‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Camilla Luddington Recalls Her ‘Hottest’ Scene with Justin Chambers
Grey’s Anatomy fans are still mourning the loss of longtime character Dr. Alex Karev. Portrayed by Justin Chambers since the medical drama debuted in 2005, Alex was written out of the show in a detailed episode that aired in March.
Chambers and Camilla Luddington, who portrayed his wife Dr. Jo Karev, have performed many romantic scenes together since Luddington joined the cast in 2012. The actress was asked in an interview to name her “hottest” scene with the actor, which took some thought.
Alex Karev leaves Grey Sloan Memorial
Chambers was one of the few original cast members remaining on Grey’s Anatomy before he announced his exit in January 2020. The actor decided to move on from the medical drama to pursue other professional projects.
“There’s no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that’s defined so much of my life for the past 15 years,” Chambers said in a January statement, according to the Hollywood Reporter. “For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices. And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time.”
The Grey’s star gave a special shout out to his cast mates that he’s shared the screen with since day one.
“As I move on from Grey’s Anatomy, I want to thank the ABC family, Shonda Rhimes, original cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, and the rest of the amazing cast and crew,” he said, also adding his affection for the show’s massive following. “And, of course, the fans for an extraordinary ride.”
Jolex relationship saw ups and downs
When Luddington joined the cast as Jo Wilson, she was soon paired with Chambers as Alex’s love interest. Going from colleagues to a couple when Luddington became a series regular in season 10, Jo and Alex had their share of trials and triumphs.
The two “unofficially” tied the knot at the end of the 14th season, though the Jolex relationship was tested with Jo’s discovery of her birth mother the following season. Yet Alex stood by Jo while she came to grips with her past.
“In regards to Jo’s mental health, he’s in it, like he said, for the long run, and so they’re gonna navigate this together,” Luddington said of her onscreen significant other, according to Bustle. “There’s a strength they have in each other, you know?”
Making their marriage legal with a visit to the courthouse in season 16, all seemed to be smooth sailing ahead for the couple. Delivering a blow to Grey’s loyalists, Alex’s storyline took a drastic turn when he tells Jo in a letter that he’s left her for former flame Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) in a March episode.
Camilla Luddington recalls first kiss with Justin Chambers
In a 2016 interview with BUILD, Luddington was asked to select her “hottest” scene with Chambers. At first, the Grey’s star considered one interaction that never made the final cut.
“It did not air,” the British-born actor said in response. “We had a scene where we sleep together for the first time. It’s actually cut together in like little pieces like a montage.”
Upon further reflection, Luddington changed her answer recalling the first time she had to lock lips with her co-star.
“I think the thing is that first time sort of scene,” she explained. “In our first kiss, I was nervous that day. … It was like having a first kiss with someone. You know, all season it’s being built up and Justin and I would say, like, ‘Are they gonna kiss this episode? Is it happening now?'”
Luddington revealed that despite her trepidation, their scene hit all its marks.
“By the time it happened I was like … I had like butterflies. I was anxious,” the Grey’s star admitting, adding, “It was everything I imagined and more.”
