Perth-based television star Kate Walsh is set to make a highly anticipated return to the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy, reprising her role as the beloved Dr. Addison Montgomery after a three-year absence from the show. The actress, who relocated to Western Australia after meeting local farmer Andrew Nixon in 2020, shared her excitement in a social media video ahead of her appearance in episode 10 of the current season.
From Hollywood to City Beach: Walsh's West Australian Life
While Perth might seem worlds away from Hollywood, Kate Walsh has found her happy place in Western Australia. After meeting Nixon during an expedition to Antarctica in 2020, the actress made the move to be with him and has since embraced life as a City Beach resident. Walsh balances her roles as Nixon's fiancée, an active participant in Perth's social scene, and a coastal dweller while continuing to pursue acting opportunities when they arise.
A Welcome Return to Grey Sloan Memorial
Walsh's upcoming cameo marks her first appearance on Grey's Anatomy since season 19, with the episode titled Strip That Down scheduled for release in the United States on Thursday. Australian fans can catch new episodes weekly on Disney+. The 58-year-old actress admitted she's had trouble keeping up with the show's extensive storyline history as it enters its 22nd season.
"I forget who's still living, who's gone, who died in car crashes and plane crashes," Walsh confessed. "So I am so excited to be back."
Role Reversal and Character Dynamics
Appearing in a teaser video alongside Caterina Scorsone, who plays neurosurgeon Dr. Amelia Shepherd, Walsh hinted at a significant "role reversal" in their characters' dynamic. The relationship between Addison and Amelia has been intricately woven through both Grey's Anatomy and its spin-off Private Practice, with the characters sharing history as former sisters-in-law and medical colleagues.
Walsh originally joined Grey's Anatomy as a founding cast member in 2005 before departing at the end of season three in 2007 to lead Private Practice, which she anchored until 2013. Since then, she has maintained an active acting career with recurring roles in several notable series.
Continuing Career and Western Australian Connections
Beyond her Grey's Anatomy return, Walsh has built an impressive resume including roles in Netflix's 13 Reasons Why, Emily in Paris, and Bad Judge, along with the 2025 comedy film What The F*** Is My Password?. The actress will likely watch her Grey's Anatomy episode from her City Beach home, where she recently shared a lighthearted image of her cats investigating a fashion delivery while Nixon looked on.
Western Australia's Growing Film Industry
The timing of Walsh's return coincides with significant developments in Western Australia's film industry. The recently completed $233 million Perth Film Studios in Malaga represents a major investment in local production capabilities, though the facility has yet to announce its first client.
Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk emphasized the growing demand for screen content globally, stating: "Around the world there's demand for screen content, whether that's for TV, streaming services, but also the big screen as well, and that's not going anywhere."
In another milestone for WA's film sector, Netflix announced it has chosen the state's South West region to film its new eight-part drama Breakers, starring The Boys actor Antony Starr. Produced by Baby Reindeer creators Clarkenwell Films, this represents the largest production to take place in Western Australia and is expected to inject $19 million into the local economy.
With these developments and Walsh's continued presence in the state, there's growing speculation that the actress might eventually help attract international productions closer to her West Australian home.
