Kim Raver Talks ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ Her Favorite Evening Mint Tea, and French Skin Care Tips
Kim Raver is currently captivating audiences in the 22nd season of ABC’s acclaimed series, Grey’s Anatomy, where she continues to shine as the beloved Dr. Teddy Altman. Her portrayal of the chief of surgery has been a cornerstone of the show, which has embarked on one of its most ambitious phases yet.
This season, Raver takes on a new challenge as she steps behind the camera to direct for the third time. Her episode, titled Fortunate Son, airs tonight and delves into family dynamics and unexpected reunions, testing the strength of relationships both within and outside the hospital.
In addition to her work on Grey’s Anatomy, Raver is broadening her creative horizons by co-producing three Lifetime films with her husband, all based on bestselling novels by Jane Green. From her directorial debut Tempting Fate to To Have and To Hold and Family Pictures, she is extending her influence beyond the operating room. Raver has also recently partnered with the French beauty brand Esthederm, incorporating her on-screen intention into her skin-care routine.
“It’s an incredible alignment with who I am,” Raver said. “I got to visit their factory in the South of France and really see how they do things and the care that goes into it. Their whole mission is about optimal beauty and confidence at every age. I just love that. I try to approach beauty through food and fitness, and they’re also about nourishing from the inside out. They also have this amazing cutting-edge science. They activate—though I don’t know the technical term—the biology of your own skin on a cellular level.”
Raver expressed her admiration for the women biochemists she encountered at the Esthederm factory, stating, “It was fabulous to walk past because they have all these glass windows, so you can really see what’s happening.”
As a director, Raver feels fortunate to have Debbie Allen as her mentor, calling her “extraordinary” and emphasizing the invaluable lessons she has learned. “The writing of this episode, in particular, is just amazing. There’s a very big storyline with Jim Pickens, who has publicly battled prostate cancer, and we are also following that story in my episode for his character, Richard,” Raver added.
She mentioned the remarkable guest actors in her episode, including Dorian Harewood and Brit Morgan, noting that their contributions enrich the episode’s multiple strong storylines. “It really is an episode that follows three strong storylines. It’s quintessential Grey’s, but you really get into the depth of Ellen Pompeo’s character with Nick,” she explained, also praising the performances of Debbie Allen and Chandra Wilson’s characters.
Raver reflected on her rigorous schedule while directing, noting that the process demands full dedication. “Directing is a completely different thing. That is six weeks of just full on. I’m up at 4 a.m. every single morning, breaking down the script and preparing not just as an actor but for my entire crew,” she explained. “I try to get there before everyone to ensure I’m ready for the day.”
Despite the challenges, Raver expressed enthusiasm about the compelling storylines unfolding during this season. “It sounds crazy, but I’m really excited just to work. We have such incredible storylines that we’re telling right now. This episode is such… everyone knows the Richard character for all these years, so to see that character in harm’s way is a beautiful journey.”
As she anticipates the audience response to her episode, Raver looks ahead to personal milestones, including her youngest child’s graduation. “I’m excited for everyone to see that. I’m excited to maybe, once we wrap, to go back to France and go back to Esthederm and just keep seeing more of what they’re doing there because it’s just such an innovative skin-care company, and then my youngest graduates, so I’ll be going, going, going!”
