Before April Kepner became a fan favorite in Grey’s Anatomy, actress Sarah Drew had another unexpected crossover role that many Grey’s Anatomy fans might have missed: a pivotal moment in Private Practice, which paved the way for her iconic role as April.

A Hidden Crossover Between Private Practice and Grey’s Anatomy

It’s widely known that Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice exist in the same universe, thanks to Addison Montgomery (played by Kate Walsh), who made the leap from Grey’s Anatomy to her own spin-off, Private Practice. However, not all fans are aware that Sarah Drew—the actress behind April Kepner—actually made a guest appearance in the earlier series before her Grey’s Anatomy debut.

In the fifth season of Private Practice, Sarah Drew played a character named Dr. Sarah. The role was brief, but it set the stage for her transition into the beloved character of April Kepner when she was cast on Grey’s Anatomy later on.

April Kepner’s Roots in Private Practice

Sarah Drew’s crossover role in Private Practice wasn’t just an Easter egg for fans—it was part of a broader universe connection. April Kepner made her first appearance on Grey’s Anatomy in Season 6, but her character’s backstory, which included her history with trauma and a desire to make a difference, echoed themes introduced in her brief time on Private Practice. While April wasn’t directly linked to Private Practice until much later, Sarah Drew’s earlier appearance in the show has since become an interesting nugget for fans who like to dive into the nuances of Shonda Rhimes’ interconnected world.

The Evolution of Sarah Drew’s Role in Grey’s Anatomy

After her cameo in Private Practice, Sarah Drew found lasting fame as April Kepner, the passionate, conflicted doctor with a strong moral compass who navigated both her professional and personal life with the kind of raw emotion fans quickly connected with. As a character who had deep ties to the core themes of Grey’s Anatomy, April’s journey as a doctor, woman, and mother resonated with fans over the years, making her one of the series’ standout characters.

April’s storylines, from her emotional relationship with Jackson Avery to her eventual departure from the series, showed Drew’s range as an actress, earning her a dedicated fanbase in the Grey’s Anatomy world.

Why Fans Missed the Connection

The Private Practice appearance that Sarah Drew made didn’t gain much attention because her role was small and disconnected from April Kepner. At the time, it was easy for many fans to miss that the same actress who portrayed Dr. Sarah would go on to become one of the central characters in Grey’s Anatomy. Given the separate nature of the shows and the small overlap in timeline, this crossover moment was hidden in plain sight.

Why This Crossover Matters

As the two shows have significantly impacted viewers over the years, knowing that April Kepner had an indirect tie to Private Practice adds a layer of depth to her character. The crossover is a testament to Shonda Rhimes’ intricate storytelling, where connections between characters and shows often come full circle. It’s also a fun Easter egg for long-time fans who’ve followed the Grey’s Anatomy universe and all its spinoffs.

Looking Back at Sarah Drew’s Career

After her time as April Kepner, Sarah Drew went on to star in several other notable roles in both television and film, but her time on Grey’s Anatomy remains one of her most beloved. Fans continue to celebrate her portrayal of April, and the mystery of her Private Practice crossover adds a fun layer to her already rich career.

The Legacy of Private Practice and Grey’s Anatomy

While Private Practice may have come to an end in 2013, its legacy continues to impact Grey’s Anatomy. From the initial crossover with Addison Montgomery to April Kepner’s connection, the shared universe between the two shows continues to provide fans with hidden gems that deepen their appreciation of Shonda Rhimes’ expansive storytelling.

Will there be more hidden crossovers or secret connections that fans have yet to discover? Only time will tell.