Sarah Drew: Biography, Children, and Grey’s Anatomy Career

If you watched Grey’s Anatomy long enough to see a red-haired trauma surgeon deliver a speech about faith and medicine, you already know Sarah Drew. The actress behind Dr. April Kepner has navigated a career that spans cult-favorite TV shows, motherhood, and a very public exit from network TV.

Born: October 1, 1980 ·
Known For: Dr. April Kepner on Grey’s Anatomy ·
Children: 2 (son and daughter) ·
Spouse: Peter Lanfer (married 2002) ·
Instagram Followers: 4 million ·
Net Worth (estimated): $3 million

These figures provide a quick reference for Drew’s professional and personal milestones.

Does Sarah Drew have children?

Yes, Sarah Drew has two children. According to Wikipedia, she has a son and a daughter. Fandom sources name them as Micah Emmanuel (born January 18, 2012) and Hannah Mali Rose (born December 3, 2014) — though those names are not independently verified by Drew herself.

How old are Sarah Drew’s kids?

• Her son, reportedly named Micah Emmanuel, was born in 2012 and would be about 13 in 2025.
• Her daughter, reportedly named Hannah Mali Rose, was born in 2014 and would be about 11 in 2025.

Drew has spoken openly about balancing motherhood with acting. In a 2025 profile by L.A. Parent, she described her daily routine of shuttling kids to school while prepping for her Hallmark+ series.

Bottom line: Drew has two school-age children. For fans curious about her family life, the confirmed fact is she has a son and daughter; the names and exact birth dates come from less authoritative fan sources.

Why was Sarah Drew written off Grey’s Anatomy?

In March 2018, Wikipedia reports that ABC announced both Drew and Jessica Capshaw would leave Grey’s Anatomy. Showrunner Krista Vernoff described the decision as “creative” rather than budgetary. Drew later told Deadline that the firing felt “mean and unjust.”

Did Sarah Drew refuse to kiss Jesse Williams?

There is no public evidence that Drew refused to kiss Jesse Williams, who played Jackson Avery on the show. The online rumor appears to stem from fan speculation about the actors’ off-screen friendship — but no credible source has confirmed it.

Who did Shonda Rhimes regret killing off Grey’s Anatomy?

Shonda Rhimes has expressed regret over certain character deaths, but she has not publicly listed April Kepner among them. The departure of Drew’s character was a write-off, not a death — April Kepner survived and moved to Washington.

Bottom line: The exit was creator-driven, not actor-driven. Drew has been open about the emotional toll, but there is no reliable account of a refusal to kiss a co-star.

Is Sarah Drew a natural redhead?

Yes. In interviews and social media, Drew has confirmed she is a natural redhead. The L.A. Parent profile mentions her natural red hair as a trait she’s proud of. Genetically, red hair is linked to the MC1R gene, but there is no scientific consensus on whether redheads age slower.

Do gingers age slower?

That question pops up frequently, but the answer is complex. While some studies suggest redheads may have different pain tolerance or vitamin D synthesis, claims about slower aging are not scientifically established.

The pattern: Drew’s physical trait is confirmed, but the cultural myth around it remains unproven.

Is Sarah Drew religious?

Drew has spoken about her Christian faith in interviews. According to Wikipedia, her faith is an important part of her life. She has attended church with her family and referenced her beliefs in discussions about her role on Grey’s Anatomy — where April Kepner’s faith was a defining characteristic.

What this means: Drew’s personal beliefs directly informed one of her most iconic character traits.

Who is Sarah Drew’s husband?

She married Peter Lanfer on June 17, 2002. According to Wikipedia, Lanfer is a lecturer at Dartmouth College. The couple met while both were students at the University of Virginia.

How long have Sarah Drew and Peter Lanfer been married?

As of 2025, they have been married for 23 years — a rare long-lasting Hollywood marriage.

The implication: Drew’s stable home life contrasts with the turbulence of her network TV exit.

What are Sarah Drew’s most notable movies and TV shows?

• Everwood (2004–2006): Played Hannah Rogers.
• Grey’s Anatomy (2009–2018): Played Dr. April Kepner.
• Cruel Summer (2021): Played a lead role.
• Mistletoe Murders (2024–present): Starring and executive producing on Hallmark+.

She also voiced Stacy Rowe on the animated series Daria.

What is Sarah Drew’s net worth?

Estimates place Sarah Drew’s net worth around $3 million, according to celebrity net worth trackers. This includes earnings from her long run on Grey’s Anatomy, Hallmark projects, and producing credits. Note that net worth figures for actors are often speculative and not publicly audited.

Timeline of key life events

Bottom line: Drew’s career has followed a pattern: major TV role, break for family, then a return with producing credits. The next few years will tell whether she becomes a Hallmark+ staple or returns to network drama.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

In her own words: Quotes from Sarah Drew and Shonda Rhimes

“It felt mean and unjust.”

— Sarah Drew, recalling her firing from Grey’s Anatomy, per Deadline

“The decision to let them go was creative, not budgetary.”

— Krista Vernoff, showrunner, explaining the exits of Drew and Capshaw, per Wikipedia

“I’m leaving the door open for future Grey’s Anatomy appearances.”

— Sarah Drew, 2024, per PEOPLE

“The chaos is real, but it’s my chaos.”

— Sarah Drew, on balancing motherhood and acting, L.A. Parent

The pattern across these quotes: Drew is candid about the pain of her exit, but also pragmatic about the future. She doesn’t burn bridges — and that may be why her door remains open.

Related reading: Hayden Christensen: Why He Stopped Acting and His Return · James Marsden: Biography, Movies, and Personal Life

For a deeper look into Sarah Drews career and family, readers can explore how her life after Grey’s Anatomy has unfolded.

Frequently asked questions