When we talk about Grey’s Anatomy friendships, we often focus on the bond between Meredith and Cristina, or between Izzie and George, or between Mark and Callie. But it’d be a shame to overlook the connection shared between Richard and Bailey, two of Grey’s Anatomy’s OG and most-beloved characters.
Over the course of the series’ 20 seasons and counting (season 21 comes out in September!), Bailey and Richard have developed an ultra-close friendship full of honesty, support, and mentorship. Even when that bond has been tested — and oh, it has — the love and respect each of them has for each other has always remained crystal clear.
Below, revisit some of Bailey and Richard’s very best moments together on Grey’s Anatomy.
Bailey reveals to Richard that she’s pregnant
Season 2, episode 8: “Let It Be”
Bailey and Richard share an amusing moment early on in Grey’s when the chief questions why she’s taking so long to accept a fellowship offer — only to learn that the reason is that she’s pregnant. In the deeply fed-up tone viewers would come to know so well, Bailey explains to Richard how she’s feeling and makes him (rightfully) feel silly for pressuring her so heavily. His hesitant “congratulations?” after her rant is icing on the cake.
Richard (finally) gives Bailey the role of chief resident
Season 4, episode 7: “Physical Attraction … Chemical Reaction”
When Torres is chosen over Bailey for the role of chief resident, Bailey is understandably upset and hurt, knowing that she’s the better candidate. However, she gets her chance to shine — kind of — when a struggling Torres asks her to basically do the job for her. Richard inevitably finds out, but instead of getting angry at Bailey for the deception, he tells her that she deserves the credit and realizes she should’ve been named chief in the first place. It’s here that she utters her memorable line “It’s about time you noticed” as she hugs Richard in gratitude.
Bailey convinces Richard to go to rehab
Season 6, episode 13: “State of Love and Trust”
Richard’s struggle with alcoholism is one of Grey’s Anatomy’s most heartbreaking storylines, and it’s impossible not to shed tears watching the scene where Bailey helps him realize that he needs to go to rehab. Richard admits that he doesn’t want to leave drinking behind, but Bailey tells him that he needs to get better in order to be the chief she knows and loves. It’s just the speech he needs to hear.
Richard tells a young Bailey she’ll make “one hell of a surgeon”
Season 6, episode 15: “The Time Warp”
In one of Grey’s best flashbacks, a then-intern Bailey — much shyer and less confident than the doctor we know today — gets bullied by her resident for doing a better job than her. The criticism adds up, and eventually Bailey’s fiery side comes out, and she calls out her resident for mistreating their patient and ignoring her advice. Richard overhears, but although young Bailey thinks she’s about to get in trouble, the then-chief just wants to tell her that she’s going to make “one hell of a surgeon.” It takes a lot for her to resist smiling!
Richard tells Bailey she got her hand back
Season 9, episode 3: “Love the One You’re With”
Being a parent is an emotional roller coaster, and it’s no wonder that Bailey is distraught after new kindergartner Tuck lets go of her hand on the way to school. The incident makes her realize that she feels stuck while everyone else in her life is doing big things, but Richard reminds her that when someone lets go of your hand, it means that you get yours back. In other words, here’s Bailey’s chance to go out and achieve her own dreams — whatever they may be.
Richard calms a nervous Bailey before her wedding
Kelsey McNeal//Getty Images
Season 9, episode 9: “Run, Baby, Run”
On the day of Bailey’s wedding to Ben, she has a whole lot of jitters, but Richard manages to calm her down and show her the love and support she needs. Between him allowing her to scrub in on a surgery before the nuptials to the duo riding in a limo together to the ceremony, Bailey and Richard’s connection in this episode is especially sweet and strong.
Richard convinces Bailey to get help for her OCD
Ron Tom//Getty Images
Season 10, episode 11: “Man on the Moon”
Bailey’s OCD journey and diagnosis remains one of Grey’s most important mental health storylines, and this scene between her and Richard is a great example why. Scared of having to take medication, Bailey refuses to treat her OCD, but Richard manages to convince her by comparing it to his alcoholism, which he can’t cure but accepts and manages with help. With his support, she takes her first pill.
Richard tells Bailey she deserves to be chief
Season 11, episode 25: “You’re My Home”
Bailey’s journey to being named chief of surgery isn’t an easy one (thanks in large part to Catherine), but one person who always has her back is her longtime mentor Richard. In this episode, he assures her that she has what it takes for the role, and even when he’s forced to tell her that there’s another candidate in the ring, Bailey uses Richard’s faith in her to boost her own morale — and, in the next episode, wins the coveted position.
Season 12, episode 2: “Walking Tall”
On Bailey’s very first day as chief, disaster strikes at every corner, leaving her depressed and exhausted when she’d hoped to be feeling celebratory. Richard cheers her up, though, by giving her his old stethoscope, engraved with her name. She’s moved, though she feels undeserving of the present, but her mentor assures her that she’s earned it and gives her some valuable advice on how to be the chief.
Bailey supports Richard during Catherine’s surgery
Season 15, episode 11: “The Winner Takes It All”
When Catherine has to undergo a risky surgery to treat her cancer, Richard is understandably scared — but luckily, Bailey is there to help. As they watch the doctors work on Catherine, Bailey holds Richard’s hand and assures him that his wife will be just fine. It’s just the kind of support that Richard needs during this difficult time, and in turn he shows his friend of many years his deep gratitude.
Richard comforts Bailey after her miscarriage
Season 16, episode 10: “Help Me Through the
Night”
Despite pretending she’s totally okay, Bailey is struggling hard after her miscarriage, and it takes Richard’s intervention for her to realize that she needs some help. After Bailey freezes during surgery and Richard takes over, she confides in him that she’s not actually fine and is still grieving the loss. As she breaks down, Richard comforts her, helping her feel less alone.
