Sara Ramirez

Early life

Sara Elena Ramírez was born on August 31, 1975, in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, in northwestern Mexico. Both of Ramírez's parents are Mexican. When Ramírez was eight years old, their parents divorced, and Ramírez went to live with their mother, eventually settling in Tierrasanta, San Diego, California. Ramírez's interest in music encouraged their mother to send them to San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, where their singing talent was discovered during an audition. Ramírez started acting in stage productions in high school.

After roles in the plays Into the Woods, Hello, Dolly!, and Annie, Ramírez was recommended to study drama at Juilliard School, from which they graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. While at Juilliard, Ramírez further worked on their acting skills and trained as a vocalist. Ramírez speaks both Spanish and English fluently.

Career

Broadway breakthrough and other roles (1998–2005)

While still at Juilliard, Ramírez was discovered by a casting director and was offered the role of Wahzinak in Paul Simon's 1998 Broadway musical The Capeman. Based on the life of the Puerto Rican gangster Salvador Agron, the production garnered negative reviews. They made their screen debut in the same year, with a minor role in the romantic comedy You've Got Mail. Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, the film had Ramírez play Rose, a Zabar's cashier who was "very serious about her line's cash-only policy."

Ramírez's first voice acting role was the titular protagonist of Lammy, an anxious guitarist, in the 1999 video game Um Jammer Lammy. The game was a guitar-based spin-off of PaRappa the Rapper exclusive to Sony's PlayStation console, involving Lammy getting to her band's concert within a tight fifteen-minute window. In 2001, they reprised their role in PaRappa the Rapper 2, a series sequel developed for PlayStation 2, but had a smaller role involving a cameo appearance during the song "Hair Scare". Ramírez also voiced Lammy in promotions for the CD release of in-universe girl band MilkCan's album Make It Sweet!, and FMV cutscenes included in the arcade version of the game entitled Um Jammer Lammy NOW!.

In 1999, Ramírez appeared in Mark Lamos's The Gershwins' Fascinating Rhythm (1999). They garnered praise for their performance and received an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for their role. Charles Isherwood of Variety praised their "beautiful, smoky voice" but was critical of their "torchy" performance of "The Man I Love," which ignored "the wry irony that infuses Ira's lyrics". Ramírez then appeared in the 2001 Broadway production of Edward Kleban's A Class Act. They replaced Julia Murney (from the off-Broadway) to play the role of Felecia, the protagonist Ed's boss. The same year, they starred in other productions including Fascinating Rhythm and Dreamgirls, and then performed in the 2002 production of The Vagina Monologues with Tovah Feldshuh and Suzanne Bertish. During this time, Ramírez also appeared in guest roles in several television series, including NYPD Blue, Law & Order: SVU, Third Watch, and Spin City among others.

Ramírez's breakout role came upon being cast as the Lady of the Lake in Eric Idle and John Du Prez's musical Spamalot. Based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical opened on Broadway in 2005 to widespread acclaim. Ramírez was singled out for their performance, winning several awards including the 2005 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical and the Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance. Ben Brantley of The New York Times described them as "a toothsome devourer of scenery", and another reviewer for The Playgoer emphasizing their stage presence remarked that their "intensity is totally serious and totally ludicrous and totally on key". An Entertainment Weekly review gave them the highest praise by calling them a show-stealer.

''Grey's Anatomy'' and other projects (2006–2021)

After success on Broadway, Ramírez joined the cast of the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy in a recurring role as Dr. Callie Torres, a love interest for Dr. George O'Malley, in the show's second season. On a special Grey's Anatomy-themed episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Ramírez revealed that top executives from ABC, who were greatly impressed by their performance in Spamalot, offered them a role in any ABC show they wanted. Ramírez picked Grey's, as they were already a fan of the show. Ramírez further explained that at their initial audition, the producers liked them and intended to add them to the show but did not know who to cast them as. Ramírez also said they were in awe of how the executives said, "Pick a show, any show," explaining that it is rare. The series creator and executive producer, Shonda Rhimes explained, "I was looking for a girlfriend for George, but it was in the infancy stages, so I had no idea what I was looking for." Rhimes built the character around Ramírez after Rhimes met them. Ramírez, who was initially given a recurring status at the time of the character's inception, received a star billing in the show's third season, alongside fellow cast member Eric Dane, who portrayed Dr. Mark Sloan.

Ramírez provided a cappella vocals in the song "Silent Night" for the soundtrack of the show's sixth-season episode "Holidaze," airing on November 19, 2009. Ramírez served as the main vocalist for the musical episode of Grey's Anatomy, "Song Beneath the Song", which aired on March 31, 2011. Marcus James Dixon of Gold Derby called them the "show-stopper" and wrote that they "stole the show in a gut-wrenching performance worthy of an Emmy award."

As the series progressed, the character's popularity soared and Ramírez garnered widespread recognition and critical acclaim for their portrayal of a complex character on television. Maggie Fremont, a TV critic for Vulture, reviewed Ramírez and Jessica Capshaw's performances during an 11th season episode, calling them "goddesses walking amongst mere mortals". Ramírez was nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Television Series at the Alma Awards in 2007 and 2008. Also in 2007, at the 13th Screen Actors Guild Awards, the cast of Grey's Anatomy received the Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. They and the cast were nominated for the same award in 2008. In 2011, at the 42nd NAACP Image Awards, Ramírez was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.**

In May 2016, Ramírez left the show at the conclusion of the 12th season, after having played the character for a decade. They released a statement saying, "I'm deeply grateful to have spent the last 10 years with my family at Grey's Anatomy and ABC, but for now I'm taking some welcome time off." Rhimes wrote of Ramírez's work on the show, "Dr. Callie Torres came into our lives dancing it out in her underwear almost a decade ago, and I could not be happier or more proud of her journey. Sara Ramírez's performance inspired me as well as millions of fans each week."

Ramírez turned producer with the 2016 teen comedy film, Loserville. The project was released in partnership with the Pacer Foundation's Center for Bullying Prevention & Stomp Out Bullying.

From 2017 to 2019, Ramírez co-starred in the fourth and fifth seasons of the CBS political drama Madam Secretary, replacing Bebe Neuwirth, who played Nadine Tolliver. They played Kat Sandoval, the new policy advisor of Secretary Elizabeth McCord (Téa Leoni).

In 2021, Ramírez was cast as non-binary podcast host and comedian Che Díaz in the Sex and the City revival series And Just Like That.... The character of Díaz has received universally negative reviews from fans and critics, with Kevin Fallon of The Daily Beast calling them "the worst character on TV."

Personal life

On June 27, 2011, Ramírez got engaged to longtime boyfriend Ryan DeBolt, a business analyst at TIMEC in Paris, France. They were married on July 4, 2012, in a private beachside ceremony in New York. On July 6, 2021, Ramírez announced in an Instagram post that they had separated from DeBolt. In June 2024, Ramírez filed for divorce from Ryan DeBolt, three years after announcing the couple's separation, citing irreconcilable differences as reason for the split. Ramírez also requested the pair's assets be divided per their prenuptial agreement.

In September 2016, Ramírez donated their hair to Locks of Love, an organization that makes wigs for children who suffer from medical conditions that lead to hair loss. Afterward, they sported a buzz cut, styled as an undercut.

In October 2016, Ramírez described themself as queer and bisexual at the True Colors Fund's 40 To None Summit (now known as the Impact Summit) in Los Angeles, California. In an email to the Huffington Post, they wrote that their decision to come out publicly was a "very organic and natural" one.

In August 2020, Ramírez uploaded a photo to Instagram wherein they came out as non-binary, writing:

Girlish boy

Boyish girl

Boyish boy

Girlish girl

All

Neither

#nonbinary|multiline=}}

Prior to this post, they had updated their Twitter and Instagram biographies to reflect she/they pronouns, which were changed to they/them sometime in 2021.

Off-screen work

Singing career

Ramírez released their first single, a rendition of "Silent Night", in 2009. The song was featured in the tenth episode of the sixth season of Grey's Anatomy. Their debut self-titled extended play (EP) came out in March 2011 on the iTunes Store under the label of Atrevida Records. The EP included four songs, including a cover of "The Story", which was originally recorded by Brandi Carlile for her 2007 album of the same name. Two of the three songs were co-written by Ramírez and the album's writer-producer Rob Giles. Sara Ramirez debuted at number 37 on the Billboard 200, number 9 on Billboard Independent Albums chart, and number 38 on the Canadian Albums Chart. "The Story" debuted the same week at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 72 on the Canadian Hot 100, and number 34 on the Irish Singles Chart. Soundtracks for Monty Python's Spamalot (2005) and Grey's Anatomy: The Music Event (2011) were released under the labels of Decca Records and ABC Studios respectively.

Philanthropy

Ramírez is an activist and extensively campaigns for LGBT rights. They are a member of the True Colors United board of directors and The Task Force, and the San Diego, New York, and San Francisco LGBT Centers. They spoke in support of homeless LGBTQ youth at a True Colors Fund conference. In addition, Ramírez supports other groups including BiNetUSA, Bisexual Organizing Project, American Institute of Bisexuality, NDLON, and Mujeres De Maíz.

In 2015, they were awarded the Ally for Equality Award by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

In 2023 and 2024, Ramírez became a vocal activist in support of Palestinian liberation, participating in various protests organized by ACT UP New York.

Filmography and awards

Main article: List of roles and awards of Sara Ramirez

Accolades

Ramírez won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical for their performance as Lady of the Lake in the 2005 Broadway musical Spamalot. They gained widespread acclaim for their portrayal of Dr. Callie Torres in ABC's medical drama Grey's Anatomy. They garnered nominations for the Best Actress at the NAACP Image Award, the ALMA Award, and won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Discography

Extended plays

Singles

• "Silent Night" (2009)
• "Rollercoaster" (2015)

Charted songs

Soundtracks

References

Notes

References

1. (August 24, 2020). "Celebrity birthdays for the week of Aug. 30-Sept. 5". [[Associated Press]].
2. (November 12, 2015). "Video: 'Grey's Anatomy' Star Sara Ramírez Brings Empathy And Activism To Acting". [[NPR]].
3. Ramirez, Sara. "Sara Ramirez {{!}} San Diego Reader".
4. Yang, Jeff. (October 8, 2024). "Video: 'Grey's Anatomy' Star Sara Ramirez Brings Empathy And Activism To Acting : Code Switch : NPR".
5. "Sara Ramirez". [[TV Guide]].
6. (May 2006). "Alumni News Reflections: Sara Ramirez". The Juilliard School.
7. Gostin, Nicki. (July 3, 2012). "Alumni Sara Ramirez Talks 'Grey's Anatomy,' Being Labeled A Latinx Actress". [[The Huffington Post]].
8. (November 30, 2006). "Getting Over Myself: I'm a Size 12 in a Size 0 Town". [[Glamour (magazine).
9. (March 10, 2011). "Sara Ramirez: A Career Retrospective". [[Latina (magazine).
10. (December 20, 2013). "'You've Got Mail' Turns 15: Here's 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Film". [[MTV]].
11. "Sara Ramirez (visual voices guide)".
12. (June 23, 2011). "'Grey's Anatomy's' Sara Ramírez: 5 Things You Didn't Know". [[The Hollywood Reporter]].
13. (February 3, 2023). "A 'Lost' Um Jammer Lammy Arcade Machine Has Been Discovered". Hookshot Media.
14. (April 26, 1999). "Review : 'The Gershwins' Fascinating Rhythm'". [[Variety (magazine).
15. (February 13, 2013). "A Class Act At The Landor". Overtures.
16. (November 12, 2002). "Bertish, Feldshuh, ''Class Act''{{'}}s Ramirez Next in ''Vagina Monologues'' Nov 12 – Dec. 1". [[Playbill]].
17. (October 11, 2005). "Spamalot Tony Winner Sara Ramírez Leaves Lady of the Lake in December". PlayBill.
18. (July 9, 2009). "Theater review: 'Spamalot' at the Ahmanson Theatre*". [[Los Angeles Times]].
19. (January 14, 2005). "Spamalot acclaimed".
20. (March 18, 2005). "A Quest Beyond the Grail". [[The New York Times]].
21. (May 31, 2005). "Review: Spamalot". The Playgoer.
22. (June 17, 2005). "Must List 2005: Sara Ramirez".
23. (April 5, 2008). "Sara Ramirez Chandra Wilson Kate Walsh OP". YouTube.
24. Yuan, Jada. (September 18, 2006). "Belle Curves: Sara Ramirez". [[New York (magazine).
25. (April 5, 2008). "Sara Ramirez Chandra Wilson Kate Walsh OP". Oprah Winfrey.
26. Hendrickson, Paula. (May 6, 2009). "Casting chemistry keeps 'Grey's' fresh". [[Reed Business Information]].
27. Gans, Andrew. (November 16, 2005). "Spamalot's Ramirez Lands Role on TV's "Grey's Anatomy"". Philip S Birsh.
28. (April 1, 2011). "Sara Ramirez is show-stopper in musical 'Grey's Anatomy'". Gold Derby.
29. Yuan, Jada. (September 18, 2006). "Belle Curves: Sara Ramirez". New York Media, LLC..
30. (May 6, 2016). "Grey's Anatomy Recap: Calzona Implodes".
31. "Past ALMA Recipients". [[Alma Awards]].
32. "The 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards". [[Screen Actors Guild Awards]].
33. "The 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards". [[Screen Actors Guild Awards]].
34. "The 42nd NAACP Image Awards". [[NAACP Image Awards]].
35. (May 19, 2016). "'Grey's Anatomy' Star Sara Ramirez Exits Series After 10 Years as Callie: See Her Emotional Comments". [[Us Weekly]].
36. (May 19, 2016). "Sara Ramirez Confirms Grey's Anatomy Departure: 'I'm Taking Some Time Off'".
37. "Sara Ramirez". [[TED (conference).
38. (January 7, 2022). "'And Just Like That's' Che Diaz Is the Worst Character on TV".
39. Chaney, Jen. (June 24, 2011). "Sara Ramirez engaged; Curtis Stone and Lindsay Price expecting baby". [[The Washington Post]].
40. Hernandez, Lee. (July 9, 2012). "Sara Ramirez, ''Grey's Anatomy'' Star, is Married! (EXCLUSIVE)". [[Huffington Post]].
41. (July 9, 2012). "Tony Winner and ''Grey's Anatomy'' Star Sara Ramirez Ties the Knot!". Broadway.com.
42. [https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ_3Gs3NsBg/ Sara Ramirez on Instagram: "Ryan and I are no longer together. We remain loving and supportive in how we are choosing to forge our new individual paths. Thank you for…"]
43. "'Grey's Anatomy' Star Sara Ramírez Files for Divorce from Husband 3 Years After Their Separation".
44. Aiello, McKenna. (September 16, 2016). "Former Grey's Anatomy Star Sara Ramirez Gets a Buzz Cut for a Worthy Cause". E!.
45. (June 8, 2018). "The 40 to None Summit is now the True Colors Fund's Impact Summit!". True Colors United.
46. Erin Rook. (October 8, 2016). "'Grey's Anatomy' star Sara Ramirez comes out as bisexual and queer". LGBTQ Nation.
47. Sara Ramirez. (October 8, 2016). "#40ToNoneSummit #SpeakingMyTruth! Will post full video of speech soon! #ThankYou @TrueColorsFund #WomanOfColor #Bisexual #Queer #Immigrant".
48. Wong, Curtis. (October 11, 2016). "'Grey's Anatomy' Star Sara Ramirez Comes Out As Bisexual". [[The Huffington Post]].
49. Phillips, Carmen. (August 27, 2020). "Sara Ramirez Is Non-Binary: Icon Instagrams Capacity to Be "Girlish Boy, Boyish Girl, Boyish Boy, All, Neither"". [[Autostraddle]].
50. "Sara Ramirez Instagram".
51. "Silent Night". [[Amazon.com.
52. Gans, Andrew. (March 25, 2011). "Tony Winner Sara Ramirez's EP Will Be Available on ITunes March 27". Philip S Birsh.
53. "Sara Ramirez". [[iTunes Store]]. [[Apple Inc]].
54. (November 26, 2007). "Monty Python's Spamalot Climbs Billboard Cast Albums Chart". PlayBill.
55. (March 31, 2011). "Grey's Anatomy: The Music Event". i Tunes Store.
56. (February 8, 2024). "LGBTQ+ Protestors Call Out Human Rights Campaign's Ties to Weapons Manufacturer".
57. (April 7, 2011). "Chart Moves: Katy Perry, Rihanna, Elton John, Lil Wayne, Celtic Thunder". [[Prometheus Global Media]].
58. "Independent Albums: Week of April 16, 2010". [[Prometheus Global Media]].
59. (April 14, 2011). "ALBUMS : Top 100". [[Nielsen Soundscan]].
60. "Heatseekers Songs: Week of April 16, 2011".
61. "Canadian Hot 100: Week of April 16, 2010". [[Prometheus Global Media]].
62. Steffen Hung. "Sara Ramirez – The Story". lescharts.com.
63. (April 7, 2011). "Irish Music Charts Archive: Top 50 Singles, Week Ending 7 April 2011". [[Chart-Track]]. [[GfK]].