KEY POINTS:
Kate Walsh plays the fiery, multi-tasking Dr Addison Montgomery on Grey's Anatomy (tonight, TV2, 8.30pm). She's the one who made Meredith's life uncomfortable when she showed up to get her husband McDreamy back. We're sorry, Addison, but we can't forget your indiscretions with McSteamy.
Why were you written
in as a more permanent character after what was originally a guest spot?
You can't just let Derek and Meredith live happily ever after. I think [the writers] did like the idea of the conflict and the love triangle and having someone in there to mess things up.
How did it feel to be called "TV's most hated woman"?
I love that. It was fun for about eight episodes and then you're like, 'Okay. I don't want to be hated anymore.' No one ever hassled me or anything. It's fun to play a character who's arrogant and kind of unlikeable and, you know, witty.
What did the public say to you when you became the ex Mrs McDreamy?
I'd get varying reactions from people who are like, 'We want you to find somebody', or 'I really didn't like you at first and now I feel for you'.
Surely you get free McDonald's by now?
You'd think so now I've got another one in the hopper. McSteamy. She's trolling around the hospital.
Are you as much a career person as Addison?
Well, in real life I wouldn't be perinatal, neonatal and OB/GYN [obstetrics/gynecology]. I'm like, I do it all. We don't need another doctor on the show. She and Derek, that was part of what made their marriage dissolve - that they were just so driven and work-focused.
It must be quite weird going to a real doctor.
I just did. I had a doctor's appointment and I do have to say it's funny going. I don't like going to the doctor. I'm just lazy. I just don't want to go.
Did you take notes?
I actually observed my OB/GYN do a C-section before one of the episodes where I delivered quintuplets, and graciously one of his other patients let me observe, so that was great. It was really informative and fascinating. That's when all the nurses in the hospital told me there would never be a perinatal neonatal OB/GYN.
What's the best thing about the show's success?
Money. You suddenly become a bankable actor as opposed to an actor who could be right for the role. You are bringing in money. You're bringing in the TV audience. It's great.
What was it that first made you realise how big the show was?
Meeting Prince Albert. We were at the palace. I remember my friend Corinne was like, 'What's the palace?' I'm like 'It's the palace. It's not like a club. It's the palace'. That was in Monte Carlo at the television festival. That was very surreal.
LOWDOWN
Who: Kate Walsh, who plays Dr Addison Montgomery on Grey's Anatomy
Born: October 13, 1967
Trivia: She was a runway model in Japan in the 80s, wore a fat suit playing Nicki on The Drew Carey Show, (1995-2002), and starred in Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) with her future Grey's co-star Sandra Oh.