Grey's Anatomy

As a medical drama racking up eight seasons thus far, Grey's Anatomy has scored quite a few memorable guest actors. Even though we squeal every time another Friday Night Lights cast member checks into Seattle Grace (not counting Kyle Chandler's big 2-parter, four of the Dillon Panthers have made cameos on Grey's), and Shonda Rhimes seems to love the nostalgia bender that is My So Called Life as much as we do (two of the three core leads have appeared on Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice), rarely are we let down by the killer moments Shonda bestows upon big guest actors in the Grey's universe, bringing the TV fangirl freakout full circle.  

And while we don't think Meryl Streep is going to show up and play Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) of the future anytime soon, Shonda Rhimes does seem to know everyone, so we'll never say never, because we've learned better that to assume what's possible in Shondaland.

So here are some of our all time favorite Grey's Anatomy guest appearances.

1. Kyle Chandler. ("It's the End of the World," "As We Know It"). Referred to by Shonda Rhimes on Twitter as "bomb squad hottie," '90s babies as "the guy from Early Edition," and all who revere the great game of football as Coach Taylor, Kyle Chandler earned an Emmy nom for his portrayal of Dylan Young on Grey's Anatomy.

2. Christina Ricci. ("It's the End of the World," "As We Know It") While we've got your minds on the bomb squad episode, we'll point out the other big guest star. Christina Ricci knocked it out of the park as jittery EMT on her first day Hannah Davies. Of course, we later hated her when she all but forced Meredith to hold a bomb in a body cavity, but you know, we all make mistakes.

3. Wilson Cruz. ("Start Me Up) Who could forget Wilson Cruz as Kyle, the Hispanic guy who shows up at the hospital in a kilt on his wedding day to admit his future husband? Cue five-tissue moment with Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez).

4. Mandy Moore. (Various episodes) Mandy Moore, who oh-so-adorably kept referring to Miranda Bailey (Chanda Wilson) as "Dr. B" in her multiple-episode arc as Mary Portman, has the distinct honor of being present for the Grey's Anatomy "renaissance" also known as the Season 6 shootout. Of course, she later dies, triggering all kinds of guilt and trauma for Bailey.

5. Tyne Daly. ("Sympathy for the Devil") Was Tyne Daly amazing as Private Practice's Amy Brenneman's mother when the two were on Judging Amy together? Yes. So why on earth wouldn't she play Mama Shepherd? (You're welcome for that little game of six degrees of separation.)

6. Demi Lovato. ("Shiny Happy People") Demi's portrayal of Hayley May, Alex Karev’s (Justin Chambers) not-so-schizophrenic patient to whom he croons Justin Bieber, eared her a People's Choice Award for Favorite TV Guest Star.

7. Scott Foley. (Various episodes) WAAAH. Okay, apparently, it's too soon for us to bring up the best thing that's happened to Grey's since George O'Malley recently departed Henry, since we'll never see him again. Oh, Scott, it was so, so good while it lasted.

8. Jeffrey Dean Morgan. (Various episodes) We've had a bit more time to heal from our Denny Duquette-inflicted wounds. We think he might win all-time fan favorite if we were to put it up to a vote.

9. Rachael Taylor. (Various episodes) The most recent in a string of women to shatter Karev's frigid heart is, of course, Dr. Lucy Fields, who had to turn down a series regular role because she booked since-flopped ABC pilot Charlie's Angels. Personally, we're betting she returns, but she makes the list anyway.

10. Seth Green. ("Crash Into Me" Pt. 1 and 2) Aww, remember Seth Green as adorable nerd Nick Hanscrom, who almost successfully seduces an intern Lexie with his exposed neck artery, before she charms him into laughing, which causes it to rupture, and he dies? Yeah, that was a sweet storyline.

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