Justin Chambers is leaving “Grey’s Anatomy” after 15 years on the ABC series.
Chambers played Alex Karev in the series, who started off as a surgical intern at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital before eventually rising to the position of resident, and later becoming a pediatric surgical fellow. Sources confirmed to Variety that the Nov. 21 episode was Chambers’ final outing on the series.
The episode saw Karev return home to care for his ailing mother, but didn’t feature a dramatic send-off for the character as is customary in “Grey’s.”
“There’s no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that’s defined so much of my life for the past 15 years,” Chambers said in a statement obtained by Variety. “For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices. And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time.”
“As I move on from ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ I want to thank the ABC family, Shonda Rimes, original cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, and the rest of the amazing cast and crew, both past and present, and, of course, the fans for an extraordinary ride,” Chambers added.
“Grey’s” is currently in its record 16th season on ABC, and also stars Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., Kevin McKidd, Jesse Williams, Caterina Scorsone, Camilla Luddington, Kelly McCreary, Kim Raver and Giacomo Gianniotti.
In 2018, “Grey’s” renewal made it the longest-running primetime drama in the history of the network, and that record will continues to stretch out with the current season. It has also surpassed “ER” for being the longest-running medical drama earlier this year. The series was created and is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes.
Speaking to Variety a couple years ago while the show was in its 13th season, Chambers expressed how delighted he was to be a part of such a historic, stable show.
“It’s a blessing. It’s crazy. It’s so awesome,” the original cast member said. “Even ‘ER,’ I think their ratings dropped a lot in their 13th year.”
Season 16 of the show is averaging a 1.3 rating among adults 18-49 and just over 6 million total viewers through nine episodes.
Deadline first reported Chambers’ exit.
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