“I’m going full method this season.”
Camilla LuddingtonjoinedGrey’s Anatomyin its ninth season.
EW spoke to Luddington about Jo’s journey and the story behind her new ‘do.
Jake Borelli and Camilla Luddington on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’.ABC/Eric McCandless
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: You’ve played Jo for so long and seen her through so many ups and downs.
What was your reaction when they told you she was going to become a mom?
I felt like it was really important to her.
She’s not seeing anyone.
How is this happening?"
Initially, I was thinking maybe she’s going to have a donor.
But when they told me the story I thought it was just so beautiful.
Which is what she did: How can I find my happiness without this person being around?
I think it’s been an important story to show.
I agree with you!
The joy you’re seeing in Jo is also mine.
I feel like I congratulate the actors.
I’m like, “Oh my god, you’re having a baby today.
This is so exciting!”
[Laughs] I myself am finding a lot of joy.
To your point, it feels fresh and new.
And it’s also fun to see her have to start over.
She’s back in the residents’ lounge.
Right now, it’s really Carina.
I don’t know what the writers are planning in the future.
I loved that scene where Jo was falling asleep on a bench outside the hospital.
You know what’s great about this?
Luna’s a year old and I have a 1-year-old too.
I’m going full method this season.
Let’s talk hair.
Did this change come from you or the show?
I wanted to change it.
During hiatus I always change my hair and then I have to go back.
She’s been through a divorce and now she has a baby."
I might dress different, or I might change my hair.
And I was like, “Perfect!
I said, “Can I cut it short?”
and she said, “Yes, we’ll write it in.”
So they wrote it in that she left bleach on her hair for way too long and fried it.
But I like it for her right now.
I get her wanting to feel a little bit different.
What has surprised you about playing this character for so long?
It isn’t about keeping it interesting and new, because every single season it’s really exciting.
The writers always have storylines that are so surprising and change everything.
There’s no element of, “Ugh, how do I keep this interesting for myself?”
When I started off, I was dating my now husband.
It’s like growing with a buddy.
That’s the surprising part of the experience, when you sit with somebody for that long.
You’re so invested.
Grey’s Anatomyairs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
