting to piss the powers that be off. I was annoyed when I saw this today. I like her, I like Izzy, but she is really getting a gigantic head. It only takes one bad choice and the roles dry up. We'll wait to see what that choice is...
KG Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 03:18 PM EST

my vote is "a clear attempt to piss off the Grey's producers so they'll send her far, far away"
she's always been outspoken and self-righteous. and now she's been getting lead roles in movies.
and i agree that she keeps biting that hand that feeds her.
Kiki Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 02:55 PM EST

Kudos to her! Why should she take up a spot if she feels that she didn't do "Emmy Work", and from what I heard (since I don't watch the show) this year's GA wasn't that great to begin with.
Sarah Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 02:39 PM EST

It just bugs me that she keeps biting the hand that feeds and nurtured her. I agree, she doesn't deserve an Emmy this year. I don't care that she didn't submit her name. But I care that after pissing all over "Knocked Up" in Vanity Fair, she's now passive agressively pissing on the writers for Grey's. No one would care anything about her if it wasn't for these parts, and I don't think it would kill her to learn how to be humble and grateful for her opportunities.
meg Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 02:35 PM EST

I never want to watch Greys, but I do like her movies, so I hope whether she wants to or not she gets out of Greys eventually.
coco Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 02:34 PM EST

I feel sorry for Ms. Shonda and her team for having to deal with these unwelcomed words from KH. Blaming the material is a huge offense to the team that lead her to an Emmy win last year. Sounds like a diva and self-adsorbed actress. I like her a lot but she just managed to change my opinion.
Leah Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 02:31 PM EST

I don't find her "outspokenness" to be refreshing or appropriate. This isn't the first time she's criticized a project in which she's made the choice to participate. If she doesn't like the characters she's playing, why doesn't she stop playing them? I don't have time for "stars" that are given massive amounts of money to act a role and then believe they have the right to complain about it.
pirate Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 02:27 PM EST

I kinda agree w/ Katherine, yes this season of G.A. was crap, especially Katherine's storylines(e.g. the deer episode). Some of the blame could go to Shonda's exec. duties on both Grey's and Private Practice, and some on the Writer's Strike-shortening the season, allowing less time to fully develop great story arcs. On the other hand, I disagree wholeheartedly w/ how Katherine said these comments. Bottom line, Katherine Heigl isn't going anywhere...
Al Fredo Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 02:23 PM EST

Wow; a lot of hostility for a pretty benign issue. As MsDaisy said, all she did was respond to a question. I don't understand the comment about speculating that this is a ploy to get out of her contract; there has been considerable press in the past of this very point. I don't Heigl has been very ambiguous in her desires.
Amy Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 02:17 PM EST

Good for her. This is a gutsy move and I love that Katie doesn't play by the rules.
newshound23 Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 02:10 PM EST

Her talent doesn't live up to her ego. That's for sure.
B Ro Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 01:58 PM EST

It just came off as a little passive aggressive. She should have been just said "Look, I hated how they wrote the character, it was total crap" or "I'm waiting for my contract to expire so I can go do movies." THAT would have been a ballsy move.
ATC Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 01:55 PM EST

I've never seen a second of Grey's Anatomy but she seems to have a fine career in romcoms. Why would she want to continue on TV?
Liddy Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 01:45 PM EST

I've never watched GA, and I could care less about whats-her-face, but I gotta give the girl props for saying that the material was crap this year. Are any of the writers of "House" paying attention? Katie? David? Anyone? Bueller?
Ceballos Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST

Also, is there any way she could convince the higher ups at "Grey's" to remove the show from consideration for "Best Drama" and make way for "The Wire", "FNL", "Battlestar", "Tell Me You Love Me" or anything else really.
Oh, who am I kidding? I should already start picking out a spot on a wall for me to punch when the nominations are announced and "Grey's" gets its token nom for "Best Drama Series".
Scott Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST

DALTON WHERE ARE YOU????????
Snarf Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 01:18 PM EST

Survey says "C" - Although I have to give her credit for speaking her mind and not conforming to the usual politically expediant trite answers people in her position often give.
Patty Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 01:17 PM EST

Please don't turn this non-story into a Katherine Heigl-athon. She just got off the radar, please, please don't put her back on! Last summer she was everywhere, let's not have a repeat of that. I get it, she's pretty and an average actress, she is not the second coming of Jesus.
Portia Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 01:14 PM EST

I'm pretty sure the actors who want to be considered for a nomination have to submit the footage they consider Emmy worthy themselves. If she doesn't think any of her perfomances are worthy, she's right to not submit any. I don't think not submitting yourself for an award is in any way indicative of an ego problem. For her to do the opposite and say, "well, my character was awful this year but you should give me an Emmy anyway because I won last year"...well, THAT would be an ego problem. So lighten up Kana! (I always hated awards that you had to nominate yourself for. How icky.)
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 01:10 PM EST

I don't know; if I was her, I'd be pretty annoyed with the crap they saddled her with (I shudder at Gizzie) and I don't think GA was as good as it was in the first season and SO MANY people were saying about how the characters weren't at all the way they were the first season. I mean, your public perception can often be based on the way your character is written and if I was KH I'd be like--umm, this is getting ridiculous. So yeah, she's not out of line, and I think good for her for being outspoken. I like her and her big mouth and she's not rude about it she's more like--she's just not pandering. I can get behind that.
MsDaisy Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 01:03 PM EST

Well, it's not like she called a big press conference to explain why she wasn't putting her work into contention for an Emmy this year, she explained in response to a question. So I'll give her some props there. I still not like her character and I don't think she's that great an actress either. She is pretty though.
Rose Tyler Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 01:01 PM EST

She's right. Her material was crap. If she took this up with the writers and they didn't listen I say she has every right to do and say what she did. However, if this is her way of telling them it's more than a little unprofessional. My guess is that she tried and they didn't listen so this was her answer to that.
majigail Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

She's right. Her material wasn't very good this year, certainly not Emmy worthy. If anyone from that cast deserves a nod, it's Sara Ramierez.
kana Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 12:54 PM EST

Regardless of whether it's a ploy to be written off, HER EGO IS OUT OF CONTROL. i can't believe how presumptuous she is. If the material was so awful (umm, rude to writers much?) then she shouldn't be concerned about getting a nomination. But she apparently feels like the academy would be blind to a poor performance and nominate her anyway because....she's so pretty? she may be the next Meg Ryan? (nothing to hoot about in and of itself, Kath) So SHE needs to educate THEM on what's good and bad tv and in so doing, pave the way for the poor gals who normally cower in her critical shadow. Give me a break! Everytime she opens her mouth something bratty comes out. i'm glad i don't have to worry about her taking an Emmy someone else deserved. Hopefully Shonda kicks her out of Grey's and everyone else is too annoyed by her (as Judd Apatow should be) to cast her.
jmiklane Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 12:50 PM EST

I have no issues with Katherine Heigl. She doesn't bother me that's she's outspoken. I just think she's an overrated actress.She should have done this last year, when she shouldn't have been nominated... much less WON!If she wants off the show, no problem. If she did this as a publicity stunt, OK... other actors have done worse. The long and short of it is that she won't be nominated, and somebody better (hopefully) will be!
GingerCat Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 12:45 PM EST

Well, she's obviously trying to make it clear that she doesn't like the way her character was written this year. I don't know if that means she wants out, or just wants the show to give her better material. But apparently she had to fight to get a raise last year, so I wouldn't blame her if she'd soured on the show altogether.I know some people don't like how outspoken she is, but I do! She hasn't said anything that bad, and if a male actor said the same things no one would hold it against him--in fact, they'd probably take his side. Good for her for rocking the boat a little.
QueenC Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 12:44 PM EST

Yeah, I don't think it really matters why she did it. What she said is true - the material doesn't deserve consideration.
MarkAndres Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 12:43 PM EST

I think the press are being very two faced. They blast the Grey's writing and Izzies storylines all season then when Heigl modestly withdraws her name for consideration (she probably had a good chance for shortlist or even another nom) they slate her for agreeing with them! She may well want out of the show, she may not. But if they are gonna feed her stories like bring a dead deer back to life - can you blame her? Especially when she has about 4 movie projects lined up each paying more than she makes on Grey's in a year. I think she was just being honest and truthful - she didnt feel she had the material. Heigl tells it like it is. It is refreshing in Hollywood and people just can't handle it.
Ceballos Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 12:39 PM EST

That's interesting, I never considered that she might be doing this to get off the show, though it makes perfect sense.
I'm not a "Grey's" fan, but, after a minor war between me and my girlfriend I watch it with her and am only allowed to complain and or roll my eyes up to five times per episode.

That being said, I like Katherine Heigl, but I HATE her work on the show. I think she's been wildly overacting for the past couple of years including this one and I can't stand Izzie. It's a joke that she won last year, since I'd barely even put her in the top 5 Best Supporting Actresses on her OWN SHOW (Oh, Wilson, Ramirez, Brooke Smith are better)

So I don't really care why she withdrew her name from Emmy consideration. I'm just glad to see she won't be taking up a spot that could be occupied by a more deserving actress.