I reported not that long ago that Chandra Wilson would be returning to the Broadway stage to take on the role of Matron Mama Morton in the hit musical Chicago. Well, the time has come! And fellow co-stars Sara Ramirez, James Pickens Jr. and T.R. Knight were in the audience on Monday to cheer her on. T.R. Knight brought boyfriend Mark Cornelsen along to the performance.

Speaking of the performance, it sounds like she did an outstanding job, though the actress herself seems mostly relieved that she got through it without messing up! “My 10-year-old daughter [Joy] said, ‘Mom just don’t mess up,’ ” said the three-time Emmy nominee. “That was the advice she gave me and so that’s what I took with me on stage and it seemed to have worked.”

And what did her Grey’s co-stars think?

“She was absolutely amazing,” Pickens told PEOPLE. “She was perfect and should be very proud of her performance. I had a great time watching her.”

I’m sure she’s going to be awesome during the entire run. For those wondering, you can catch Chandra Wilson in Chicago for a four-week stretch only. Her last performance will be Sunday, July 5. So if you haven’t gotten tickets yet, run run run!

Via | PEOPLE

Image: Newscom

It’s Sara Ramirez’s turn in the hot seat, as she prepares to answer some pressing viewer questions.

Here’s the lowdown of what she’s asked:

• Is Callie ever going to sing on the show?
• What lies ahead for Callie and Arizona?
• How do you think Callie’s parents will react to her dating a woman?
• Will the friendship between Callie and Mark ever become more?
• What is it like filming love scenes in front of the entire crew?
• How do you prepare for your more emotional scenes?

I love Sara Ramirez so much! And it’s a huge treat to see her answering questions about Callie and the show.

For those who can’t see the video, here’s a few highlights:

• Some scenes of Callie singing have been shot, but have all been cut for various reasons. But there’s always talk of shooting more. Maybe one will stick!
• The writers are taking Callie and Arizona one episode at a time, so she doesn’t know what lies ahead. But she hopes for all the best for them.
• She doesn’t know if Callie and Mark will ever become more, but she loves them together so perhaps in the future. That said, she loves the idea that a man and woman can be such good friends and such equals.
• Filming love scenes in front of the crew can often be “comical.”

Thoughts? Reactions? Drop them in the comments!

Grey’s Anatomy’s Sara Ramirez told the New York Daily news that a viewer and once-Callie fan sent her hate mail for playing a lesbian on the show. The viewer stated that she would no longer be watching the show because “Callie went down that road.”

Ramirez’s reaction?

“[It] made me sad. But in my family, my aunts are Catholic, and they watch it and are so supportive! I’m not one to tell people what to think, but I would like to encourage people to open their hearts because it’s 2009, and we’ve elected an African-American President. Come on guys, let’s get over it.”

I love her attitude and her message. After all, she’s been a face and a voice for GLAAD for the past couple of years now.

I know a lot of you haven’t been into this storyline and wish Callie would return to heteroland. But I don’t think hate mail is the answer.

Via | Gomez TV

Image: Newscom

In case anyone’s collecting reasons to love Sara Ramirez here’s one more: The Grey’s Anatomy actress and Tony Award winner has donated $20,000 to the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts.

Ramirez attended the school from fourth grade to senior year.

Of the donation, she stated that the school “played a huge role in where and who I am today so I would like to take this time to give a little something back.”

I’m sure the school will have no trouble finding ways to put the money to good use. Its current plans are to divide the cash between the different art departments.

It’s always great to see actors giving back to the community, particularly in areas as important as education.

Via | 10News

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It’s really great to see Addison around the Grey’s Anatomy cast again. She’s hands down the character I miss the most on the show. And sure, sure’s on Private Practice but … it’s not the same!

Ausiello posted a clip from the upcoming episode “Before and After” featuring two of my favorite characters: Callie and Addison.

Those of you interested knowing what’s going on with Callie/Arizona relationship will probably want to watch this!

[The clip can be watched here]

(**Warning Spoilers**)

Read more

Looks like the rumor mill has been spinning with news that Sara Ramirez has been offered a mighty sweet deal to star on her very own TV show. As nice as it would be for Sara Ramirez to finally be recognized for the star that she is, it looks like the rumor is simply a rumor and nothing more.

Her rep told TV Guide that they’ve heard nothing about it. I certainly don’t want Callie to leave Grey’s Anatomy as much as I’d love to see Sara Ramirez in a starring role somewhere.

I mentioned the other day that Callie’s character was likely to hook up with Jessica Capshaw’s - who’ll be guest starring as Dr. Arizona Robbins starting on Jan. 8. I thought she was only signed for a three episode guest spot, but I was wrong; it’s more than that!

And the “hook up” won’t happen until her third appearance. It’s unclear whether or not it’s going to lead anywhere. Considering Jessica Capshaw is only a guest star and not a series regular I sort of doubt it will. Unless, of course, they decide to keep her on board (I’ve not heard anything to indicate that they will).

Via | TV Guide

Image: Newscom

By now we should’ve all heard that Brooke Smith got fired from Grey’s Anatomy abruptly and without much explanation. Shonda Rhimes has tried to smooth things over, ABC has tried to get its actors to smooth things over, but it’s pretty obvious there’s something rotten going on here.

Still, if you’re wondering how things end up for Callie and Erica come tomorrow’s episode, Michael Ausiello has a few more details about what’s to come.

*spoilers ahead*

Read more

There’s a rumor going around that Sara Ramirez will also be departing Grey’s Anatomy after episode 15 or 16. This rumor was started at the Television Without Pity forums and is circulating:

I’ve just spoken with a contact at AfterEllen.com and she is confirming that Brooke Smith is not the only one being let go. Apparently Sara Ramirez will be exiting at roughly episode 15 or 16 and they’re jockeying for an interview with her. According to what I’ve been told, Melissa George has been brought in for Mark’s character because the ABC brass wanted a ‘name’ actor for him and liked Melissa from her stint on Alias. The head honchos are the ones who lured Melissa George into the show and asked Rhimes to create a backstory for her that would connect her with Meredith (or another established character) to ‘ground her’ with roots from the beginning.

Again, this is just a rumor and there’s no confirmation of this anywhere. Though a friend of a friend who’s friend knows another friend saw a MySpace post in which someone said that Sara might be heading off to Broadway. Saw this in the comments at Ask Ausiello.

Definitely something to be taken with a grain of salt. But still something to keep an eye on. If they get rid of Sara Ramirez my brain will explode.

From the sounds of Shonda Rhimes’ statement, though, it doesn’t sound like there’s plans for Callie to go anywhere. Then again, as we’ve learned today, that obviously doesn’t say much.

Via | Mark_Callie LiveJournal Community

Image: Newscom

Stars from severeal ABC shows teamed up for an all-star Public Service Announcement for GLAAD.org in honor of National Coming Out Day. These stars include Sara Ramirez and T.R. Knight from Grey’s Anatomy, Kate Walsh from Private Practice, Ana Ortiz, Michael Urie, Rebecca Romijn, Eric Mabius, and Becki Newton from Ugly Betty, and Rachel Griffiths from Brothers & Sisters.

Their message is the following:

“Words can be a powerful weapon. So please, choose them carefully because what you say matters. When you tell a homophobic joker or use an anti-gay slurs, you’re spreading prejudice. And you can be hurting someone who close to you without even realizing it. These words send a message that it’s ok to hate and to discriminate. You have a power to make a difference just by treating people with dignity and respect. Choose to be an ally and a friend.”

The nominations for the 2008 ALMA Awards are in, and Sara Ramirez is nominated in the category of Outstanding Actress in a Drama Television Series.

Other nominees in the category include:

Valerie Cruz – The Dresden Files

Cote de Pablo – NCIS

Roselyn Sanchez – Without A Trace

Sara Ramirez was also nominated last year in the category of Outstanding Actress – Television Series, Mini-Series, or TV Movie. Looks like they’ve rearranged the categories a little bit. She went up against America Ferrera from Ugly Betty, Constance Marie from George Lopez, and Alexa Vega from Walkout. Unsurprisingly, America Ferrera took the prize in 2007.

It would be great to see Sara Ramirez take home the prize this year.

This year’s award ceremony will air September 12th on ABC, and will be hosted by none other than Eva Longoria Parker.

For more information about the award ceremony, please visit www.almaawards.com.

Image: Newscom