How Grey’s Anatomy Helped Launch Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Career

effrey Dean Morgan, the fan-favorite actor best known as Negan in The Walking Dead universe, says his life — and career — were forever changed by one unforgettable role: Denny Duquette on Grey’s Anatomy.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the actor reveals that he hasn’t had to audition for a single role since his appearance on the hit ABC medical drama.

“That show honestly gave me a career. I was doing that, Weeds, and Supernatural at the same time… I’ve auditioned zero times since playing Denny Duquette,” Morgan, 59, shared.

The Emotional Role That Marked the Beginning of a Hollywood Journey
Nearly two decades ago, Jeffrey Dean Morgan captured the hearts of viewers as Denny Duquette — a charismatic, terminally ill heart patient who falls for Dr. Izzie Stevens, portrayed by Katherine Heigl, on Grey’s Anatomy. Though his character met a tragic end, the significance of that role has endured — not only with fans, but for Morgan himself.

“I’d been working in Hollywood for years, but no one really knew me,” Morgan shared. “That character changed everything — it jump-started my career.”

The role opened the door to major projects in both film and television. Soon after, Morgan landed roles in P.S. I Love You with Hilary Swank and in Watchmen, a part he credits directly to his performance as Denny.

“Zack Snyder told me he offered me Watchmen because of Denny,” Morgan recalled with a laugh. “How he looked at Denny and saw the dark, cynical Comedian is beyond me.”

The Defining Role That Changed Everything for Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Almost 20 years ago, Jeffrey Dean Morgan left a lasting impression as Denny Duquette, a lovable heart transplant patient on Grey’s Anatomy who falls for Dr. Izzie Stevens, played by Katherine Heigl. Though his time on the show was brief and ended in tragedy, the role proved to be a turning point.

“I had been in the industry for quite a while, but no one really knew my name,” Morgan said. “That role launched my entire career.”

Following his breakout on Grey’s Anatomy, doors quickly opened. Morgan went on to star in films like P.S. I Love You with Hilary Swank, and he credits his role as Denny for landing a part in Watchmen.

“Zack Snyder cast me in Watchmen because he saw me as Denny,” Morgan explained. “How he made the leap from Denny to the Comedian still surprises me — but I’m grateful he did.”

Stepping Into Negan’s Boots: The Role That Reshaped Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Career
Back in 2015, Jeffrey Dean Morgan got a call that would redefine his professional path.

“My agent and manager said, ‘There’s an offer from The Walking Dead,’” Morgan remembered. “At that point, they didn’t even have full details.”

But Morgan had a strong hunch.

“I just asked, ‘Is it f—— Negan?’ They weren’t sure yet, but I knew. And I said, ‘Well, if it is, I’m f—— doing it.’”

That instinct was right. Morgan took on the role of Negan — a character who would go on to become one of television’s most iconic antiheroes. A decade later, he continues to portray the complex villain-turned-survivor in the spinoff series TWD: Dead City.

Beyond Acting: Hosting a New Kind of Challenge with Destination X
Known for his brooding, magnetic screen presence, Morgan took an unexpected turn recently — stepping into the role of host for NBC’s adventure competition series Destination X.

“I honestly don’t know how this even came about,” he said with a laugh. “I’m no Ryan Seacrest. I’m rough around the edges, sarcastic — not your typical host.”

It was his wife, actress and former MTV VJ Hilarie Burton Morgan, who encouraged him to embrace the opportunity.

“She told me, ‘You’re not getting any younger. This could be a chance to show people another side of you.’”

Set across Europe, Destination X features contestants traveling by a blacked-out bus, solving location-based puzzles to figure out where they are. Those with the least accurate guesses are eliminated each round.

“I spent weeks in Europe being this offbeat host,” Morgan said. “It was weird in the best way. I loved every minute.”

Denny Duquette: The Role That Still Resonates
Though Morgan has racked up credits in major projects like The Good Wife, Invincible, and The Boys, his breakout performance as Denny Duquette on Grey’s Anatomy still holds a special place in his heart.

“That role never really leaves me,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll come across an old clip online and just go, ‘F—.’”

He often reflects on the opportunity that changed everything.

“I still say thank you to Shonda Rhimes every day. That role was pure magic. It gave me a career.”

Catch Jeffrey Dean Morgan on Destination X
Destination X airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC
Available to stream the next day on Peacock.