Jesse Williams has announced his departure from Grey’s Anatomy after 12 years of playing beloved plastic surgeon Dr Jackson Avery.
The 39-year-old actor joined the Shonda Rhimes’ long-running series in 2009 and has grown a loyal fanbase over the past decade.
However, it’s time for viewers to prepare for Jackson’s exit as Jesse’s final scenes will air later this month.
In a statement, the actor said: ‘I will forever be grateful for the boundless opportunities provided me by Shonda, the network, studio, fellow cast mates, our incredible crew, Krista [Vernoff], Ellen [Pompeo] 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.’
He added: ‘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.’
Vernoff, who became Grey’s Anatomy’s showrunner in 2007, hailed Jesse as an ‘extraordinary artist and activist’.
The producer continued: ‘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. We will miss Jesse terribly and we will miss Jackson Avery — played to perfection for so many years.’
No doubt viewers will be devastated by Jesse’s departure as he has only just reunited with co-star Sarah Drew – Jackson’s former love interest Dr April Kepner.
It had been three years since Jesse and Sarah last shared the screen together and now fans will be wondering if they’ll leave Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital as an item again.
Viewers were left swooning after seeing the formerly smitten doctors together again, with one tweeting during last night’s episode: ‘This was hands down one of the best episodes of season 17.’
Another said: ‘@iJesseWilliams deserves all the awards for this episode.’
Grey’s Anatomy airs Thursdays on ABC in the US. Season 17 is also available on Sky Witness in the UK.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
0 Commentaires