Heigl, Katherine Marie

▪ 2009

born Nov. 24, 1978, Washington, D.C.

      In 2008 Emmy Award-winning American actress Katherine Heigl, who portrayed Dr. Isobel (Izzie) Stevens on the hit television series Grey's Anatomy, seemed to be on the precipice of being crowned the new queen of romantic comedies on the big screen. Following up on the huge success of Knocked Up (2007), she starred as a serial bridesmaid looking for Mr. Right in 27 Dresses. The lighthearted film grossed about $160 million worldwide. Offscreen, however, the candid Heigl found herself at the centre of a drama. In June she angered writers and producers of Grey's Anatomy when she announced that she had removed herself from consideration for an Emmy, claiming that she had not been given material to warrant a nomination. This followed her earlier remarks that the story line concerning her character—who had an affair with a married co-worker—was a “ratings ploy.” Though rumours quickly spread that Heigl was planning to leave the show to concentrate on her film career, she began filming its fifth season later that month.

      Heigl started modeling while a child and eventually appeared in TV commercials. In 1992 she made her movie debut in That Night, and minor roles in a series of films followed. After graduating from high school, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. She quickly found regular work, including the comic fantasy Wish upon a Star (1996) and the horror film Bride of Chucky (1998). In 1999 she landed a role in the science-fiction TV series Roswell, which became a cult hit, and Heigl garnered much attention as the alien Isabel. After Roswell ended in 2002, she starred in several television movies, including Love Comes Softly (2003) and a sequel, Love's Enduring Promise (2004). In 2005 Heigl got her big break when she was cast in Grey's Anatomy, a dramedy about hospital doctors. The show was an immediate hit and made Heigl a star. In 2007 she received her first Emmy, for best supporting actress. She also made news that year when she publicly denounced costar Isaiah Washington, who had allegedly referred to cast mate T.R. Knight by a homophobic slur; Washington was later dropped from the show.

      While appearing on Grey's Anatomy, Heigl continued to enjoy a feature film career, but it was not until her role in Knocked Up that she scored a major hit. The unconventional romantic comedy centred on an entertainment reporter (played by Heigl) who has a drunken one-night stand with a stoner. When Heigl's character becomes pregnant and decides to keep the baby, the unlikely couple attempt to form a lasting relationship. Despite her later claim that the film was a “little sexist,” it was a critical and commercial success, grossing about $220 million worldwide. Heigl looked to earn more laughs in 2009, when The Ugly Truth was scheduled to be released.

Amy Tikkanen

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