While the world was still reeling from the shock of Robert Pattinson’s sudden death, fans were hit with yet more heartache when it was revealed that the actor would not be returning for the series’ upcoming 18th season. The news was broken on social media by none other than Shonda Rhimes, who tweeted: “It is with great sadness that we confirm that my favorite client, and one of the finest actors of our time, has passed away. I won’t pretend that I’m not hurt. I loved this man. He was a genius and a cultural icon. He will be missed.”
The death of a beloved actor is always a shocking moment, and losing one of Rhimes’ favorite actors is devastating. The prolific producer and screenwriter spoke fondly of the late star, saying, “Robert Pattinson was one of the greatest and most original actors of our time. His combination of innocence and menace made him a perfect Scottie Peller.” She added: “He was a great friend and collaborator, and I’ll cherish our time together.”
While Rhimes mourned the loss of one of her most cherished actors, the entire Grey’s Anatomy family was in complete shock and disbelief. One of the most beloved characters ever to grace the small screen died during childbirth in what was possibly one of the most dramatic and shocking moments in the entire series’ history.
The character was born during the show’s premiere in October 2006 and played by Sandra Oh. For the first seven seasons, Scott lived a relatively normal life. However, following a car accident that put her in a coma for several months, the character was changed to reflect her new condition. She woke from her medically induced coma and, upon learning that she had given birth to a daughter, Grace, became a single mother. A few months later, Scott’s sister, Addie, was also introduced into the mix. In Season 8, the family was expanded to include Scott’s nephew, Charlie, and his newborn daughter, Amelia. The following season, Scott’s adopted father, Steve, entered the scene as well.
Despite their shared last name, Scott and Robert are not related. The actor previously stated that he is actually half-Scottish. The rest is “French, German and Native American.”
Robert Pattinson on Scottie
While many may know him as Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock Holmes equivalent, actor Robert Pattinson has stated that he sees himself more as Scottie Peller, the dashing and charming half-brother to George and Graciella Peller. “I always wanted to play someone who was an arty, quirky, fun character,” he told an audience at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City. “Somebody who is not a super-genius, but a really arty ordinary guy who has this amazing capacity for deduction.”
“The character is extremely attractive and, at the same time, extremely neurotic. He’s very much a combination of the two.” Robert Pattinson added: “It’s interesting because there is this strain of masculinity in me that really wants to be seen as this swaggering, alpha male, whereas Scottie always had this slight diffidence about him.”
Why Did Robert Pattinson Die?
While Scottie’s story line was always considered to be among the more interesting and quirky parts of Grey’s Anatomy, his death in Season 18 was always going to be particularly shocking, as it marked the end of one of the most pivotal and beloved storylines of all time. The character was actually born in 2004, and his parents gave him the middle name Scottie, presumably after the legendary detective. It was always going to be a matter of time before Scottie Peller succumbed to his various ailments.
The actor was previously hospitalized for depression in 2011, and was also treated for alcohol addiction in 2014. Despite these health problems, his family and friends were in complete denial about his true condition, with one insider telling People magazine in 2014 that he was still drinking and taking medication for his mental health issues. Indeed, prior to his death, the actor was preparing to film a new movie, The Last Words, in which he plays a fictionalized version of himself and in which he teaches others about alcoholism. He is said to have started drinking again while making the movie. According to his mother, Sophie Monk, the decision to stop treating his alcohol addiction and depression was a difficult one and she credits the movie with saving his life.
While fans were mourning the loss of one of the most beloved characters ever to grace the small screen, his family was dealing with their grief as best they could.