‘Anatomy of Lies’ Team on How the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Cancer Scammer Elisabeth Finch Got Away With It

As a documentary filmmaker, I find myself constantly intrigued by the complexities and mysteries that people weave around themselves. The story of Elisabeth Finch is no exception – it’s a tangled web of lies, deception, and ultimately, survival.

Before Evgenia Peretz’s two-part expose on the deception of former “Grey’s Anatomy” writer Elisabeth Finch, published in 2022 by Vanity Fair, David Schisgall, her husband and filmmaker, had already cautioned her that the Hollywood industry might seize this story if she didn’t act first.

In the comfort of our bedroom, I found myself listening intently as she shared details about what she was working on. At one point, I simply remarked, “This sounds like a documentary. Either you’ll bring it to life, or someone else will.” This is what Schisgall shared with EbMaster.

It’s accurate to say he is correct. This notion is consistently emphasized in the docuseries “Anatomy of Lies,” co-directed by Peretz and Schisgall, which is Finch’s new project from Peacock. Finch, an aspiring writer with background on shows like “True Blood” and “The Vampire Diaries,” yearned for a writing position on her favorite series, “Grey’s Anatomy.” However, it wasn’t until she penned articles about her harrowing struggle with the uncommon bone cancer known as chondrosarcoma that her work came to Shonda Rhimes’ attention, and her dream became a reality.

Finch joined the team in 2014 and eventually climbed up to become a co-executive producer, significantly impacting the storyline of the show through her writing, which reflected the challenging experiences and remarkable strength she displayed during her personal battle with cancer. Her own cancer journey served as the inspiration for a character arc involving Debbie Allen’s role, Catherine Avery, who faced chondrosarcoma, a condition typically fatal, but miraculously survived – echoing Finch’s real-life story.

Over time, she started openly discussing her struggles with people in the writers’ room, sharing details about painful events in her life such as losing a friend in the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh and dealing with PTSD from that experience. She also revealed that she had been abused by her brother as a child, a truth she discovered during therapy, and the trauma of having to end her brother’s life after his suicide attempt left him brain dead. Despite these challenges, her colleagues and supervisors provided constant support and understanding, allowing her to continue her role on the show.

However, it was unveiled that none of Finch’s narratives were authentic. What began as public declarations about a cancer she supposedly had evolved into an intricate deception involving staged chemotherapy sessions, repeated hair shavings, spontaneous cross-country journeys, demands for empathy, and a prolonged stay at a mental health care facility under the guise of PTSD treatment. During her time there, Finch encountered Jennifer Beyer, a mother of five who had endured years of abuse from her husband, leaving her emotionally raw. Moving past their shared traumas, Finch and Beyer eventually became married and took on co-parenting duties for Beyer’s children following the death by suicide of their father. Simultaneously, Finch was drawing from Beyer’s most distressing moments to fuel her writing.

In the documentary series, Peretz and Schisgall feature extensive conversations with Beyer, along with two of her children who admired Finch, as well as several “Grey’s Anatomy” writers who were deceived by Finch for nearly ten years. However, Finch herself doesn’t appear in the series (her attorney stated to EbMaster that a statement would be provided if she chose to speak out).

Peretz explains that at some stage, we didn’t want this to simply focus on — and couldn’t do so without Elisabeth’s involvement — a documentary centering around this individual’s struggles and why they are the way they are. Instead, he says, it was crucial for us to present it as an exploration of the impact this person has had on others and how those individuals cope with it.

“The Inverse of Elisabeth Finch in Every Way”

Initially, Peretz became aware of Finch through a contact from a prior narrative who used to work on “Grey’s Anatomy.” Later, she managed to communicate with Beyer, whose emails to Shonda Rhimes and the then-showrunner of “Grey’s Anatomy,” Krista Vernoff, sparked an inquiry at Disney regarding Finch’s dishonesty.

In March 2022, Peretz hurried to Kansas to meet Beyer, who lived there. Their initial encounter lasted six hours. Beyer was tense and vulnerable, Peretz recalled. She asked him not to record the conversation or take notes. Instead, he was to listen to her account of how Finch gained Beyer’s trust, exploited her past traumas for her own gains on “Grey’s”, and tried to alienate Beyer from her children.

During our discussion, I came to understand that this situation wasn’t merely a typical Hollywood deception as Peretz puts it, but rather a deeply moving narrative. This person, who is fundamentally different from Elisabeth Finch in every aspect, had endured genuine hardship. She was a victim of prolonged abuse by her spouse, leaving her in a vulnerable state before meeting Finch. This added a poignantly human, tragic, and very dark dimension to the story.

To those viewing the documentary, Jennifer Beyer as portrayed on screen appears quite different from the individual Peretz initially encountered, as described by Schisgall. “The most rewarding aspect of this project has been witnessing Jenn transform from a delicate and nervous person that Evgenia first met, who was still doubted by many, to her current state of strength and self-assurance.

Perhaps, Beyer served as the primary inspiration for creating the documentary. In her interactions with Finch, she meticulously recorded events, offering the filmmakers an abundance of visual material to portray the gradually unfolding manipulation in Kansas.

Jenn had lost custody of her children, but when Elisabeth entered her life and became part of Jenn’s world, Jenn didn’t want to miss any moment with her kids. As a result, she began taking photos all the time, which provided us with a fantastic collection of visual memories,” Peretz explains.

In addition, Beyer was also recognized as the knowledgeable testifying witness. Schisgall expressed, “At the start, it’s hard to predict, but Jenn proved to be an incredibly intelligent, insightful, and charming woman that it was a pleasure to engage with for two hours.

“We Tried Many People Who Didn’t Want to Touch It”

In terms of their collaborative projects so far, this series represents the most extensive collaboration between Peretz and Schisgall. While Schisgall is known for her journalism and Peretz for his filmmaking, they previously teamed up to write the screenplay for the 2011 movie “Our Idiot Brother,” starring Paul Rudd and directed by Jesse Peretz, Evgenia’s brother. However, Schisgall notes that they often serve as each other’s initial, informal sounding boards.

In most cases, he’s the one who reviews the initial draft, and on the project at hand, he often serves as either a credited or uncredited executive producer, according to him. We always work together, and this collaboration has been an essential aspect of our marriage. In terms of experience, I have worked with documentaries, while she has built connections through her reporting.

Utilizing her network was crucial to reclaiming Finch’s other life in Los Angeles, particularly with the exceptionally patient and accommodating writers of “Grey’s Anatomy.” They seldom inquired about Finch’s sudden disappearances and even completed her scripts when she failed to meet deadlines – all while she still received writing credit.

In Peretz’s article for Vanity Fair, anonymous sources from “Grey’s” corroborate Finch’s behavior. On the other hand, in the series “Anatomy of Lies,” Andy Reaser, Mark Wilding, and Kiley Donovan – former writers – openly discuss their interactions with her on camera. Peretz acknowledges it was challenging to persuade these writers to participate in the documentary.

She notes that, to some degree, they were acting out of concern for Jenn, whom they barely knew. Their intention seemed to be boosting her story and standing up for someone who wasn’t as experienced in Hollywood. Moreover, they had made significant sacrifices for Elisabeth, and this was likely another selfless act. Additionally, she suggests that it served as a therapeutic process for some of them to share their own experiences.

Donovan describes in detail her private discussions with Finch regarding her revelation that she was conceived through rape. Shortly afterwards, Finch took this story and integrated it into the character development of Jo Wilson (played by Camila Luddington) in the TV series. Over time, Finch became increasingly fixated on using Jo Wilson as a means to express his writing based on Donovan’s personal experiences.

In the industry, another significant effort was undertaken to verify if notable figures from the “Grey’s Anatomy” franchise would participate. However, Shonda had already expressed her disinterest when my article was written, so there was little reaction when we approached her about this. We contacted several individuals who were unwilling to engage with the subject matter. Among those we tried reaching out to were Camilla Luddington, Ellen Pompeo, Debbie Allen, Krista Vernoff (and other writers).

It seems that none of the cast members are connected, but it’s only Luddington who hasn’t responded to comments regarding the show, possibly due to her significant role in the plotlines involving Finch.

Essentially, the documentary, despite not featuring well-known cast members from “Grey’s Anatomy,” still serves as a powerful indictment of Finch’s deception. Peretz was particularly interested in using scenes from Finch’s episodes to highlight specific instances where she exploited her story and those of others for the sake of television.

Peretz mentioned that they anticipated the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ video snippets would be captivating, as it would provide an opportunity to observe how Elisabeth skillfully intertwined her narratives and personal stories within the series. Moreover, they found the aspects involving Jo particularly intriguing.

Alongside Catherine Avery’s cancer and Jo Wilson’s PTSD, the series additionally touches upon the impact of Justin Chambers’ sudden departure from the show. Although the specific reasons behind Chambers’ exit have never been clarified, the subsequent plot development saw his character Alex Karev moving to a farm in Kansas with his ex-wife Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl), which can be seen as an allusion to Finch’s new life in Kansas with his partner Beyer.

“It Was Like 100 Degrees in the Room, but It Was Just Spellbinding”

Among the most impactful accounts in the documentary series are those of Maya and Van, two of Beyer’s children, who bravely share their experiences for the first time about how Finch’s deceit came close to tearing their family apart. Initially, Peretz and Schisgall hadn’t anticipated involving Beyer’s eldest children in their filming, but Beyer’s trust in them allowed her to express her own thoughts and feelings.

During our conversation with Maya, it turned out to be quite extensive and the temperature in the room was sweltering, yet it was utterly captivating, Peretz shares. I found myself astonished by her youth and the depth of her emotional intelligence, eloquence, charisma on camera, honesty, and authenticity. It was truly remarkable. This encounter stands out as one of my most impactful moments. Interestingly, Van displayed similar qualities, despite their distinct personalities. The confluence of these two exceptionally intelligent, compassionate children was crucial for portraying the narrative about Finch’s actions and depicting Jenn as a genuine mother.

Witnessing the family interactions and observing the efforts required to mend their bond, made it clear to Schisgall what he perceived as Finch’s most significant mistake.

What wasn’t directly depicted in the series, but something I found particularly heartless was Elisabeth Finch’s actions towards Jenn’s younger kids after their father’s passing. She formed bonds with them at a time when they were especially fragile, and took on a parental role while simultaneously deceiving them. This act of bonding served her own emotional needs, and it involved manipulating and taking advantage of them. Such actions are unconscionable when dealing with children in such a vulnerable state.

“She Is a Master Manipulator”

Reflecting on the captivating narrative unfolding across the three episodes, one recurring theme that intrigues me is the question: How could so many individuals, even those with significant influence like executives at Shondaland and ABC, fail to recognize the deception right under their noses? As a dedicated fan who’s followed this story on various platforms, I believe I might have an inkling of an explanation. According to Peretz, she seems to have uncovered some insights.

One point frequently made to us was that when lies are spread out over a long period, they aren’t typically viewed as suspicious because they’re not consecutive,” Peretz explains. “And honest people, the kind Finch tended to be drawn to, find it hard to question things like someone having cancer, or someone being close to death, or someone experiencing a friend’s death in a terrorist attack, because why would anyone fabricate such tragedies?

As a moviegoer, I’d rephrase it like this: “When a friend reveals they have cancer, there’s an unsettling feeling that they might be fibbing. This individual was exceptionally skilled at manipulation, but the key to her success was often tapping into people’s compassion.

“She Actually Has No Remorse”

Neither Peretz nor Schisgall have never had any communication with Finch, who eventually chose to resign from the show following Beyer’s emails to the senior staff of “Grey’s”. Deciphering the mystery surrounding their story’s core is a complex aspect of the series. In December 2022, The Ankler revealed an extensive interview with Finch, who reiterated longstanding claims that her brother’s abuse was the primary reason behind her behavior – allegations that have yet to be substantiated.

In the concluding scenes of the series, a significant role is played by the interview penned by Peter Kiefer. Various writers from “Grey’s” read out her remarks aloud, sparking their reactions.

Peretz remarks that, despite being in a tight spot, she persisted in justifying her narrative as described in The Ankler article. She continued to portray her abusive brother as the cause of her issues and sought a writing position on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ Many found this attempt pitiful. It was not an admission of guilt but rather a desperate final try. Moreover, she appears to show no regret.

Six weeks prior to Peretz’s newsbreak, it was actually Kiefer who first disclosed Disney launching an investigation into Finch’s falsehoods. Peretz admits that she and Schisgall conversed with Kiefer during their documentary production, particularly regarding his dealings with Finch. However, Kiefer does not appear in the final series.

I attempted to engage with him, aiming to incorporate his viewpoint, however, I found it challenging to make sense of it,” I shared.

To put it simply, Schisgall himself found it surprising that in her last-ditch interview, Finch didn’t claim responsibility for the web of deceit she had spun.

He suggests that the ideal conclusion for this tale would be to maintain an eternal night, revealing everything. It’s surprising to him that she didn’t choose this path.

“There Is a Lot More to This”

As I eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Finch’s tale, I find myself clinging to fragments of information that Peretz and Schisgall have uncovered but are yet to reveal publicly – details they may not have the appropriate sources to disclose yet confidentially.

According to Peretz, it’s important not to downplay the fact that Finch instills fear in others. In his words, “I believe she’s simply terrifying.

Apart from sharing a few hints, they’re keeping most of what they discovered during off-the-record interviews secret. “This is common in documentaries,” Schisgall explains, “but it was particularly true for this one. There’s so much more that we know but isn’t shown on the screen. A good chunk of it is fascinating, and some parts could have been included, but there wasn’t enough space or opportunity for them, or people wouldn’t go on record about it. However, there’s a wealth of untold stories behind this.

A typical Hollywood scandal isn’t complete without the promise of more drama, so is there any chance they might revisit this topic for a continuation? Highly unlikely; they’d prefer to avoid it.

He expresses his wish that no more devastating, distressing, and terrible events befall any of these individuals,” he states.

“She Is a Walking, Talking Miracle”

Following the wrap-up of filming, Peretz and Schisgall continue to maintain contact with Beyer. She resides in Kansas with her family, where she surprisingly practices as a specialized nurse.

In Kansas, she’s a nurse on the ward specializing in critical cases of newborns and challenging pregnancies, according to Schisgall. This means she faces life-threatening scenarios daily, yet excels at her role. Beyond being a skilled professional, she’s also a dedicated mother of five. She’s been through hardships, but continues to persevere, with her job as the hospital being just one aspect of her remarkable life.

Truth be told, our family’s thriving more than ever, and I couldn’t be happier about it. However, Peretz is quick to remind us that this progress isn’t something we can simply rest on our laurels about. “It’s tough to shake off the weight of the past, and there are still hurdles ahead. You never know when an old challenge might resurface psychologically. Yet, they’re a remarkably resilient and effective team at this moment.

Regarding Elizabeth, bits of details emerge occasionally. However, it’s uncertain what’s factual and what could be the most recent twist.

Elisabeth, as far as we can tell, continues to reside in L.A.,” Peretz notes. “There’s been talk that she’s been contacting people regarding job opportunities. It’s rumored she might be working on something related to her personal life. Whether it’s a book, such as a novel, we’re not sure…

Peretz pauses, chuckling, as she realizes the irony in Finch’s life being fictional. “It’s unclear whether it’s a personal account or a written work,” she clarifies.

Schisgall swiftly adds, “However, when it comes to anything related to Elisabeth, if we only hear about her work second-hand, it’s doubtful that what she claims is true.

2024-10-15 23:51