Jesse Williams, who has played Dr. Jackson Avery in "Grey's Anatomy" for 11 years, is saying goodbye to the show.
The actor's departure was revealed on the latest episode of the hit medical drama, "Look up Child," in which he announces his intentions to move to Boston to take over the family foundation. Williams confirmed his exit in a statement to E! News.
"I will forever be grateful for the boundless opportunities provided me by Shonda [Rhimes], the network, studio, fellow cast mates, our incredible crew, Krista, Ellen, and Debbie [Allen]," he said. "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."
He continued, "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."
"Grey's Anatomy" executive producer and showrunner Krista Vernoff described Williams as an "extraordinary artist and activist," adding that it was a "gift" to see his "evolution" on- and off-screen over the past 11 years.
"Jesse brings so much heart, such depth of care, and so much intelligence to his work," Krista said. "We will miss Jesse terribly and we will miss Jackson Avery — played to perfection for so many years."
This latest bombshell comes weeks after beloved character Dr. Andrew DeLuca, played by Giacomo Gianniotti since 2015, was killed off in March. DeLuca died on the operating table in an episode after he was stabbed trying to take down a sex trafficker. The stabbing penetrated most of his vital organs and although it at first appeared as if Dr. Owen Hunt was able to save DeLuca, his health took a turn for the worse and he died.
Ever since the "Grey's Anatomy" mid-season premiere in March, viewers have been on the edge of their seats wondering if any other characters would suffer a similar fate and their concerns are valid. The latest season could mark the end of "Grey's Anatomy," Vernoff said while discussing the show's uncertain future with The Hollywood Reporter.
"I'm planning a season and a finale that could function as either a season finale or a series finale," she said of renewal talks that have been dragging on for months. "I'm planning for both contingencies and it's hard and it's not ideal. It's not where I wish we were."
Vernoff went on to explain that she had reached out to ABC executives to determine what the next step would be.
"I’ve told them that I have to know before I’m making the finale what we’re making," she said. "Because there are a couple of character threads that will change. I’ve got plans for both contingencies. Either there will be closure or I will build something in that allows me to have a bit of a cliffhanger and a thread for next season."
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