When Katherine Heigl landed the role of Izzie Stevens on Shonda Rhimes' breakout hit, she became the show's first breakout star, launched a successful movie career, and even earned herself an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2007. But she got perhaps a little too big for her britches and, in 2008, declined to submit herself for Emmy consideration, explaining in a statement, "I did not feel that I was given the material this season to warrant an Emmy nomination and in an effort to maintain the integrity organization, I withdrew my name from contention. In addition, I did not want to potentially take away an opportunity from an actress who was given such materials." Alrighty, then.
A year later, while appearing on The Late Show With David Letterman, she took the opportunity to publicly complain about the show's long hours. "Our first day back was Wednesday, and I keep saying this because I hope it embarrasses them...a 17-hour day," she told the late-night host. "I think it's cruel and mean." By March 11, 2010, when she reportedly failed to show up for work, she and Rhimes reached an agreement and she was immediately released from her contract.
After attempts to return to TV with starring roles in NBC's State of Affairs and CBS' Doubt, both equally short-lived, she joined the cast of USA's Suits in 2018 for its eight and upcoming ninth and final seasons.