Early Life and Education of Katherine Heigl: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Katherine Heigl. From birth to education, explore key events.

Katherine Heigl is an American actress best known for her role as Dr. Izzie Stevens on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy from 2005 to 2010. Her performance garnered significant recognition, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2007. She has starred in numerous films and television series.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

November 24, 1978: Katherine Heigl's Birth

On November 24, 1978, Katherine Heigl was born. She is an American actress.

Others born on this day/year

1986: Death of Brother

In 1986, Katherine Heigl's brother was killed in a car accident at the age of fifteen, an event that led to the creation of The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation.

1997: Move to Malibu Canyon with Mother

After graduating high school in 1997, Katherine Heigl moved into a house in Malibu Canyon, California, with her mother, who also became her manager.

September 11, 2001: 9/11 Attacks and Shelving of Ground Zero

Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the film "Ground Zero", in which Katherine Heigl played a role, was shelved due to its plot being considered inappropriate.

June 2006: Engagement to Josh Kelley

In June 2006, Katherine Heigl became engaged to singer Josh Kelley, whom she had met a year earlier on the set of his music video.

December 23, 2007: Marriage to Josh Kelley

On December 23, 2007, Katherine Heigl married singer Josh Kelley in Park City, Utah.

September 2009: Adoption of First Daughter

In September 2009, Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley adopted a daughter from South Korea.

2009: Heigl Criticized for Speaking Out

In 2009, Katherine Heigl faced criticism for publicly commenting on the long working hours on the set of 'Grey's Anatomy'.

March 11, 2010: Departure from Grey's Anatomy

On March 11, 2010, Katherine Heigl reportedly did not show up for work on Grey's Anatomy, leading to an agreement to release her from her contract.

2010: Katherine Heigl Leaves Grey's Anatomy

In 2010, Katherine Heigl departed from Grey's Anatomy, where she played Dr. Izzie Stevens since 2005.

2011: "I Hate Balls" Campaign Launch

In 2011, Katherine Heigl launched the "I Hate Balls" Campaign, promoting the spaying and neutering of pets to save the lives of companion animals.

January 2012: Desire to Return to Grey's Anatomy

In January 2012, Katherine Heigl expressed her desire to reprise her role on "Grey's Anatomy" and wrap up Izzie's storyline.

April 2012: Adoption of Second Daughter

In April 2012, Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley adopted a second daughter from the U.S.

2012: Heigl's PETA Letter

In 2012, Katherine Heigl, on behalf of PETA, signed a letter urging Utah legislators to reject a law that would criminalize undercover filming in factory farms.

2014: Heigl's Animal Rescue Efforts

As of 2014, Katherine Heigl had eight dogs of her own, and her organization Heigl's Hounds of Hope rescues and rehabilitates larger dogs with behavioral problems from shelters.

June 2016: Announcement of Third Child

In June 2016, Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley announced that they were expecting their third child.

December 20, 2016: Birth of Son

On December 20, 2016, Katherine Heigl gave birth to a son.

January 2021: Heigl Declares She's Done Apologizing

In January 2021, Katherine Heigl stated in an interview that she was "done apologizing" for her past reputation and spoke out against being labeled as "difficult" in the late 2000s and early 2010s, also acknowledging its potential impact on her career.

September 2021: Heigl Endorses IATSE Strike

In September 2021, Katherine Heigl endorsed the IATSE strike and discussed the harsh working conditions and health and safety failures she witnessed on the set of 'Grey's Anatomy'.

2022: Ellen Pompeo Defends Heigl

In 2022, Ellen Pompeo defended Katherine Heigl's 2009 remarks about the long working hours on 'Grey's Anatomy', stating that Heigl would be considered a "hero" today for speaking out.

2023: Heigl and Pompeo Reunite at Variety Studio: Actors on Actors

In the summer of 2023, Katherine Heigl and Ellen Pompeo reunited at Variety Studio: Actors on Actors, where they discussed their time on 'Grey's Anatomy' and Heigl's departure from the show, with Heigl reflecting on the negative reaction she received for speaking out.

June 2024: Heigl on Shannen Doherty's Podcast

In June 2024, Katherine Heigl was a guest on Shannen Doherty's podcast 'Let's Be Clear..with Shannen Doherty', where they discussed overcoming negative labels in Hollywood and the importance of animal care.