Justin Chambers Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Exit After 16 Seasons
One of four of the original Grey’s Anatomy cast members is departing the series after fifteen years and sixteen seasons.
Fan-favorite Justin Chambers, who has played Dr. Alex Karev since the pilot episode, announced his exit today citing the desire to diversify his acting career. This is the first major exit in two seasons since Sarah Drew and Jessica Capshaw left the series at the end of Grey’s Anatomy Season 14.
JEFFREY DAVID ANDERSON, JUSTIN CHAMBERS
“There’s no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that’s defined so much of my life for the past 15 years,” Chambers told Deadline. “For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices. And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time.”
Chamber went on to acknowledge the people who had been so supportive over his fifteen-year run.
“As I move on from Grey’s Anatomy, I want to thank the ABC family, Shonda Rimes, original cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, and the rest of the amazing cast and crew, both past and present, and, of course, the fans for an extraordinary ride,” he said.
JUSTIN CHAMBERS, ELLEN POMPEO
TV Line later reported that Chambers’ last episode has already aired meaning no big send-off for Alex. The lack of a proper sendoff suggests that his departure came abruptly and without much notice.
Chambers was absent from the fall finale, Grey’s Anatomy Season 16 Episode 9, “Let’s All Go to the Bar,” in November. His last appearance to date was on Grey’s Anatomy Season 16 Episode 8, “My Shot,” when Karev left to take care of his sick mother.
Karev’s fifteen years on Grey’s Anatomy have shown his character rising from a newly minted surgical intern to finding his calling as a pediatric surgent. His character has stepped up for both patients and colleagues, going above and beyond anyone’s initial expectations of him.
Notably, at the end of Grey’s Anatomy Season 15, Karev was fired from Grey-Sloan Memorial as an accomplice to helping Meredith Grey commit insurance fraud.
JUSTIN CHAMBERS, ELLEN POMPEO
There is alot this announcement leaves up in the air about Karev’s storylines. There’s his marriage to Jo, his work at Pac North, and his ongoing friendship with Meredith Grey.
Grey’s Anatomy is the longest-running medical drama and a ratings powerhouse. Last year, ABC gave the show a two-season pickup through Season 17. AMC Entertainment President has voiced optimism that the series will continue after the 2020-2021 network season.
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What do you think of this news about Justin Chambers’ departure? Are you sad to see Karev go? Let us know in the comments below.
Grey’s Anatomy returns Thursday, January 23th at 9/8c.
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Lauren Busser
Lauren Busser is an Associate Editor at Tell-Tale TV. She is a writer of fiction and nonfiction whose work has appeared in Bitch Media, Popshot Quarterly, Brain Mill Press Voices, and The Hartford Courant.