Jesse Williams Exiting Grey’s Anatomy After 12 Seasons

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ is currently one of the longest-running television shows out there, with its 17th season still going strong. The show made its debut in 2005 and was a smash hit with fans and critics alike. It remains ABC’s most popular drama.

Throughout its duration, the show has featured several characters being killed off or actors leaving the show. Now it seems one of the fan-favorites will be leaving the show for good after several years.

In the latest episode of the show titled “Look Up Child,” it was revealed that long-time star Jesse Williams will be exiting the show and leaving his role as Dr. Jackson Avery. Grey’s Anatomy executive producer and showrunner Krista Vernoff gave a statement to E! News regarding Williams’ exit from the show.

“Jesse Williams is an extraordinary artist and activist. Watching his evolution these past 11 years both on screen and off has been a true gift. Jesse brings so much heart, such depth of care, and so much intelligence to his work,” Krista continued. “We will miss Jesse terribly and we will miss Jackson Avery—played to perfection for so many years.”

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Jesse is the latest actor to leave Grey’s Anatomy. Earlier in the season, Giacomo Giannotti’s Andrew DeLuca died after being stabbed by an attempted kidnapper on the crossover episode of Station 19 and Grey’s Anatomy.

Williams also gave a statement of his own to E! News, where he was thankful for all the opportunities and cherished all the memories made during his time working on the show.

“I will forever be grateful for the boundless opportunities provided me by Shonda [Rhimes], the network, studio, fellow castmates, our incredible crew, Krista, Ellen and Debbie [Allen]. As an actor, director and person, I have been obscenely lucky to learn so much from so many and I thank our beautiful fans, who breathe so much energy and appreciation into our shared worlds.

The experience and endurance born of creating nearly 300 hours of leading global television is a gift I’ll carry always. I am immensely proud of our work, our impact and to be moving forward with so many tools, opportunities, allies and dear friends.”

Jesse Williams is set to make his final appearance as Dr. Avery on the episode titled “Tradition” on Thursday, May 20. We will have to see what is next in store for Williams after his exit from ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’