by Emma Loggins

We had the pleasure of chatting with British-born actor Kevin McKidd plays Owen Hunt in the hit ABC show, Grey's Anatomy. With the season five DVD about to be released, the actor talks about his life in front of the camera, his thoughts on the show and some secrets from the set of the new season...


What can you tell us about your character in Grey's Anatomy?

Kevin McKidd: I play a new character called Dr. Owen Hunt. He is a trauma surgeon who joins the show in the premier episode of season five. By chance, he is involved in a road traffic accident and he does an unorthodox procedure in the field to save a guy's life. The chief notices this and offers him a job - but Owen is a trauma surgeon who's serving in the U. S. Army. He's home on leave, but he has to return to his tour of Iraq. However, he manages to shares a kiss with Cristina Yang before he leaves.

How does he return to the show?

Kevin McKidd: He returns a few episodes later, which is when he takes the job offer by the chief. By this time, there's been more than a little electricity between him and Cristina Yang - and I think she expects him to pick up where they left off, but he's changed. Something bad has happened in Iraq that he goes on to tell her about - and it's almost like a big cloud has come over him. They still have feelings for each other, but he's dealing with a lot of unresolved issues, as well as psychological things that are connected to some of the trauma he witnessed in Iraq. It's an interesting love affair between him and Cristina - and it's a really interesting storyline because it's bringing to light the really relevant and topical subject of how we deal with our veterans. How are we reintegrating our soldiers and helping them get back to a normal life? What are we doing about post-traumatic stress? We tackle some great issues with Owen Hunt.

If you could give some personal advice to your character, what would you say?

Kevin McKidd: Owen Hunt has a lot of stuff going on in his life, so I think I would probably say to him "You should try and have a little more fun." I would also advise him to clear his own decks before he drags somebody else into this hellish place where he's living right now.

Have you received any reaction to your role from troops in Iraq?

Kevin McKidd: I've received a few letters from people who are dealing with loved ones who have post-traumatic stress. Every letter I've received so far has been very grateful that a primetime TV show is talking about this issue and raising awareness because it's very current and very traumatic for these families.