'Grey's Anatomy' news, updates: Maggie's mother Diane to be introduced this season

In an upcoming episode of ABC's popular medical drama TV series "Grey's Anatomy," viewers will be introduced to Maggie's (Kelly McCreary) adoptive mother.

(Facebook/GreysAnatomy)"Grey's Anatomy" season 13 returns this Thursday, Jan. 26

Entertainment Weekly got the first scoop. According to the news outlet, Maggie's mother Diane will be portrayed by LaTanya Richardson. Diane will be visiting her daughter at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in an episode slated to air on Feb. 9.

The publication did not indicate Diane's reason for visiting her daughter. But Entertainment Weekly speculates that it has to do with her and her husband's plan for divorce. It is to be noted that Diane is Maggie's adoptive family. She is actually the half-sister of Meredith (Ellen Pompeo). They share the same mother, Ellis Grey (Kate Burton). Her biological father, on the other hand, is her fellow doctor Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.).

LaTanya Richardson Jackson is the wife of actor Samuel L. Jackson. She is best known for her role as Paulina Pritchett in the 2003 musical "The Fighting Temptations." She was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Play for her role as Lena Younger in "A Raisin in the Sun." As for her TV roles, she has guest-starred in "Luke Cage" and "Blue Bloods."

Aside from Jackson's character, another parent will be introduced to the show. When "Grey's Anatomy" returns, viewers can expect to be introduced to Jackson Avery's (Jesse Williams) father. Since Williams' Jackson became part of the show, viewers have seen his brilliant mother Catherine Avery (Debbie Allen) and grandfather Harper Avery (Chelcie Ross), who are both renowned in the field of medicine. His father, however, has yet to be introduced. Little is known about Jackson's biological father.

Sarah Drew, who portrays Jackson's wife April Kepner, teased the information.

"Grey's Anatomy" season 13 returns this Thursday, Jan. 26, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Copyright © 2016 Ecumenical News