Grey’s Anatomy has introduced a ton of unforgettable characters over the years, and one of the most beloved is Dr. Teddy Altman. But if you're asking, “who played Teddy Altman?” you’re not alone. Whether you’re catching up on old episodes or just curious about the cast, getting to know the actress behind that iconic cardiothoracic surgeon is definitely worth your time. Kim Raver brought Teddy to life with a mix of strength, vulnerability, and heart that made her a fan favorite.

Kim Raver’s journey with Grey’s Anatomy started in Season 6 and has spanned multiple arcs, with her character going through some serious ups and downs. From her military background to her complicated relationship with Owen Hunt, Teddy Altman has had one of the more dramatic storylines in the series. And let’s not forget that she’s not just a surgeon — she’s also a mother, a friend, and a fighter.

So if you're curious about who played Teddy Altman and what else she’s been up to, you’re in the right place. From her early roles to her return in later seasons, we’ve got the full story — no spoilers, just facts and fun trivia you might not have known.

• Elza Bergeron

Table of Contents

• Who Is Kim Raver?
• Kim Raver as Dr. Teddy Altman
• Career Highlights Beyond Grey’s Anatomy
• Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Kim Raver?

Kimberly Jayne Raver was born in New York City on March 15, 1969. She’s an American actress best known for her work on television, especially in long-running dramas. She’s got that kind of presence that makes her characters feel real, like someone you could run into at the hospital or in the military. Over the years, she’s played some pretty memorable roles, but none quite as iconic as Dr. Teddy Altman.

Before Grey’s Anatomy, Kim had recurring parts on shows like 24 and Third Watch, and she’s kept busy with guest roles and directing work in recent years. She’s not just an actress, either — she’s also stepped behind the camera, showing that she’s got more than one string to her bow.

Kim Raver as Dr. Teddy Altman

So, who played Teddy Altman? Kim Raver did, and she made the character her own from the start. Teddy first showed up in Season 6 of Grey’s Anatomy, brought in as a cardiothoracic surgeon with a history in the military. Right away, fans could tell she was more than just another doctor — she had a quiet intensity and a complicated past with Owen Hunt, played by Kevin McKidd.

• Ronan Day Lewis

Teddy’s arc has been anything but simple. She’s dealt with loss, love, motherhood, and some pretty intense drama at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. And even though she left the show after Season 8, she came back for Season 14 as a recurring character and officially rejoined the main cast in Season 15. That’s right — her story wasn’t done yet, and fans were thrilled to see her back in scrubs.

One of the things that made Kim Raver’s portrayal of Teddy so special was how real she made the character feel. You could see the weight of her past decisions, the love she had for her family, and the pressure she felt balancing her personal life with her career. It wasn’t always easy to watch, but that’s what made it compelling.

Teddy Altman’s Storyline Highlights

• First appearance: Season 6, Episode 1 – “Good Mourning”
• Chief of Surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial
• Married to Owen Hunt, with whom she shares a daughter, Allison
• Left the show in Season 8, returned in Season 14
• Played a key role in the hospital’s leadership and surgeries

Career Highlights Beyond Grey’s Anatomy

Before landing her role as Dr. Teddy Altman, Kim Raver had already made a name for herself in TV. She played Kim Zambrano on Third Watch, a show about police officers and paramedics in New York. That role helped her show off her ability to handle intense, high-stakes situations — something she’d later bring to Grey’s Anatomy.

She was also part of the cast of 24 as Audrey Raines, which gave her a chance to be part of a fast-paced, high-tension drama. Her character was involved in some of the more emotional arcs of the series, and it was clear she had the chops to handle serious material. It’s no wonder Shonda Rhimes wanted her for Grey’s Anatomy — she’s got that kind of gravitas that works well on screen.

More recently, Kim Raver has taken on directing roles, showing that she’s got a lot of different talents. She directed an episode in Season 19 of Grey’s Anatomy, which was a big step in her career and a sign of how much she’s grown since her early days as an actress. Fans were happy to see her behind the camera, and it gave her a chance to shape the story in a whole new way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Kim Raver leave Grey’s Anatomy?

Kim Raver left Grey’s Anatomy at the end of Season 8. She didn’t renew her contract, which let her character take a leave of absence instead of being written off completely. This made it easier for her to come back later, which she did in Season 14.

Did Kim Raver come back to Grey’s Anatomy after leaving?

Yes, she did! Kim Raver came back to Grey’s Anatomy in Season 14 as a recurring guest star and became a main cast member again starting in Season 15. Her return was a big deal for fans who missed seeing Teddy on screen.

Is Kim Raver still on Grey’s Anatomy?

As of Season 19, Kim Raver is still part of the Grey’s Anatomy cast, even though the season ends with some uncertainty about Teddy Altman’s future. There’s no official word on her leaving the show again, so she might be around for a bit longer.

Has Kim Raver directed any episodes of Grey’s Anatomy?

Yes, Kim Raver directed an episode in Season 19. This was a big milestone for her and gave her a chance to work behind the camera after years of being in front of it. She’s said in interviews that she really enjoyed the experience and would love to do more directing in the future.

What other shows has Kim Raver been in?

Before Grey’s Anatomy, Kim Raver played Kim Zambrano on Third Watch and Audrey Raines on 24. She’s also had guest roles on shows like Revolution and has appeared in a few movies and stage plays. She’s kept pretty busy over the years, which is part of why she’s such a respected actress.

If you want to learn more about Grey’s Anatomy and its characters, check out our other posts on the show’s biggest moments and behind-the-scenes trivia. You can also learn more about the Grey’s Anatomy cast and how their stories have evolved over the years.