Mexican-born Ramirez was a student at Juilliard when a casting agent noted their immense talent, inviting them to Broadway to star in Paul Simon’s The Capeman. Although the show didn't do well, it led to performances in Dreamgirls and the award-winning Fascinating Rhythm, which featured music by the Gershwins.

Following those successes, it was Ramirez’s spectacular performance as the Lady of the Lake in the 2005 Monty Python inspired musical Spamalot that won the star a Tony Award.

Winning the Tony granted the Juilliard graduate a wonderful chance. The singer was given Carte Blanche to select a spot on a number of primetime ABC shows. Ramirez, a long-time fan of Grey’s Anatomy, chose to play a new character in the popular hospital series.

'Grey's' Fans Initially Hated The Character Ramirez Played

For actors, scoring a role in a hit series is a dream come true, but it wasn't an easy ride for the Tony Award winner.

The character of orthopedic surgeon, Dr Callie Torres debuted on the second season of the popular show in 2006. Unfortunately for Ramirez, the role proved to be really unpopular with many viewers.

As the love interest of established character, Dr. George O'Malley, one of the critics' main contentions was that Callie took advantage of George's vulnerability, forcing the young doctor into a whirlwind Vegas wedding.

During the character's first three seasons, fans regularly took to social media, saying they found Callie to be one of Grey's Anatomy's most annoying characters.

Another issue for fans is that they felt she suffered more than any of the characters on the show, and that as she evolved, they struggled with her sexuality. Callie Torres remained one of the most disliked characters on the show until the 3rd season, when fans eventually began to see her in a new light.

Fans Came To Love Callie Torres

Despite their original reticence, fans slowly came to love the admirable and determined character, and although they continued to say some things didn't make sense about Callie and Arizona's relationship, fans began to embrace the relationship between the two.

Calzona, as they came to be known, became one of the most popular couples on the show.

RELATED: All Of The Grey's Anatomy Couples Ranked From Worst To Best

When the relationship came to an end, fans were horrified by Callie and Arizona's devastating decision.

The Character Of Callie Became A Powerful Role Model

Ramirez has said they loved portraying a character never before seen on TV. After 11 seasons, they had won the hearts of many of their staunchest critics. Their weekly appearance on the popular show was the highlight for millions of fans.

Even 6 years after Ramirez exited the show, there are many who long for the return of the feisty surgeon to the Halls of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

Ramirez Left ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ In 2016

When Ramirez announced their decision to leave the show to take some time off in 2016, even creator Shonda Rhimes was surprised by the plans for the sudden exit, and later said that she had only found out a few days before the announcement.

That meant having to tie up a number of loose ends before the close of the season. Rhimes later indicated that it was lucky they’d already shot the end of the season, which saw Callie Torres going to New York.

Ramirez last appeared in the Season 12 finale.

Perhaps because it took Ramirez a while to gain their approval, viewers were deeply affected by their departure from the series. It may have taken a while, but they had bought into the character's deep and personal storyline and it was like losing a beloved friend.

Because the actor had taken the decision to leave, many felt betrayed by their decision, and still bear a grudge towards Ramirez to this day.

Even 6 years after Ramirez exited the show, there are many who long for the return of the feisty surgeon to the Halls of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

RELATED:15 Grey's Anatomy Characters We Wish Were Still Around

It seems that a decade later, Ramirez is back in the same space, in a case of history repeating itself. The actor has gone on to play one of the most hated characters in the Sex and the City revival series, And Just Like That….

Ramirez plays the new love interest of Cynthia Nixon. And in much the same way as Grey’s Anatomy fans reacted at the start of CallieTorres's arc in the series, there's been a negative reaction to the polarizing character that has stepped into an established cast of actors.

AJLT fans loyal to Cynthia’s long-time husband Steve hate the way the new relationship broke up the marriage. And once again, Ramirez is the one who is being held responsible for the script.

The character they play, Che Daz, has sparked memes and gone viral.

RELATED: What Has Sara Ramirez Been Up To Since 'Grey's Anatomy'?

The actor is very aware of the hatred from fans, and has responded to criticism In an interview with The New York Times, Ramirez reminded people that they are not actually Che Diaz. They also said they’re just playing a role, and that they don’t write the episodes.

That said, Ramirez is very proud of the representation the character has created.

The announcement of a second season for AJLT has sparked much speculation about whether Che Diaz will be returning for season 2.

Would Ramirez Ever Return To ‘Grey’s Anatomy’?

In a recent interview with Glamour, Ramirez has said they would love to return to GA at some time in the future, saying they’re just as curious as the fans to see what Dr Callie Torres has been up to since leaving Grey Sloan Memorial.

Whatever transpires, it seems Ramirez is sure to attract some kind of controversy. It remains to be seen whether the fans will come around again.

NEXT: Ellen Pompeo Says Katherine Heigl Was Right To Criticize ‘Grey’s Anatomy’