PHOTOSFan Favorite Justin Chambers Leaving ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ After 15 Years
Jan. 10 2020, Updated 8:48 p.m. ET
Goodbye, Dr. Alex Karev! Justin Chambers announced on January 10 that he is leaving Grey’s Anatomy after being on the show for 15 years. The actor was an original cast member on the long-running ABC medical drama, and quickly became a fan favorite for his sympathetic nature and attentive pediatric skills.
“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,” Justin, 49, said in a statement to Deadline. “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.”
He added, “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.”
Justin’s character was absent from the midseason finale in November 2019, but he did make an appearance during the show’s 350th episode the same month. According to Deadline, the November 14 episode was his final episode on the show “for the foreseeable future.” It is unknown how the medical drama will send off the fan favorite. Justin’s Dr. Karev had several ongoing storylines, including a new job and a wife who might have volunteered to take in an orphaned infant.
Throughout his tenure on the show, Justin’s character went through two marriages — first to Katherine Heigl’s Izzie Stevens, and later to intern Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington).
Katherine, 41, Sandra Oh, Patrick Dempsey, and T.R. Knight are among the original cast members who are no longer on Grey’s Anatomy.
Grey’s Anatomy premiered in 2005, and is the longest-running medical drama on television. It has been renewed for season 17. Grey’s will return on Thursday, January 23 for a crossover episode with ABC’s Station 19.
What do you think about Justin leaving Grey’s Anatomy? Sound off in the comments below!
