ABC confirmed Jesse Williams' exit from the show after 11 seasons.
Williams' character Dr. Jackson Avery quickly became an integral part of the show and a major fan-favorite.
Is Jesse Williams leaving Grey’s Anatomy?
After 12 years, Williams is leaving the popular show at the end of this season.
The circumstances of Williams’ exit was first mentioned in episode 14, Look Up Child, with his final episode, Tradition, airing on May 20.
The actor released a statement commenting on the news, “I will forever be grateful for the boundless opportunities provided me by Shonda, the network, studio, fellow cast mates, our incredible crew, Krista, Ellen and Debbie."
"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.”
ABC confirmed the news that has fans reeling and put out a statement from showrunner, Krista Vernoff.
Vernoff gushed about her co-worker saying, “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."
Echoing fans' thoughts she said, "We will miss Jesse terribly and we will miss Jackson Avery — played to perfection for so many years.”
Who does Jesse Williams play on Grey's Anatomy?
Williams joined the iconic medical drama during the show's sixth season in 2009 as Doctor Jackson Avery.
Doctor Avery joined the medical staff at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital as a stuck-up plastic surgeon and evolved into a caring doctor focusing on inequities in health care throughout his time at the hospital.
He began his time at Grey Sloan Memorial under chief Mark Sloan as he worked hard to prove himself to distinguish himself from his grandfathers legacy as a successful surgeon.
Avery's leaving was introduced with the return of his ex-wife, April, for some reconciliation.
In the episode first mentioning Avery's leaving, he catches up with his father discussing his decision to take over the family foundation and make a difference in racial inequity in the medical system.
But in order to do that, Avery has to move to Boston.
How can I watch Grey's Anatomy?
The long running show airs Thursdays at 9pm on ABC.
Fans can watch season 17 by tuning into ABC or Hulu the next day.
The season finale will air May 20th seeing Dr. Avery off to his next adventure.
Previous seasons of Grey's Anatomy are currently streaming on Netflix.
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