Brooke Smith joins 'Grey's Anatomy'

Dave Allocca / Rex

Brooke Smith is joining Grey's Anatomy as a permanent cast member.

The actress has guest-starred on the ABC drama series in past seasons as Dr. Erica Hahn, who will now be the top cardiothoracic surgeon at Seattle Grace Hospital.

Smith is known for her roles in The Silence of the Lambs, The Namesake, Melinda and Melinda and In Her Shoes, as well as TV shows Weeds and Crossing Jordan.