Arizona Robbins
Arizona Robbins, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a fictional character on the ABC television series Grey's Anatomy, 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 the fifth season, and she became a series regular in the sixth season.
| Arizona Robbins | |
|---|---|
| Grey's Anatomy character | |
Season 20 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. 2014) (reconciled) |
| 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 (adoptive daughter) miscarriage (with Callie) |
Robbins has been characterized as "quirky" and "perky" and is well known for wearing wheely 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". Shonda Rhimes was, in contrast, pleased with the chemistry between Robbins and Torres, citing the addition of Capshaw to the cast as an element of the season of which Rhimes 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.
Along with Sarah Drew, Capshaw was fired in March 2018 for "creative" reasons regarding cast changes 10 seasons into playing the character. Shonda Rhimes alluded to the impact Capshaw's character had representing the LGBTQ community. She praised both actresses for "bringing these characters to life with such vibrant performance and for inspiring women around the globe". The decision was controversial, sparking backlash from fans and further speculation about the connection of their firing with Ellen Pompeo's new $20 million contract a year for the show. Showrunner Krista Vernoff stated, however, that the decision was purely creative, not budgetary. Capshaw made a statement, explaining the significance Robbins had on fans: "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."