‘GREY’S’ SPINOFF DOES SOME RECASTING: Merrin Dungey out; Audra McDonald in as Addison’s best friend from college. Email to a friend | Print Friendly *Seattle Grace isn’t the only place getting rid of African American doctors. Weeks after ABC booted Isaiah Washington from “Grey’s Anatomy,” the show’s spinoff, “Private Practice,” has given Merrin Dungey a pink slip.
Preston Burke, who will not be played by another actor according to show creator Shonda Rhimes, Dungey’s character will be portrayed in the fall by another African American actress, veteran Broadway star Audra McDonald. ABC Studios confirmed Friday that the four-time Tony winner has been hired in the role of Dr. Naomi Bennett, the best friend of Kate Walsh’s lead character Dr.
Addison Montgomery, and the ex-wife of Taye Diggs’ Dr. Dungey, who starred in "Alias" and “Summerland,” has also guest-starred on several television series, including “The King of Queens” and “Malcolm in the Middle.” McDonald, known mostly as a Broadway actress, has guest-starred on several television series and was nominated for an Emmy in 2001 for her supporting role in the USA network movie, “Wit.
” Currently, 6 comments have been made on this story. View Comments or Post Comments. Back to Top ‘GREY’S’ SPINOFF DOES SOME RECASTING: Merrin Dungey out; Audra McDonald in as Addison’s best friend from college.
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