Grey’s Anatomy season 18 is gearing up to welcome Peter Gallagher to its cast.

According to Deadline, actor Peter Gallagher has officially signed on to join the cast of Grey’s Anatomy season 18 on ABC in a recurring role.

For his part, Gallagher is set to take on the role of Dr. Alan Hamilton. Interestingly, Dr. Hamilton is already familiar with Meredith’s mother, Ellis Grey.

The synopsis for his character hints that they knew each other from before, but it’s still unclear as to when in the past he and Dr. Ellis Grey might have met.

The good news is that fans might not have to wait too long to gain more insight into the medial drama’s newest character. Gallagher’s Hamilton is set to cross paths with Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith in the season premiere episode of the show’s 18th season.

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As for Meredith’s mother, fans can also expect to see Ellis Grey back in action for the show’s forthcoming season.
Actress Kate Burton, who has portrayed the character since she was first introduced in the first season, is already on board to reprise her role.

Grey’s aside, Peter Gallagher has been no stranger to the small screen in recent years. Most recently, the actor starred on the first season of NBC’s musical dramedy Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, kn addition to starring in Netflix’s hit sitcom, Grace and Frankie.

Grey’s Anatomy season 18 debuts via ABC on September 30.