According to Patrick Dempsey, actor who plays Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy, Washington has been doing quite well though he hardly spends time with Washington. Based on Dempsey's observation from a far, Washington appears to be determined to surpass everything that has happened in the past. In addition, Washington's fervor in his work is very evident in his brilliant acting performances. Maybe there is really hope for the controversial actor.

In February, it was reported that many of the cast members of Grey's Anatomy appear optimistic about Washington's return from his one-week stint in rehab. Katherine Heigl, Dr. Isobel "Izzie" Stevens on Grey's Anatomy, revealed publicly that the cast remains positive about Washington despite the unpleasant air that surfaced among them. She said, "I, obviously, have been very verbal about all of this, but there isn't a lot going on right now? We're all hopeful...It's a great group of people, and we work really well together. We work really hard, and it's unusual that we do get along as well as we do."

Washington, a 43-year old native of Houston, Texas, attended Willowridge High School. He went to Howard University and eventually served in the United States Air Force. As an actor, he previously worked in films like The Color of Love, Land Where My Father Died, Dancing in September and Blood on a Happy Face just to name a few. Washington's previous homophobic slur instantly attracted criticisms from cast members, people from the network and gay-right advocates. This controversial issue nearly ended his career in the medical drama Grey's Anatomy where he plays Dr. Preston Xavier Burke.