Grey’s Anatomy is known for having some pretty hot docs on staff, and chief among them is Chris Carmack. While the fate of his character Link is unknown after the explosive Season 21 finale, we’re holding out hope for the ortho god’s survival. However, the uncertainty may not be sitting so well with the actor himself, as pointed out by his wife, who hilariously compared his current appearance to what he looked like 20 years ago.
These days Chris Carmack is best known as Atticus Lincoln on Grey’s Anatomy, but a couple of decades ago, he was all “Welcome to the O.C., bitch!” as Luke Ward on Fox’s teen drama. Carmack’s wife Erin Slaver trolled her husband on Instagram, as she panned back and forth between clips of him on The O.C. and his current state:
2025 TV schedule this fall, especially compared to the 20-something version of himself. But despite the actor wearing a gray robe and wiping greasy pizza fingers on his T-shirt, fans agreed on one thing. As Instagram user jennikat.bond put it:
Instagram post saw her recalling his days as an Abercrombie & Fitch model, as you can see below:
OK, why have I never once shopped at Abercrombie & Fitch and I still remember that bag?
I have to admit, reliving Chris Carmack’s past is way more fun than considering what the future might hold for Link on Grey’s Anatomy. While the cliffhanger suggested Link and Nurse Linda were in the operating room that exploded, we really don’t know who was within range, since we only saw it from outside.
In fact, only three doctors are actually known to be safe — Meredith Grey, who was in the parking lot and has already been confirmed for Season 22; Ben Warren, who was seen running into the hospital seconds after the explosion; and Link’s wife, Jo Wilson, who had already left.
As we wait for a fall premiere date from ABC, you can relive Chris Carmack’s roles — past and present — with both The O.C. and Grey’s Anatomy available to stream with a Hulu subscription or Disney+ subscription. The O.C. is also available on HBO Max, while Grey’s can also be streamed on Netflix.