Grey’s Anatomy Star Isaiah Washington Announces Retirement from Acting After Controversial Career

Isaiah Washington, who played Dr. Preston Burke for three seasons on the hit medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” has announced his retirement from acting in a tweet on Friday.

“It is with a heavy heart and a sense of relief that I am announcing my early retirement from the entertainment industry today,” Washington wrote.

Although there were several reasons that made him decide to retire, he cited the ongoing criticism of his “Grey’s” character as the final straw. In his tweet, he wrote, “I’m no longer interested in the back and forth regarding a ‘color construct’ that keeps us human beings divided nor am I interested in politics or anything vitriolic.”

Washington, who has been very active on Twitter since 2011, has been the subject of controversy in the past. He was fired from “Grey’s Anatomy” after using a homophobic slur against his co-star T.R. Knight both on set and at the 2007 Golden Globe Awards. He initially denied ever using the slur but later admitted to it and apologized.

Since his departure from “Grey’s Anatomy,” Washington has continued to act in various TV shows and movies, including “True Crime” and “Corsicana,” where he played the role of “Bass Reeves.” However, he has now confirmed that “Corsicana” will be his final onscreen venture.

In his retirement tweet, Washington said that he will be “traveling this great country before it falls into Socialism and then Communism.” He also assured his fans that he will keep them updated on his “retirement shenanigans here and there.”

Despite the controversies, Washington received the “Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series” award at the 38th annual NAACP Image Awards in 2007.

Washington’s retirement announcement has received mixed reactions from his fans and colleagues, with many expressing their sadness and disappointment over his decision to retire from acting.

What are your thoughts on Isaiah Washington’s decision to retire from acting and his reasons for doing so? Do you believe that criticism of a character should lead to an actor’s retirement, or do you think it’s important to separate the actor from their role? Share your opinions in the comment section below!