http://nymag.com/thecut/2013/12/shonda-rimes-two-step-cure-for-hollywood-racism.html

Rhimes' casting director says: "When I cast the pilot of 'Grey's,' Shonda didn't give anybody a last name. She just said, 'Linda, I want you to cast it the way you see the world.'" That eventually led to Chandra Wilson beating out Kristin Chenoweth for a role on the ABC series.
Read more at http://www.hitfix.com/tv-tattle#OKCgLl8J9uL6j85u.99