Prior to "Grey's Anatomy," E.R. Fightmaster had roles in short films like "Ancient Methods" and "Pathetic Woman," but they are perhaps best known for their recurring role in "Shrill," the Hulu series from "SNL" alum Aidy Bryant, between 2020 and 2021. Fightmaster played Em, the love interest to Lolly Adefope's Fran.
In addition to being Fightmaster's first big TV role, "Shrill" gave them the space to consider what nonbinary visibility could look like on a larger stage. "I was just like, 'Oh, you do kind of have to create the character yourself,'" Fightmaster told Indiewire in 2021. "'You have to create nonbinary characters. You have to decide that these characters are going to be nonbinary because the industry is not creating them for us.'"
Roles on "Shrill" and Showtime's "Work in Progress" have been resumé builders and representation wins alike for Fightmaster, but "Grey's Anatomy" is a whole new ballgame — especially since it courts viewers like Fightmaster's mother. "I think she was very excited about it," the actor recalled to NBC. "One of the most satisfying things I've ever gotten to do was to call her and say, 'Haha, I'm also a Ph.D. It just took me mere minutes.'"
