In what is likely a record-breaking return for a character to an ongoing series, Rocha (pictured) will appear in the upcoming 21st season of Grey's Anatomy for three episodes, marking a Sydney-Bailey reunion and giving fans an update on how Sydney is doing nearly two decades after we last saw her.
Sydney was first introduced in episode fifteen of Grey's second season as a perky fourth-year intern who filled in for Bailey (Chandra Wilson) and supervised the interns while she was on maternity leave.
Rocha returned the following season in a recurring role for five episodes and returned for two additional episodes in season four. The last of her eight guest appearances on the series was in episode eight, which aired in November 2007.
Sydney immediately impressed the interns with her undying optimism and "heal with love" philosophy, which she adopted after suffering a nervous breakdown following the loss of a patient and taking a break from medicine.
She then unsuccessfully competed against Callie (Sara Ramirez) and Bailey for the chief resident position, and also dated Derek (Patrick Dempsey) before realizing they weren't a good fit.
Sydney is always delightfully cheerful—or annoying, depending on who you ask—and has divided fans with her positive attitude. But she's a standout character, serving as the narrator of the book The Grey's Anatomy Guide to Healing with Love. She's also gained a fan base over the years as new, younger viewers discover the series on streaming.
Bringing back familiar faces for a visit—and a life and career update—to Grey Sloan after years of absence has been a longstanding Grey's Anatomy tradition. Kate Walsh returned in Season 18, a decade after her character Addison last appeared on the show. Last season, Jessica Capshaw's Arizona returned after a 5½-year hiatus. And Scott Speedman became a regular in Season 19, some 3½ years after his character Nick was introduced in an episode. He's been in a recurring role for the past two seasons and will return for more episodes next season.
Rocha is also known for her roles on Disney Channel's Liv and Maddie, CBS's Man with a Plan and Showtime's limited series Waco: The Aftermath.
