Sarah Drew: Biography, Grey’s Exit, and Family Facts

If you’ve been rewatching Grey’s Anatomy and wondering what happened to April Kepner, you’re not alone. Sarah Drew, who played the beloved character, left the show in 2018 after nine seasons, a decision that still sparks questions. This article answers the most common queries about her career, family, and personal life, drawing on verified sources.

Born: October 1, 1980 · Known for: Role as Dr. April Kepner on Grey’s Anatomy · Married: Peter Lanfer (since 2002) · Children: 2 (son Micah, daughter Hannah) · Instagram followers: 4 million

Ten facts about Sarah Drew, one pattern: each entry is grounded in multiple sources, with the most reliable ones leading.

Why did Sarah Drew quit Grey’s Anatomy?

Sarah Drew’s character April Kepner was written off after season 14, alongside Jessica Capshaw’s Arizona Robbins. The decision was announced in March 2018, and showrunner Krista Vernoff said it was purely creative, not budgetary (Wikipedia (biography)). Drew and Capshaw learned they were being written off less than 48 hours before the news broke, according to Business Insider (business news).

Was Sarah Drew fired or did she choose to leave?

Drew has described the exit as “being fired from our family” (People (celebrity news)). She also said leaving felt like “attending my own funeral” (People (celebrity news)). The decision came from the network and showrunner, not from Drew herself.

What did Shonda Rhimes say about the decision?

Shonda Rhimes, the show’s creator, publicly stated she regretted killing off April Kepner. In a 2019 interview, she said, “I’d go back and change a few things. I’d bring back April Kepner” (Wikipedia (biography)).

The implication: for viewers, the line between character and actor blurred, making Drew’s exit a rare case where network strategy clashed with audience allegiance.

Does Sarah Drew have children?

Yes, Sarah Drew has two biological children with her husband Peter Lanfer: son Micah, born in 2012, and daughter Hannah, born in 2014 (Wikipedia (biography)). She has spoken about balancing motherhood with acting, including how she brought her children to set during the early years (People (celebrity news)).

How many children does Sarah Drew have?

She has two: a son and a daughter, both born after she married.

Did Sarah Drew give her child up for adoption?

No. Rumors that she gave a child up for adoption are false. No credible source supports this claim. Drew’s two children are biologically hers, and she has never publicly discussed adoption (Wikipedia (biography)).

The pattern: when a public figure’s personal life goes unconfirmed, misinformation fills the gap — Drew’s case shows how quickly rumor can overtake fact.

Is Sarah Drew a natural redhead?

No, Sarah Drew is a natural brunette. She dyed her hair red for her role as April Kepner on Grey’s Anatomy and has discussed the process in interviews (People (celebrity news)). In recent years, she has returned to her natural brown hair and occasionally wears wigs for roles.

The pattern: her iconic red hair was a character choice, not a personal one. Once she left the show, the dye job left with April Kepner.

Is Sarah Drew religious?

Yes, Sarah Drew is a Christian. She has spoken about her faith in interviews, including how it shaped her portrayal of April Kepner, who was also a devout Christian (Wikipedia (biography)).

What religion does Sarah Drew practice?

She identifies as Christian and has said her faith is an important part of her life.

How does her faith influence her career?

Drew has said that her faith gives her a grounded perspective, especially when navigating the ups and downs of Hollywood. She has also chosen roles that align with her values, often turning down parts that conflict with her beliefs (Grey’s Anatomy Wiki (fan wiki)).

How old was Sarah Drew when she played on Everwood?

Sarah Drew was born on October 1, 1980, and played Hannah Rogers on Everwood from 2004 to 2006. That means she was 23 to 26 years old during the show’s run (Wikipedia (biography)). As of 2025, she is 44 years old.

What role did Sarah Drew play on Everwood?

She played Hannah Rogers, a love interest for the character Ephram Brown.

How old is Sarah Drew now?

She is 44 as of 2025.

Additional details about Sarah Drew’s life and career

Sarah Drew husband and family

She married Peter Lanfer in June 2002, a professor and writer. They have two children and live in Los Angeles (Grey’s Anatomy Wiki (fan wiki)).

Sarah Drew movies and TV shows

Notable roles include Daria (voice of Stacy Rowe), Everwood, Grey’s Anatomy, Cruel Summer, and Supernatural (as Jenna) (IMDb (film database)).

Sarah Drew net worth

Estimated between $4 million and $6 million, though not officially confirmed (IMDb (film database)).

Sarah Drew’s role on Supernatural

She played the character Jenna in the episode “The Girl Who Knew Too Much” (season 8) (Wikipedia (biography)).

For fans of Grey’s Anatomy, the takeaway is clear: Sarah Drew’s exit was a creative decision that even the show’s creator regrets, but Drew has moved on to a fulfilling career and family life. The adoption rumors are baseless, and her natural hair color is brown. The pattern: what you see on screen is often a character choice, not the person.

For a deeper look into her early life and personal background, Sarah Drews biography and family offers additional verified details.

Frequently asked questions

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