Who plays Dr. Miranda Bailey?

Chandra Wilson plays Dr. Miranda Bailey on Grey's Anatomy.

Wilson has portrayed Bailey since the series premiered in 2005. The character begins as a demanding surgical resident known by the nickname “the Nazi,” then rises through the hospital hierarchy to become an attending surgeon, chief resident, and eventually Chief of Surgery. Bailey’s combination of discipline, humor, compassion, and authority makes her one of the show’s central figures.

The role was originally envisioned differently during development: Bailey was imagined as a petite white woman with blonde hair. Wilson’s audition impressed the producers so much that the character was rewritten for her. Her performance earned major recognition, including Emmy nominations and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Wilson has also directed episodes of Grey's Anatomy and appeared as Bailey in the related series Private Practice and Station 19. A common mix-up is choosing Sandra Oh, who played Cristina Yang, or Ellen Pompeo, who played Meredith Grey. Neither actress portrays Miranda Bailey.