Miranda Bailey
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Miranda Bailey, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a fictional character from the long-running medical drama ''
Grey's Anatomy ''Grey's Anatomy'' is an American medical drama television series focusing on the personal and professional lives of surgical internship (medicine), interns, residency (medicine), residents, and attending physician, attendings at the fictional ...
'', created by
Shonda Rhimes Shonda Lynn Rhimes (born January 13, 1970) is an American television producer and screenwriter, and founder of the production company Shondaland. Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame and NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame, Rhimes became known ...
and portrayed by Chandra Wilson since the series' debut in 2005. Bailey has appeared in 387 episodes across ''Grey's Anatomy'' (372 episodes), ''Private Practice'' (2 episodes), and ''
Station 19 ''Station 19'' is an American action and procedural drama television series created by Stacy McKee that premiered on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) on March 22, 2018. It is the second spin-off of ''Grey's Anatomy'' (after '' Private Pr ...
'' (13 episodes) as of October 2021. This makes her the most frequently appearing character in the ''Grey's Anatomy'' universe. Originally introduced as a resident in general surgery at Seattle Grace Hospital, Bailey rises through the ranks to become an
attending physician In the United States and Canada, an attending physician (also known as a staff physician or supervising physician) is a physician (usually an M.D., or D.O. in the United States) who has completed residency and practices medicine in a clinic ...
and is eventually appointed Chief of Surgery. Her relationship with the series' five original surgical interns—
Meredith Grey Meredith Grey M.D., F.A.C.S., (born 1977 or 1978) is a fictional and titular character from the medical drama television series ''Grey's Anatomy'', which airs on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States. The character was c ...
(
Ellen Pompeo Ellen Kathleen Pompeo (; born November 10, 1969) is an American actress. One of the world's highest-paid actors since 2017, she has made multiple appearances on ''Forbes'' year-end lists. Her accolades include a Screen Actors Guild Award and a ...
),
Cristina Yang Cristina Yang, Doctor of Medicine, M.D., Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D., F.A.C.S. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series ''Grey's Anatomy'', which has aired for 20 seasons on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the ...
(
Sandra Oh Sandra Miju Oh (born July 20, 1971) is a Canadian and American actress. She is known for her starring roles as Rita Wu in ''Arliss (TV series), Arliss'' (1996–2002), Cristina Yang in ''Grey's Anatomy'' (2005–14), and Eve Polastri in ''Kill ...
),
Izzie Stevens Isobel Katherine Stevens, M.D. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series ''Grey's Anatomy'', which airs on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States. The character was created by series producer Shonda R ...
(
Katherine Heigl Katherine Heigl ( ; born November 24, 1978) is an American actress and model. She portrayed Izzie Stevens, Dr. Izzie Stevens on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC television medical drama ''Grey's Anatomy'' from 2005 to 2010, a role that b ...
),
Alex Karev Alexander Michael "Alex" Karev (né Evans), M.D., F.A.C.S. is a fictional character on the ABC television series ''Grey's Anatomy'', portrayed by actor Justin Chambers. Introduced as a surgical intern at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, Ka ...
(
Justin Chambers Justin Willman Chambers (born July 11, 1970) is an American actor and former model best known for his role as Dr. Alex Karev in ''Grey's Anatomy'' (2005-20). Born in Ohio, he went to Southeastern High School, South Charleston, and later studi ...
) and
George O'Malley George O'Malley, Doctor of Medicine, M.D., is a fictional character from the medical drama television series ''Grey's Anatomy'', which airs on American Broadcasting Company, ABC in the United States. The character was created by series producer S ...
( T. R. Knight)—is a central focus in the early seasons, highlighting her role as a tough but caring mentor.


Storyline

Miranda Bailey married Tucker Jones (
Cress Williams Cress Williams (born July 26, 1970) is an American actor, known for his roles in ''Prison Break'' and ''Close to Home (2005 TV series), Close to Home''. His most recent roles include Mayor Lavon Hayes on The CW Television Network, The CW series ' ...
) ten years prior to the start of ''Grey's Anatomy'', during which Chief
Richard Webber Richard Webber, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S., is a fictional character from the ABC medical drama television series ''Grey's Anatomy''. The character was created by Shonda Rhimes and is portrayed by actor James Pickens Jr. since the series' incepti ...
and his wife Adele attended her wedding. A graduate of
Wellesley College Wellesley College is a Private university, private Women's colleges in the United States, historically women's Liberal arts colleges in the United States, liberal arts college in Wellesley, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 1870 by Henr ...
, Bailey is first introduced to the series’ interns with the nickname "The Nazi" due to her tough, no-nonsense personality and blunt approach. In the show's first season, Bailey’s formidable reputation is highlighted by her strong opinions and her tendency to challenge the authority of the attendings she worked under as a resident. Her straightforward introduction to her interns—“Don’t bother sucking up cause I already hate you and that’s not going to change”—is a reflection of her strict mentorship style. Despite her stern demeanor and dictator-like personality, Bailey is also shown to be protective and caring toward her interns and colleagues. She warns
Derek Shepherd Derek Christopher Shepherd, often referred to as "McDreamy" for his "attractiveness", is a fictional surgeon from the ABC medical drama ''Grey's Anatomy'', portrayed by actor Patrick Dempsey. He made his first appearance in the series' pilot ep ...
to stay away from
Meredith Grey Meredith Grey M.D., F.A.C.S., (born 1977 or 1978) is a fictional and titular character from the medical drama television series ''Grey's Anatomy'', which airs on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States. The character was c ...
, demonstrates loyalty by staying with
Cristina Yang Cristina Yang, Doctor of Medicine, M.D., Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D., F.A.C.S. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series ''Grey's Anatomy'', which has aired for 20 seasons on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the ...
after her surgery, and exhibits compassion in many of her interactions. Over time, more of her personal life is revealed, including her decade-long marriage to Tucker and her pregnancy. In a dramatic moment during a bomb scare at Seattle Grace, Bailey gives birth to her son, William George Bailey Jones (nicknamed “Tuck”), with
George O'Malley George O'Malley, Doctor of Medicine, M.D., is a fictional character from the medical drama television series ''Grey's Anatomy'', which airs on American Broadcasting Company, ABC in the United States. The character was created by series producer S ...
assisting her through labor. Balancing motherhood and her career as a surgeon proves challenging for Bailey. Her professional confidence is shaken after incidents involving her interns, such as
Izzie Stevens Isobel Katherine Stevens, M.D. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series ''Grey's Anatomy'', which airs on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States. The character was created by series producer Shonda R ...
cutting Denny Duquette's LVAD wire and Cristina Yang hiding
Burke Burke (; ) is a Normans in Ireland, Norman-Irish surname, deriving from the ancient Anglo-Norman and Hiberno-Norman noble dynasty, the House of Burgh. In Ireland, the descendants of William de Burgh (''circa'' 1160–1206) had the surname'' de B ...
's hand tremor. Bailey feels responsible for these actions, questioning her role as their mentor. Chief Webber consoles her, reminding her of the influence she has had: “You raised them like babies, and some of them turn out just like you.” In an effort to make a broader impact, Bailey advocates for the creation of a free clinic at Seattle Grace, which is later funded by Izzie’s inheritance from Denny. Despite her many achievements, Bailey experiences a setback when she loses the position of Chief Resident to
Callie Torres Calliope Iphigenia "Callie" Torres, M.D. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series ''Grey's Anatomy'', which airs on the ABC in the United States. The character was created by series producer Shonda Rhimes and is portr ...
, which further challenges her sense of control and authority within the hospital. In season 4, Bailey decides to support Torres in her role as Chief Resident, which Chief Webber takes notice of. Realizing that he made a mistake by not selecting Bailey for the position, he admits his error. Struggling to balance her responsibilities as Chief Resident and overseeing the free clinic, Bailey ultimately assigns Izzie to manage the clinic, giving herself more time to focus on both her family and her career. Bailey also begins to question her satisfaction with General Surgery, feeling somewhat unfulfilled. After working closely with Arizona Robbins, a pediatric surgeon, and handling several pediatric cases, Bailey becomes interested in pursuing a career in Pediatric Surgery. Robbins encourages Bailey to apply for a pediatric fellowship, but Chief Webber, who had mentored Bailey in general surgery, is displeased with her choice and discourages her at every turn. His attempts to dissuade her include providing an underwhelming recommendation letter and purchasing a surgical robot to tempt her back to general surgery. Despite Webber’s resistance, Bailey remains committed to her new path—until her husband, Tucker Jones, threatens her with divorce if she accepts the fellowship. Facing the ultimatum, Bailey decides to stay in general surgery to balance her role as a single mother and an attending surgeon. She ends her marriage to Tucker, prioritizing her career and autonomy over his demands. During Izzie’s battle with cancer, which has a low 5% survival rate, Bailey is a source of unwavering support for Izzie, helping her through chemotherapy and cancer treatments. In season 6, after declining the pediatric fellowship, Bailey begins her role as an Attending in
General Surgery General surgery is a Surgical specialties, surgical specialty that focuses on alimentary canal and Abdomen, abdominal contents including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, Appendix (anatomy ...
. She enters into a relationship with Ben Warren (
Jason George Jason Winston George (born February 9, 1972) is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Michael Bourne on the NBC daytime soap opera ''Sunset Beach'', as Jeremiah Thurgood "J.T." Hunter on the UPN television sitcom ''Eve'', as Dr. ...
), an anesthesiologist from Mercy West, after the merger between Seattle Grace and Mercy West hospitals. In the season finale, a gunman, enraged by what he believes to be the hospital's failure to save his wife, opens fire on the hospital staff. Dr. Charles Percy, one of the victims, is critically wounded, but due to the hospital lockdown, Bailey is unable to get him to an operating room. As Percy dies in her arms, he tells Bailey, "You were always my favorite. I thought you should know." Distraught by these traumatic events, Bailey takes time off to visit her parents with her son, Tuck, to recover emotionally. Upon her return in season 7, Bailey breaks up with Ben, citing the emotional toll of recent events. She reconnects with Mary Portman, a patient she had bonded with during the hospital shooting, who returns for her surgery. While the procedure appears successful, Mary tragically does not wake up, and the cause of her death remains unknown. Shaken, Bailey embarks on a new mission to cure fistulas, during which she begins dating Eli (
Daniel Sunjata Daniel Sunjata (born Daniel Sunjata Condon; December 30, 1971) is an American actor. He is known for his role as Franco Rivera in the FX television series '' Rescue Me''. Early life and education Sunjata was born and raised in Evanston, Illino ...
), a nurse at the hospital. Bailey later becomes deeply offended when Meredith violates the rules of an Alzheimer's clinical trial to assist Chief Webber’s wife, Adele, leading to Webber's resignation as Chief of Surgery. Bailey resents Meredith for forcing Webber out of his position and takes control of Ellis Grey's diabetes trial, though Webber encourages her to forgive Meredith and involve her in the project. Ultimately, Bailey breaks off her relationship with Eli, realizing it has no future, and rekindles her romance with Ben, despite his surgical internship in
California California () is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States that lies on the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. It borders Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and shares Mexico–United States border, an ...
. Their long-distance relationship flourishes, and they become engaged. During this time, Bailey earns the nickname BCB ("Booty Call Bailey") from the interns, as she becomes giddy and excited whenever Ben visits. On the day of her wedding, Bailey is called into surgery to save Adele and, after successfully operating, rushes back to marry Ben. Bailey also spearheads the launch of a genome mapping program with Meredith being the first to test it. In season 9, Bailey faces an investigation when three of her patients die after contracting infections. It is eventually discovered that she was an asymptomatic carrier of
MRSA Methicillin-resistant ''Staphylococcus aureus'' (MRSA) is a group of gram-positive bacteria that are genetically distinct from other strains of ''Staphylococcus aureus''. MRSA is responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans. ...
, which she unknowingly transmitted due to the hospital's use of faulty gloves. Though cleared of any wrongdoing, Bailey feels "contaminated" and isolates herself from colleagues, particularly Dr. Webber, whom she blames for not supporting her during the investigation. Her husband, Ben, flies in to help her move past this, revealing that he has dropped out of his residency to spend more time with her and Tuck, a decision Bailey disapproves of. As she begins to exhibit strange behaviors, Bailey is diagnosed with
obsessive–compulsive disorder Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder in which an individual has intrusive thoughts (an ''obsession'') and feels the need to perform certain routines (''Compulsive behavior, compulsions'') repeatedly to relieve the dis ...
(OCD), a result of the trauma she experienced during the investigation. Initially resistant to seeking treatment or taking medication, she eventually accepts help and is able to resume her surgical career. In season 14, Bailey becomes deeply upset when her husband, Ben Warren, expresses an interest in becoming a firefighter. This follows the traumatic events of the season 13 finale, when a fire broke out at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital after Dr. Stephanie Edwards set it to defend herself from a rapist. Later that season, Bailey is hospitalized after suffering a
heart attack A myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when Ischemia, blood flow decreases or stops in one of the coronary arteries of the heart, causing infarction (tissue death) to the heart muscle. The most common symptom ...
. In season 16, Bailey faces another significant challenge when she fires Meredith for committing insurance fraud to save a patient. Shortly after, Maggie Pierce informs Bailey that she is pregnant with her second child while also entering perimenopause. Tragically, in the fall finale, Bailey suffers a
miscarriage Miscarriage, also known in medical terms as a spontaneous abortion, is an end to pregnancy resulting in the loss and expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the womb before it can fetal viability, survive independently. Miscarriage before 6 weeks ...
, and later that season, she also fosters a teenage boy, Joey Phillips. In season 17, as Grey Sloan Memorial treats patients during the
COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...
, Bailey feels an immense sense of guilt for recently moving her parents into a local nursing home. Her guilt intensifies when her mother is hospitalized with the virus. In an emotionally poignant moment, Bailey sings to her mother as she succumbs to the disease. Despite the profound loss, Bailey chooses to return to work shortly after, resisting attempts by Webber and Jackson Avery to convince her to take time off to grieve.


Development


Casting and creation

Shonda Rhimes initially wrote the character of Miranda Bailey as a petite, blonde-haired white woman with curls, envisioning the contrast between her sweet appearance and her tough, no-nonsense attitude. However, after Chandra Wilson's outstanding audition, the role was rewritten for her. Wilson was cast as Bailey, transforming the character into a fierce yet compassionate figure.
Sandra Oh Sandra Miju Oh (born July 20, 1971) is a Canadian and American actress. She is known for her starring roles as Rita Wu in ''Arliss (TV series), Arliss'' (1996–2002), Cristina Yang in ''Grey's Anatomy'' (2005–14), and Eve Polastri in ''Kill ...
originally considered auditioning for Bailey before landing the role of Cristina Yang instead. Reflecting on her portrayal of Bailey, Wilson noted, "I thought it was endearing; endearing as the word 'Nazi' can be," referencing Bailey's authoritative and demanding demeanor in the show's early seasons. Wilson further explained her approach to the character:


Characterization

Bailey has been consistently described as "straightforward", "tough", and "quick-witted" by ''Grey's Anatomy'' executives. Wilson herself has reflected on the complexity of her character, saying: This aspect of Bailey's character has been central to her development throughout the series, as she navigates her personal and professional challenges while maintaining her leadership in the hospital.


Reception

In 2006, ''
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'' TV critic Robert Bianco praised Chandra Wilson, suggesting that Emmy voters should consider her performance as Dr. Miranda Bailey, stating she adds "warmth and humor to Bailey without making her go all squishy."'. Reviewing the fourth season of ''Grey's Anatomy'', Patrick Luce from ''Monsters and Critics'' found Bailey to be "one of the most interesting characters to watch", noting how she handled professional setbacks, marriage troubles, and the stress of balancing motherhood with her medical career. He also appreciated the depiction of a "softer side" of Bailey, while maintaining the "biting satire and sarcasm" that defined her character. Shawna Malcom of the ''
Los Angeles Times The ''Los Angeles Times'' is an American Newspaper#Daily, daily newspaper that began publishing in Los Angeles, California, in 1881. Based in the Greater Los Angeles city of El Segundo, California, El Segundo since 2018, it is the List of new ...
'' highlighted the dynamic between Bailey and Sam during the ''Grey's Anatomy'' and ''Private Practice'' crossover, particularly enjoying their humor and chemistry, calling it "hilarious and touching". She hoped it wouldn’t be the last viewers saw of the "unexpectedly dynamic duo". Fellow ''Los Angeles Times'' critic Carina MacKenzie welcomed Bailey's flirtation with Ben Warren, calling it refreshing to see Bailey’s "fun, flirty side" after her troubled relationship with Tucker. Margaret Lyons of ''New York Magazine'' praised the evolving friendship between Bailey and Callie Torres, calling it ''"''the one bright spot" of the ninth season. She appreciated how they "joke, tease each other, and offer sage love advice", now that both were on their second marriages. ''
Entertainment Weekly ''Entertainment Weekly'' (sometimes abbreviated as ''EW'') is an American online magazine, digital-only entertainment magazine based in New York City, published by Dotdash Meredith, that covers film, television, music, Broadway theatre, books, ...
'' included Bailey in its list of the "30 Great TV Doctors and Nurses", while AOL TV named her one of the "100 Most Memorable Female TV Characters".


Awards

Chandra Wilson’s portrayal of Dr. Miranda Bailey has garnered high critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. In 2006, she won the
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series The Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series is an award given by the Screen Actors Guild to honor the finest acting achievements in Dramatic Television. Julianna Margulies holds the record for mo ...
and was part of the ensemble cast that won the
Satellite Award for Best Cast – Television Series The Satellite Award for Best Cast (or Best Ensemble) – Television Series is one of the Satellite Awards given by the International Press Academy The International Press Academy (IPA) is an American association of professional entertainment jour ...
. She also received four consecutive nominations for the
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series is an award presented by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). In early Primetime Emmy Award ceremonies, the supporting categories were not always genre-, ...
from 2006 to 2009, losing to co-star
Katherine Heigl Katherine Heigl ( ; born November 24, 1978) is an American actress and model. She portrayed Izzie Stevens, Dr. Izzie Stevens on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC television medical drama ''Grey's Anatomy'' from 2005 to 2010, a role that b ...
in 2007. Additionally, Wilson was part of the ensemble cast nominated for the
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series The Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast (or Ensemble) in a Drama Series is an award given by the Screen Actors Guild to honor the finest ensemble acting achievements in drama series. Winners and nominees 1990s 20 ...
from 2006 to 2008, with a victory in 2007. In 2008, she won the
People's Choice Award The People's Choice Awards is an American awards show, recognizing people in entertainment, voted online by the Fan (person), fans and Public, general public. The show has been held annually since 1975, with the winners originally determined us ...
for Favorite Scene Stealing Star.


References

Specific General *


External links


Grey's Anatomy
at ABC.com {{DEFAULTSORT:Bailey, Miranda Grey's Anatomy characters Fictional surgeons African-American characters in television Television characters introduced in 2005 Fictional female doctors American female characters in television pt:Anexo:Lista de personagens de Grey's Anatomy#Miranda Bailey