'Grey's Anatomy' Star Katherine Heigl Talks Season 12 Return; Devastated Over Derek Shepherd's Death

"Grey's Anatomy" star Katherine Heighl has finally opened up about Derek Shepherd's (Patrick Dempsey) shocking death in the ABC series. The actress also talked about the possibility of reprising her role as Dr. Izzie Stevens.

In an interview to promote her upcoming movie "Jackie & Ryan," Katherine Heigl revealed that she was devastated when she found out that Patrick Dempsey's character, Derek Shepherd, was killed off.

"I just can't even imagine the show without McDreamy. I just can't! It's so hard to picture," she told Entertainment Tonight.

When asked about if she will consider returning to "Grey's Antomy" this season 12, Heigl said that it is not in her plans as of the moment.

The actress, however, was quick to add that she feels happy when people still remember her role, Dr. Izzie Stevens.

"This 13-year-old girl was telling me this weekend how much she loves 'Grey's Anatomy,' and I was like, do you realize you were a 1-year-old when we started the show? It's been that long since it's been on the air," she recalled.

Despite Shonda Rhimes' decision to kill off one of the main characters in the story, Katherine Heigl believed that the series is still worth watching. She added that her career would not be the same without "Grey's Anatomy."

"It changed the course of my life and my career, and I couldn't be more grateful. I just hope it goes for as long as they all want it to," she said.

It has been rumored that Katherine Heigl left "Grey's Anatomy" because of her feud with Ellen Pompeo and Shonda Rhimes. In an interview with Extra TV, Heigl opened up about the creator's claim that she is difficult to work with.

"I am sorry that she feels that way and I wish her nothing but greatness, and I have nothing negative to say about Shonda," she said.

"I'm a big fan of her work. I watch Scandal every week, and so I'm sorry she's left with such a crappy impression of me."

"I wish I could do something to change that. Maybe I will be able to someday."