| Arizona Robbins | |
|---|---|
| Grey's Anatomy character | |
 Season 9 promotional photo of Jessica Capshaw as Dr. Arizona Robbins | |
| First appearance | "Wish You Were Here" (5.11) January 8, 2009 (as recurring cast) "Good Mourning" (6.01) September 24, 2009 (as series regular) |
| Last appearance | "All of Me" (14.24) May 17, 2018 (as main cast) "Baby Can I Hold You" (20.04) April 4, 2024 (as guest star) |
| Created by | Shonda Rhimes |
| Portrayed by | Jessica Capshaw |
| In-universe information | |
| Title | Attending Pediatric Surgeon Chief of Fetal Surgery Board Director at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital Chief of Pediatric Surgery (former) M.D. F.A.C.S. |
| Occupation | Attending pediatric surgeon and fetal surgeon at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital |
| Family | Daniel Robbins (father) Barbera Robbins (mother) Timothy Robbins (brother, deceased) Mark Sloan (father of her child, deceased) |
| Spouse | Callie Torres (m. 2011, div. 2015) |
| Significant other | Colleen (ex-affair) Lauren Boswell (one night stand) Leah Murphy (ex-affair) Eliza Minnick (ex-girlfriend) Carina DeLuca (ex-girlfriend) |
| Children | Sofia Robbin Sloan Torres (daughter) Miscarriage (with Callie) |
Arizona Robbins, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy, which airs on the ABC in the United States, and is portrayed by Jessica Capshaw. She was introduced in the show's fifth season as an attending surgeon and the new chief of pediatric surgery. Originally contracted to appear in three episodes, Capshaw's contract was extended to the remainder of Season 5, and she became a series regular in Season 6.
Robbins has been characterized as "quirky" and "perky" and is well known for wearing wheeled sneakers and a Holly Hobbie pink scrub cap, intended to appeal to her young patients. She was established as a love interest for orthopedic resident Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) after Torres' storyline with Erica Hahn (Brooke Smith) was cut short due to what series creator Shonda Rhimes called "a lack of chemistry". In contrast, Rhimes was pleased with the chemistry between Robbins and Torres, citing the addition of Capshaw to the cast as one of the elements of the season of which she was most proud.
Initial media reaction to the character was positive. Matt Mitovich of TV Guide described her as a "fan favorite", and Chris Monfette for IGN praised the addition of "fresh, new characters" such as Robbins over the course of the season.
In March 2018, Capshaw, along with Sarah Drew (April Kepner), was let go from the series for "creative" reasons after playing the character for ten seasons. Shonda Rhimes alluded to the impact Robbins' character had in representing the LGBTQ+ community and praised both actresses for "bringing these characters to life with such vibrant performance and for inspiring women around the globe." The decision to let Capshaw go was controversial, sparking backlash from fans and further speculation about its connection to Ellen Pompeo's new $20 million annual contract. However, showrunner Krista Vernoff clarified that the decision was purely creative and not budgetary.[1]
Capshaw addressed the significance Robbins had on fans, stating: "She was one of the first members of the LGBTQ community to be represented in a series regular role on network television. Her impact on the world is permanent and forever. Forever."[2]
- ^ "'Grey's Anatomy': Jessica Capshaw, Sarah Drew to Exit After Season 14". Deadline. 8 March 2018. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
- ^ @JessicaCapshaw (2018-03-08). "For the past ten years..." Twitter. Retrieved 2018-03-08.