| Birth date | October 1, 1980 (age 45) |
|---|---|
| Birth place | Stony Brook, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress · director |
| Spouse | Peter Lanfer (m. 2002) |
| Alma mater | University of Virginia |
| Years active | 1997–present |
Sarah Drew (born October 1, 1980)[1][2] is an American actress and director.[3] She is known for her roles as Stacy Rowe in the MTV animated series Daria (1997–2001), Hannah Rogers in The WB family drama series Everwood (2004–2006), and Dr. April Kepner in the ABC medical drama series Grey's Anatomy (2009–18; 2021–22). She currently plays the lead role of Emily Lane in the Hallmark Christmas mystery series Mistletoe Murders (2024–present).
Early life and education
Drew was born and raised in Stony Brook, New York, where she attended The Stony Brook School.[4] Her mother, Dr. Jeannie Drew, taught biology at an independent private school for girls in Manhattan. Her father, the Rev. Charles Drew, is the senior pastor at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in New York City. Her brother, Allen Drew, is a pastor at Mt. Airy Community Church in Philadelphia and director of an a cappella group at Germantown Friends School. She received a bachelor's degree in drama from the University of Virginia in 2002.[5] Her second cousin is actor Ben McKenzie.[6]
Career
In 1997, while in high school, Drew voiced Stacy Rowe on the animated series Daria. She also voiced that character in the Daria television films Is It Fall Yet? and Is It College Yet?. In 2001, she made her professional stage debut as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey. She made her Broadway debut in 2003 in Vincent in Brixton, which later took her to London's West End. She made the move to television with a guest role in the series Wonderfalls, and was in the film Radio. She appeared as Katie Burrell, the daughter of a Japanese relocation camp sergeant, in the 2007 film American Pastime.[citation needed]
From 2004 to 2006, Drew starred as Hannah Rogers in The WB drama series Everwood. She later guest-starred on Cold Case, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Medium, Castle, Glee, Privileged, Supernatural, and Private Practice.[7][8] She starred in the Hallmark Hall of Fame film Front of the Class (2008), and from 2008 to 2009, she had a recurring role as Kitty Romano in the AMC drama series Mad Men.[9] In 2014, she starred in the film Moms' Night Out.[10]
Grey's Anatomy
In 2009, Drew was cast as Dr. April Kepner in the medical drama series Grey's Anatomy.[11][12][13] Drew was cast in late September and first appeared in the sixth season episode "Invasion" as one of the residents from Mercy West Hospital after its merger with Seattle Grace Hospital.[14] Drew was brought aboard Grey's Anatomy after former collaborations with series creator Shonda Rhimes;[15] she was featured as a guest in 2 episodes of Private Practice in 2008 and was a main cast member in Rhimes' 2009 television pilot Inside the Box, which ABC passed on.[15] In 2010, she was promoted to a series-regular for the seventh season.[13]
In March 2018, it was announced that Drew, along with Jessica Capshaw, would be exiting the series. Showrunner Krista Vernoff stated that the decision was purely creative, not budgetary.[16][17]
However, it was announced in March 2021 that Drew would be returning during season 17, and in April 2022 that Drew would be returning for the 400th episode of the 18th season, along with Jesse Williams.
2018–present
Shortly following the announcement of her Grey's Anatomy exit, Drew was cast as Detective Cagney in CBS' Cagney & Lacey reboot pilot.[18][19] CBS passed on the pilot in May 2018, deciding not to produce the series.[20]
In July 2018, Drew took on the role of Lucille Ball, starring in the world premiere production of I Love Lucy: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom, a behind-the-scenes stage comedy about I Love Lucy by Gregg Oppenheimer (son of series creator Jess Oppenheimer). Recorded before a live audience at the UCLA's James Bridges Theater, the L.A. Theatre Works production aired on public radio and has been released on Audio CD and as a downloadable MP3.[21][22]
In 2019, Drew was once again cast as the title character in a CBS pilot, this time as Sarah Cooper in The Republic of Sarah, but the project was ultimately passed on by the network.[23][24] A different leading cast, led by Stella Baker, was chosen when the series was rebooted by The CW network for the 2020–21 season.[25]
On October 30, 2020, Drew has been cast in a recurring role as Cindy Turner (Jeanette's mother) in the Freeform (ABC Family) series Cruel Summer.[26]
In September 2021, Drew was cast in Apple TV+ comedy series Amber Brown based on the bestselling books by Paula Danziger.[27]
In 2022, Drew started as Lizbeth Meredith in the Lifetime movie Stolen By Their Father as part of its "Ripped from the Headlines" feature films; it had Elizabeth Smart as an executive producer.[28]
Personal life
Drew married Peter Lanfer, a lecturer at Dartmouth College, on June 17, 2002.[29] They have two children.[30] She is Christian.[31]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Is It Fall Yet? | Stacy Rowe (voice) | Television Film |
| 2002 | Is It College Yet? | ||
| 2003 | Radio | Mary Helen | |
| 2005 | The Baxter | Serena | |
| 2007 | American Pastime | Katie Burrell | |
| 2008 | Wieners | Karen | |
| 2010 | Tug | Ariel | |
| 2014 | Moms' Night Out | Allyson | |
| 2018 | Indivisible | Heather Turner | Also executive producer |
| 2019 | Twinkle All The Way | Cadence | TV Movie |
| 2023 | Birthright Outlaw | Martha Rose Jacobs | Also co-producer |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997–2001 | Daria | Stacy Rowe (voice) | 28 episodes |
| 2004 | Wonderfalls | Bianca Knowles | Episode: "Karma Chameleon" |
| 2004–2006 | Everwood | Hannah Rogers | Main Role (38 episodes) |
| 2006 | Cold Case | Jennifer "Jenny" Hawkins in 1958 | Episode: "Static" |
| 2007 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Becca Rice | Episode: "Responsible" |
| Reinventing the Wheelers | Becky Conner | Movie | |
| 2008 | Medium | Suzie Keener | Episode: "Wicked Game" (Parts 1 & 2) |
| Privileged | Caryn | Episode: "All About Insecurities" | |
| Front of the Class | Nancy Lazarus | Movie | |
| 2008-2009 | Private Practice | Judy | 2 episodes |
| Mad Men | Kitty Romano | 4 episodes | |
| 2009 | Inside the Box | Molly | Pilot |
| Castle | Chloe Richardson | Episode: "Nanny McDead" | |
| Numb3rs | Piper St. John | Episode: "Angels and Devils" | |
| In Plain Sight | Rachel Rosenzweig | Episode: "Aguna Matatala" | |
| Glee | Suzy Pepper | Episode: "Ballad" | |
| 2009–2018, 2021–2022 | Grey's Anatomy | Dr. April Kepner | Recurring (Season 6) Main Role (Seasons 7–14) Special Guest Star (Seasons 17–18):[32] 194 episodes |
| 2010 | Supernatural | Nora / Demon | Episode: "Swap Meat" |
| Miami Medical | Emily | Episode: "What Lies Beneath" | |
| 2018 | Christmas Pen Pals | Hannah Morris | Television film (Lifetime) |
| 2020 | Christmas in Vienna | Jess Waters | Television film (Hallmark channel) |
| 2021 | Cruel Summer | Cindy Turner | Recurring role (season 1) |
| One Summer | Jenna Fontaine | Television film (Hallmark channel) | |
| 2022 | Stolen by Their Father | Lizbeth Meredith | Television film (Lifetime) |
| Amber Brown | Sarah Brown | Main role | |
| Reindeer Games Homecoming | MacKenzie Graves | Television film (Lifetime); also writer and executive producer | |
| 2023 | Guiding Emily | Emily | Television film (Hallmark channel) |
| How She Caught a Killer | Detective Linda Murphy | Television film (Lifetime); also executive producer | |
| 2024 | Branching Out | Amelia | Television film (Hallmark channel) |
| 2024-present | Mistletoe Murders | Emily Lane | Television series (Hallmark); also executive producer |
| 2026 | The Stars Between Us | Kim | Television film (Hallmark channel) |
Writer
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | A Cowboy Christmas Romance | Also executive producer |
| 2024 | A Carpenter Christmas Romance | Also executive producer |
Video games
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Daria's Inferno | Stacy Rowe (voice) |
Web
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Seattle Grace: Message of Hope | Dr. April Kepner |
References
- ^ "Sarah Drew: Movies, TV, and Bio". www.amazon.com. Archived May 20, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
- ^ "Sarah Drew - Bio, Birthday, Age, Video | Cameo". www.cameo.com. Archived May 20, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
- ^ "Sarah Drew on Her "Profound" 'Grey's Anatomy' Departure and (Emmy-Nominated) "Rebirth"". The Hollywood Reporter. August 16, 2018. Archived November 26, 2021 at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ "Sarah Drew Official Website". Sarah Drew. Archived from the original on June 27, 2014. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
- ^ "Sarah Drew Biography". Buddytv.com. October 1, 1980. Archived December 27, 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
- ^ "The Most Revealing Ben McKenzie Interview Yet: Dating, Gotham, and the O.C. Secrets". September 22, 2014.
- ^ "'Everwood' Actress Heads to 'Private Practice'". Buddytv.com. September 3, 2008. Archived September 3, 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
- ^ "Sarah Drew Credits". Tvguide.com. Archived May 15, 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
- ^ "Sarah Drew Talks Grey's & Mad Men | Grey's Gabble". Greysgabble.com. Archived May 3, 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
- ^ Justin Chang Chief Film Critic @JustinCChang (April 28, 2014). "'Moms' Night Out' Review: Family Audiences Deserve Better". Variety. Archived May 3, 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
- ^ Lyons, Margaret (September 30, 2009). "'Grey's Anatomy' picks up 'Everwood' alum". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
- ^ "Sarah Drew Lands Recurring Role on Grey's Anatomy". TV Fanatic. September 29, 2009. Archived December 3, 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
- ^ "Exclusive: 'Grey's Anatomy' promotes Sarah Drew". Entertainment Weekly. June 9, 2010. Archived from the original on July 20, 2018. Retrieved June 9, 2010.
- ^ Marsi, Steve (October 21, 2009). "Sarah Drew Previews Character, Grey's Anatomy Role". TV Fanatic. SheKnows Entertainment. Archived April 7, 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
- ^ Marsi, Steve (November 15, 2010). "Sarah Drew Dishes on Dream Grey's Anatomy Gig". TV Fanatic. SheKnows Entertainment. Archived November 18, 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 25, 2012.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (March 8, 2018). "'Grey's Anatomy': Jessica Capshaw, Sarah Drew to Exit After Season 14". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived March 9, 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
- ^ Abrams, Natalie (March 8, 2018). "Jessica Capshaw, Sarah Drew to exit 'Grey's Anatomy' after season 14". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 21, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2018.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 14, 2018). "'Cagney & Lacey': 'Grey's Anatomy's Sarah Drew & Michelle Hurd Set As The Leads Of CBS Reboot Pilot". Deadline Hollywood. Archived March 14, 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
- ^ Holloway, Daniel (March 14, 2018). "Sarah Drew, Michelle Hurd Cast in CBS' 'Cagney & Lacey' Pilot". Variety. Archived March 14, 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
- ^ Rice, Lynette (May 11, 2018). "Poor Sarah Drew is out of work again". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on May 12, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
- ^ Amazon.com product page Archived October 1, 2022 at the Wayback Machine for "I Love Lucy: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom" recording.
- ^ L.A. Theatre Works catalog page Archived August 5, 2020 at the Wayback Machine for "I Love Lucy: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom" recording.
- ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (May 11, 2019). "Jennifer Morrison and Sarah Drew Pilots Get Passed on by CBS". TVLine. Archived from the original on May 11, 2019. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
- ^ Carbone, Gina (May 11, 2019). "Grey's Anatomy Alum Sarah Drew 'Heart Broken' As CBS Passes On Another Pilot". CinemaBlend. Archived May 12, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
- ^ Nellie Andreeva (February 20, 2020). "'The Republic Of Sarah' CW Pilot Casts Stella Baker As Its Lead". Deadline Hollywood. Archived February 26, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
- ^ Denise Petski (October 30, 2020). "'Cruel Summer': Sarah Drew To Recur On Jessica Biel-Produced Freeform Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived November 1, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
- ^ "Sarah Drew Stars In Apple Comedy Series 'Amber Brown' From Bonnie Hunt Based On Children's Books". Archived July 21, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
- ^ "Lizbeth Meredith Now: "Stolen by Their Father" Subject Shares Story". Archived March 7, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
- ^ "Peter Lanfer". May 6, 2014.
- ^ "Sarah Drew Welcomes Daughter Hannah Mali Rose". People. December 9, 2014. Archived August 6, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
- ^ "Interview: Grey's Anatomy's Sarah Drew Gets Real on Faith and Career". Patheos.com. October 1, 2013. Archived April 21, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
- ^ Grey's Anatomy (March 12, 2021). "Excited to have @sarahdrew back on set! https://t.co/5ebWp9MbwF". No. 1370512683741577218. Archived June 11, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
External links
- Sarah Drew at IMDb
- One Summer - The complete film One Summer (2021), with Sarah Drew as Jenna Fontaine, on YouTube (62,021 views, as of 2024 July 13th)