She will portray Barbara, the mother of Arizona (series regular Jessica Capshaw), and will arrive in Seattle with her husband, to be played by Denis Arndt. Actors Hector Elizondo and Gina Gallego will also guest star in the episode as the parents of Callie (played by Tony Award winner Sara Ramirez).

Ivey won two Tony Awards for Best Featured Actress in a Play for Steaming and Hurlyburly. Recent Off-Broadway credits include The Glass Menagerie and The Lady With All the Answers

Grey's Anatomy also stars Patrick Dempsey, Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Chandra Wilson, Justin Chambers, Jesse Williams, and Eric Dane.