Maggie Pierce

Lore & Background

Maggie is introduced in the 23rd episode of the tenth season of *Grey's Anatomy*, during Cristina Yang's search for her replacement as the head of Cardiothoracic Surgery. In the Season 10 finale, titled "Fear (Of the Unknown)", it is revealed that Maggie's biological mother is Ellis Grey, making her the half-sister of Meredith Grey. Richard Webber, who had an affair with Ellis, is stunned by the news, realizing that he is Maggie's biological father. Throughout Season 11, Maggie navigates her new role at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital while dealing with her complicated family history. When she discovers that Meredith is her half-sister, she attempts to bond with her, but Meredith initially resists. The revelation of their shared parentage causes friction between them, but eventually, Meredith and Maggie come to terms with their relationship. At the same time, Richard struggles to reconcile with the fact that he has a biological daughter he never knew about. Maggie, who had previously discovered Ellis' identity while searching for her birth mother, is initially hurt and confused by Richard's behavior but later forgives him for not being there for her growing up. The two gradually develop a father-daughter bond. Maggie also develops friendships with her colleagues, including Meredith, Alex Karev, and Callie Torres. As Maggie integrates into her newfound family, she becomes a maternal figure to Meredith's children after Derek's death in season 11, and she, Meredith, and Amelia Shepherd form a "sisterhood" of sorts, sharing responsibilities in caring for the kids. Maggie helps mediate the frequent conflicts between Meredith and Amelia, further solidifying her role in the Grey family.

In Their Own Story

In Season 12, Maggie begins a relationship with intern Andrew DeLuca, but they keep it a secret to avoid complications at work. However, their relationship becomes strained due to the secrecy, and DeLuca eventually ends things. Maggie later develops feelings for Nathan Riggs, unaware that Meredith has already started a relationship with him. This causes tension between the two sisters, especially when Maggie confesses her feelings to Meredith, who hides the truth from her. The rift between Maggie and Meredith intensifies when Meredith continues to lie about her relationship with Riggs. In Season 13, Maggie's personal life is further challenged when her mother, Diane, comes to Seattle for treatment. Maggie is devastated to learn that her mother has terminal cancer. Diane's death profoundly affects Maggie, who begins to reevaluate her life outside of work. Jackson Avery supports her through her grief, and the two grow closer, eventually developing romantic feelings for each other. In Season 14, Maggie and Jackson begin a relationship after initially trying to suppress their feelings. In Season 16, after her breakup with Jackson, Maggie faces one of the biggest challenges of her career when her cousin, Sabi, dies during surgery. This tragedy causes Maggie to question her abilities as a surgeon, leading her to quit her job at Grey Sloan Memorial. Her depression worsens when Sabi's family sues her for medical malpractice, but with Richard's support, Maggie settles out of court and eventually rejoins Grey Sloan. In Season 17, Maggie reconnects with Winston Ndugu, a former colleague, at a medical conference, and they begin a long-distance relationship. As the COVID-19 pandemic hits, Winston surprises Maggie by traveling to Seattle to help at the hospital, and their relationship deepens. Winston proposes to Maggie, and they marry in the season 17 finale.

Reader's Guide

Maggie Pierce is a cardiothoracic surgeon, not a radiation oncologist. She graduated from medical school at age 19 and became head of the cardiothoracic surgery department at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital at age 27. Her key relationships include her half-sister Meredith Grey, her biological father Richard Webber, her adoptive mother Diane (who dies of terminal cancer in Season 13), and her eventual husband Winston Ndugu (whom she marries in the Season 17 finale). She also had romantic relationships with Andrew DeLuca (Season 12), Nathan Riggs (Season 12-13), and Jackson Avery (Seasons 14-16). Maggie is not married to Callie Torres, nor does she have a son named Zola; she becomes a maternal figure to Meredith's children after Derek's death. Her specialty is cardiothoracic surgery, not radiation oncology.

Did You Know?

• Maggie graduated from medical school at age 19 and became head of cardiothoracic surgery at just 27 years old.
• Kelly McCreary was originally unaware of the significance of her character when she auditioned using dummy sides for a role named 'Claudette'.
• Maggie's character had been in the original plans for the show since season 4, but her introduction didn't solidify until season 10.
• In Season 16, Maggie quit her job at Grey Sloan Memorial after her cousin Sabi died during surgery and the family sued her for medical malpractice.
• Maggie marries Winston Ndugu in the Season 17 finale after he surprises her by traveling to Seattle during the COVID-19 pandemic.