Izzie Stevens does NOT die on Grey’s Anatomy. While she faces a terrifying battle with cancer that leads to a dramatic departure, she ultimately survives and reunites with Alex Karev in Season 16. Her storyline, particularly regarding her cancer diagnosis and subsequent disappearance, left many viewers confused and concerned about her ultimate fate.
The Misconception: Izzie’s Cancer and the Near-Death Experience
Izzie Stevens, played by Katherine Heigl, experienced a harrowing battle with metastatic melanoma in Season 5. This involved vivid hallucinations, the most prominent being Denny Duquette, her deceased fiancé. These visions, coupled with her declining health, led many viewers to believe she was on the brink of death.
Denny Returns: A Sign of Izzie’s Mortality?
The return of Denny was a powerful and emotionally charged storyline element. He appeared to Izzie throughout her illness, offering comfort and guidance. However, these appearances were interpreted by some as a sign that she was slipping away, closer to the afterlife. The ambiguity surrounding these interactions fueled the speculation that Izzie would ultimately succumb to her cancer.
The Shocking Departure: Why Did She Leave?
After recovering from her surgery and battling the cancer, Izzie was fired from Seattle Grace Hospital for a medical error. Although she eventually returns, she soon leaves again after Alex ends their relationship due to her insecurities. This second departure, coupled with the dramatic nature of her cancer storyline, solidified the impression for some that she had died off-screen.
The Truth: A Twist in the Tale and a Surprising Return
Contrary to popular belief, Izzie survives her battle with cancer. Her character’s arc takes a surprising turn much later in the series.
Season 16 Revelation: Izzie’s New Life
In Season 16, Alex Karev, played by Justin Chambers, abruptly leaves Seattle. His departure is initially shrouded in mystery, leaving his wife, Jo Wilson, and his colleagues devastated. However, a letter reveals the truth: Alex left to be with Izzie and their twin children – Eli and Alexis – whom she conceived using frozen embryos years prior.
Reuniting with Alex: A Happy Ending (of Sorts)
The revelation of Izzie’s new life and her family with Alex provided closure to their storyline. While Alex’s exit was controversial among some fans, it offered a definitive answer to Izzie’s fate: she was alive, healthy, and a mother. This finally dispelled the myth surrounding her death and offered a bittersweet resolution to their complicated relationship.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Izzie Stevens’ Journey
Here are some frequently asked questions addressing key aspects of Izzie’s storyline and ultimate fate:
1. What type of cancer did Izzie Stevens have?
Izzie was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, a type of skin cancer that had spread to other parts of her body, including her brain.
2. Did Izzie’s cancer return after her initial surgery?
The show doesn’t explicitly state that her cancer returns. Her subsequent departure after her job loss is not related to a cancer relapse, but rather to relationship issues and professional setbacks.
3. Why did Katherine Heigl leave Grey’s Anatomy?
Katherine Heigl’s departure was attributed to various factors, including her desire to spend more time with her family and reported conflicts with the show’s writing and production team.
4. Was Izzie supposed to die on Grey’s Anatomy?
Originally, there were no plans for Izzie to die. Her departure was due to behind-the-scenes issues, not a predetermined plot point.
5. How did Izzie and Alex have twins?
Izzie had frozen her embryos while undergoing cancer treatment. Alex later contacted her, leading to their reunion and his discovery that she had used the embryos to have their children.
6. What were the names of Izzie and Alex’s children?
Their twins are named Eli and Alexis.
7. Why did Alex leave Jo for Izzie?
Alex explains in his letter that he couldn’t imagine his life without knowing his children. He realized he needed to be with them and with Izzie, the mother of his children.
8. What season and episode does Alex leave Grey’s Anatomy?
Alex Karev leaves in Season 16, Episode 16, titled “Leave a Light On.” This episode primarily features letters read by Alex to various characters, explaining his decision.
9. Did Katherine Heigl return to film the scenes with Alex and the kids?
No, Katherine Heigl did not return to film new scenes. The episode used existing footage of Heigl as Izzie and included voiceovers from Justin Chambers as Alex. The children were played by unknown child actors.
10. How did the other characters react to Alex leaving for Izzie?
The other characters, particularly Jo, were heartbroken and devastated by Alex’s abrupt departure and the reason behind it. It caused significant emotional turmoil and storyline development for those remaining at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
11. What impact did Izzie’s storyline have on the show’s fans?
Izzie’s journey, especially her battle with cancer, had a profound impact on the show’s fans. It raised awareness about the disease and sparked numerous discussions about mortality, relationships, and the human spirit. Her subsequent departure and eventual reunion with Alex were equally divisive, generating passionate reactions among viewers.
12. Is there a chance Izzie could ever return to Grey’s Anatomy in the future?
While anything is possible in the world of television, Katherine Heigl’s potential return to Grey’s Anatomy remains uncertain. She has expressed mixed feelings about the show in the past, and the current storyline doesn’t necessarily create a pressing need for her character’s return. However, given the show’s history of bringing back former cast members, it cannot be entirely ruled out.