Check In with Kate Walsh and the Cast of ‘Private Practice’

Die-hard fans of Grey’s Anatomy were more than likely fans of Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh). If not for her dedication to her career, than certainly for her confidence, wit and exciting back and forth with McDreamy and McSteamy. But when Addison left Seattle to find herself in Los Angeles, viewers genuinely felt the loss of this powerful character.

Lucky for Grey’s fans, Addison Montgomery quickly became the lead in the cast of Private Practice, and there was a new series all about her. As a result, the neonatal surgeon leaves behind her messy love life for a fresh start and joins a public clinic run by her newly divorced friends, Sam and Naomi.

This Grey’s Anatomy spinoff, also created by Shonda Rhimes in 2007, follows Addison’s new life in Los Angeles. Catch up with the cast of Private Practice and see where the stars have been since its end in 2013.

Kate Walsh: Cast of Private Practice 

Character Played: Dr. Addison Montgomery

Born: October 13, 1967, San Jose, California

Best Known For: TV series Grey’s Anatomy (2005-2023), 13 Reasons Why (2017-19) and Emily in Paris (2020-22). Also known for films The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), After the Sunset (2004) and Legion (2010).

Thoughts on Private Practice: “I'm playing the same character but in a totally new environment with a new job. I think it's the same way anyone would feel if they moved and started a new job. There's a little bit of time to get cooking… Playing the scenes is the fun part.”

Paul Adelstein

Character Played: Dr. Cooper Freedman

Born: April 29, 1969, Chicago, Illinois

Best Known For: Films such as Bedazzled (2000), Intolerable Cruelty (2003) and The Menu (2022). Also TV series Prison Break (2005-17) and Scandal (2013-17).

Thoughts on Private Practice: “I’m going to miss it [Private Practice]. Everyone I think feels it’s the organic time to end. We’re going to miss going to work every day. And I’m going to miss Cooper.”

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KaDee Strickland: Cast of Private Practice 

Character Played: Dr. Charlotte King

Born: December 14, 1975, Patterson, Georgia

Best Known For: Films such as The Grudge (2004) and Fever Pitch (2005); TV series Shut Eye (2016-17), Cruel Summer (2023) .

Thoughts on Private Practice: “When you sit down with her [Shonda Rhimes] and she says she’s going to write something for you, there’s nothing more flattering in the world. To do it and have it be so much fun is just remarkable. It’s a dream job!”

Taye Diggs

Character Played: Dr. Sam Bennett

Born: January 2, 1971, Newark, New Jersey

Best Known For: TV series like Murder in the First (2014-16), Empire (2016-17) and All American (2018-2024); films House on Haunted Hill (1999), Equilibrium (2002) and Rent (2005).

Thoughts on Private Practice: “Then, almost as if it were destiny, Shonda Rhimes called me. At the time, I thought it was to come on Grey’s Anatomy…” he shared. “She told me that she was going to have this new show about doctors. As soon as she said that, I was in because I’m a huge fan. I follow Grey’s Anatomy like nobody’s business.”

Amy Brenneman: Cast of Private Practice 

Character Played: Dr. Violet Turner

Born: June 22, 1964, New London, Connecticut

Best Known For: The TV series NYPD Blue (1993-94) and Judging Amy (1999-2005). Also known for the films Heat (1995), Fear (1996) and Daylight (1996).

Thoughts on Private Practice: “I learned a lot from Shonda [Rhimes] about making a series buoyant and aspirational… Her job is to push us and her job is to set that tone, and she knows her stuff.”

Tim Daly

Character Played: Dr. Pete Wilder

Born: June 1, 1956, New York City,

Best Known For: TV series Wings (1990-1997), Superman: The Animated Series (1996-2000) and Madam Secretary (2014-2019).

Thoughts on Private Practice: “Oh he’s [character Pete] changed a lot. I still think that he has the rakish womanizer in him; he’s certainly capable of that. I think he’s realized that he’s not only capable of, that but sort of embraces a more stable and long-term relationship.”

Brian Benben: Cast of Private Practice 

Character Played: Dr. Sheldon Wallace

Born: June 18, 1956, Winchester, Virginia

Best Known For: TV series Dream On (1990-96) and Imposters (2017-18); films Dark Angel (1990) and Radioland Murders (1994).

Thoughts on Private Practice: “I'm going to miss these people… I know a lot of people say that, but it's really true in this case. It's a great cast and a great crew and it's going to be hard not seeing them all the time.”

Audra McDonald

Character Played: Dr. Naomi Bennett

Born: July 3, 1970, Berlin, Germany

Best Known For: TV series The Good Fight (2018-2022); films Beauty and the Beast (2017) and A Raisin in the Sun (2008).

Thoughts on Private Practice: “I have spent four amazing years working with the best cast and crew on television at Private Practice… I am beyond grateful to [series creator] Shonda Rhimes, ABC, and the team behind the show.”

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