Grey’s Anatomy Teases Character Exit After Kevin McKidd, Kim Raver

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Fans of Grey’s Anatomy know that the show is always saying goodbye to doctors – it’s just part of the series.

The season 22 finale of Grey’s Anatomy, which aired on April 2nd, left the futures of Dr. Miranda Bailey, played by Chandra Wilson, and Dr. Benson Kwan, played by Harry Shum Jr., uncertain due to a shocking cliffhanger involving an FDA investigation.

Throughout the episode, Miranda tries to hide the fact that Kwan gave patient Quinn Durston (Michael Weston) an experimental hydrogel injection without permission. This hydrogel had previously been rejected by the FDA.

Indeed, while Bailey is covering for the resident, she doesn’t necessarily let him off easy. 

At the start of the episode, Bailey firmly tells Kwan to stay away from patients, explaining that he gave a man a treatment the FDA had warned against using.

While Miranda insists Durston didn’t receive the experimental drug, her husband, Dr. Ben Warren, and Dr. Richard Webber start to wonder why the patient is recovering so quickly.

Later on, Durston is found to have a blood clot in his lungs. His son then tells Ben and intern Dr. Dani Spencer that his father had been given the medication, despite previous denials.

Ben, who has experienced hospital investigations himself since starting at Grey Sloan as a surgical intern, questioned Bailey about what was happening. However, she firmly defended Kwan, telling her husband she wouldn’t report Kwan’s actions.

I was just trying to assist, and we had a potential solution,” Bailey tells Ben. “We’ve all made errors, but we’re still moving forward. He’s already facing consequences for what he did through paperwork and restrictions – he doesn’t need to throw away all his progress now.

Even though Ben warns Bailey she could face a fine or lose her medical license, she persuades him to stay quiet. However, intern Spencer doesn’t keep the secret and reports Bailey to the chief.

I heard Dr. Webber explaining to Bailey why Dr. Quinn followed procedure so carefully. Apparently, because Quinn was using an experimental treatment on a patient, Webber needed to be able to report any problems to both the Institutional Review Board and the FDA. It all makes sense – everything had to be documented perfectly for regulatory reasons.

As Bailey attempts to explain the situation, Webber tells her to save her story for later. 

He says the review board will need to know everything, right before the scene ends. They’re starting an investigation.

As a longtime fan, I’m definitely still hooked to see what happens with Bailey and Kwan in season 22! It’s just a little heartbreaking to hear that Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver – Dr. Owen Hunt and Dr. Teddy Altman, you know – have confirmed they’re leaving the show at the end of this season. It won’t be the same without them, but I’ll be watching to see how everything unfolds.

Losing four characters in one season might seem like a lot for Grey’s Anatomy, but the show has surprised viewers with cast changes before. Here’s a look at all the doctors who have left the series…

During the third season, Burke unexpectedly left Cristina at their wedding and disappeared. He later achieved success, winning a prestigious Harper Avery award and eventually relocating to Zurich, Switzerland, to establish his own cutting-edge hospital. He built a life there, getting married and starting a family. Years later, in season ten, he offered Cristina the opportunity to run his hospital, effectively retiring and passing the torch to her.

Isaiah Washington was fired from the show after reports surfaced that he used a homophobic slur against his co-star, T.R. Knight, during an on-set argument with Patrick Dempsey. His attempts to defend himself only worsened the situation. However, he later reconciled with ABC and made a guest appearance in 2014.

Washington publicly apologized for the incident and acknowledged he needs to do some personal reflection. He stated he’s seeking help to understand his own issues better.

Since leaving Grey’s Anatomy, he’s been in several successful shows. He played Thelonious Jaha on The CW’s The 100 until his character was killed off in the fifth season, and then went on to appear in the critically praised P-Valley on Starz.

Izzie Stevens faced a battle with cancer, found love with Alex Karev, and overcame the illness. However, she unexpectedly left Seattle during season six. When she briefly returned, she realized she no longer felt connected to the city. Later, Alex received divorce papers, and it was revealed that Izzie had secretly given birth to their twins. She’s now living on a ranch in Kansas and working as a surgeon specializing in cancer.

Katherine Heigl’s departure from the show started in 2008 when she asked not to be considered for an Emmy award, feeling the writing wasn’t strong enough. By 2010, her character was written off entirely. Although she expressed interest in returning to the role later, creator Shonda Rhimes decided against it, stating in 2015 that she had moved past that storyline.

Katherine Heigl first became well-known for romantic comedies, appearing in several before returning to television. She starred in shows like State of Affairs, Doubt, and had a role on Suits. Most recently, she played a lead in Firefly Lane, which concluded in 2023.

Norman joined the show in its fourth season and faced confusion because people often mistook him for a doctor, not an intern, due to his mature appearance. He made a serious error by mistakenly telling a patient she was terminally ill, and later suffered a stroke, collapsing on the job. After successful surgery to remove a blood clot, he decided to switch his medical focus to psychiatry.

Edward Herrmann was a well-known actor, best remembered for playing Richard Gilmore on Gilmore Girls. Throughout his career, he also had roles in shows like The Good Wife, Harry’s Law, and American Dad before he passed away in 2014.

Sydney temporarily replaced Bailey while she was on maternity leave, and her overly enthusiastic personality often annoyed her colleagues. She briefly dated Derek, but her character was written off the show around the beginning of season four. She did make a quick return appearance in season 21, in 2024.

Kali Rocha is an actress known for her roles on Disney’s Liv and Maddie and Man with a Plan, as well as a recent appearance on the 2024 episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

One of the most heartbreaking moments in the series happens at the end of season five. George, after deciding to join the army as a trauma surgeon, heroically saved a woman from being hit by a bus, but was struck himself. He arrived at the hospital in critical condition, unrecognizable until he wrote his nickname, ‘007,’ on Meredith’s hand. Despite their best efforts, he couldn’t be saved and tragically died.

Following a period of backstage conflict, including a reported incident where Isaiah Washington used offensive language towards him, actor Knight grew frustrated with the direction of his character’s storylines and the limited screen time he received at the start of season five. As a result, he requested to be let out of his contract.

Knight revisited Shondaland in 2017 with a role on The Catch, and has since appeared in shows like The Good Wife, 11.22.63, and Genius. From 2019 to 2024, he provided voice work for The Bravest Knight. He also starred alongside Kaley Cuoco in the HBO Max series The Flight Attendant, which ran from 2020 to 2022.

He also returned to Grey’s for one episode to meet Meredith during her COVID-19 coma in season 17. 

Erica Hahn and Callie Torres were in a promising relationship, but it ended when Erica discovered Izzie Stevens had disconnected Denny Duquette’s life-support device, hoping to save him. That heart ultimately went to Denny, and it had originally belonged to one of Erica’s patients. When Callie wouldn’t report what Izzie did, Erica broke up with her and resigned from her job at the beginning of season five.

Brooke Smith has appeared in several popular TV shows, including Bosch, Bates Motel, Supergirl, The Good Doctor, Chicago Med, and The Good Fight. She was also in the 2019 film Bombshell.

Most recently, she had arcs in Ryan Murphy‘s Grotesquerie, The Recruit and The Hunting Party. 

Ryan, who previously played the intern, left the show early in season six. Brandon Scott has since appeared in popular Netflix series like Dead To Me, 13 Reasons Why, This Is Us, and The Good Doctor.

Megan, one of the interns from Grey’s Anatomy, was involved in a complicated relationship. She was dating Pierce but had a brief affair with Steve, which led to a near-fatal confrontation between the two men. Megan then became pregnant with Steve’s child and eventually married him. After being rehired by Derek Shepherd, she disappeared from the show after season six.

Since her role on Grey’s Anatomy, Molly Kidder has continued to act, appearing in shows like Outsourced in 2010 and several independent films. More recently, in 2025, she had a small role as an extra in Ghosts.

Pierce, who was part of a complicated love triangle with Megan and Steve, left the show in season six after being laid off. Since then, the actor who played Pierce, Joe Williamson, has appeared in shows like Here and Now and the 2019 movie Ford v Ferrari, alongside Christian Bale and Matt Damon.

Steve completed the office’s love triangle by marrying Megan and having a child with her. He also managed to keep his job through several rounds of layoffs, lasting until the eighth season of the show, after which he disappeared from the storyline.

As a lifestyle expert, I often get asked what happened to former TV stars, and Mark Saul is one I’ve definitely tracked! After leaving Grey’s Anatomy, he didn’t disappear at all! He’s actually been consistently working, popping up in shows like Franklin & Bash, Mom, The Great Indoors, Grace & Frankie, Modern Family, and even the hilarious I Think You Should Leave. It’s great to see familiar faces continuing to thrive on television!

Olivia, a former nurse at the hospital, lost her job when the hospital merged with Mercy West during season six. She briefly reappeared in season fourteen when her son accidentally swallowed a toy while she was visiting family in Seattle. Naturally, Alex, a doctor with whom she had a past relationship, treated her son, which led to some awkward conversations with his then-fiancée, Jo.

Since leaving Grey’s Anatomy in 2009, Sarah Utterback has appeared in several television shows, including Reception and Mysteries of Laura. Most recently, in 2024, she had a small part in 9-1-1.

As a lifestyle expert, I always keep track of what my favorite actors are up to! You might remember Graciella from her role in season six, but she’s been incredibly busy since then. She’s consistently working, with recent appearances on shows like How to Get Away with Murder and S.W.A.T., plus guest spots on The Good Doctor, American Housewife, Animal Kingdom, Snowfall, Criminal Minds, NCIS: LA, Anger Management, and Bones. She was also in the 2019 miniseries Reckoning, and just recently appeared on an episode of Tracker as Rona – she’s definitely one to watch!

As a lifestyle expert, I remember being shocked when Nora became the first victim of Gary Clark’s rampage. It was in season six when he brought a gun to the hospital with the intent of killing Derek, and tragically, Nora was immediately killed by a gunshot to the head. It was a truly heartbreaking moment, and a turning point in the show.

Nora Zehetner has been in several popular TV shows. After her role on Grey’s Anatomy ended, she appeared in a few episodes of Mad Men. More recently, she starred in Designated Survivor and the 2019 series The Right Stuff. In 2025, she played Melissa in Grosse Point Garden Society.

Percy tragically died during the filming of season six. His death was a slow, agonizing ordeal – he was trapped with a patient (played by Mandy Moore!) and Bailey, and shot at point-blank range. Despite Bailey’s desperate attempts to save him, he couldn’t be rescued when the elevators stopped working during the evacuation.

Robert Baker has consistently worked as an actor, with roles in popular shows like Riverdale, Modern Family, and The Originals. He recently played Otis Graves on Supergirl, and in 2025, he appeared in an episode of St. Denis Medical.

Dr. Lucy, an OBGYN, unexpectedly got a fantastic job opportunity in Africa, seemingly taking it from Alex. This happened, in part, because Alex hadn’t mentioned his own potential interest in moving there. Lucy took the position and wasn’t featured on the show after season seven.

Rachael Taylor is widely recognized for her roles as Trish Walker, Jessica Jones’ friend, in the Netflix series Jessica Jones and The Defenders. More recently, she made an appearance in an episode of the 2024 show Hacks.

Addison, who started as Derek’s estranged and resentful wife, became a popular character and even got her own show. She last appeared as a regular on Grey’s Anatomy in a memorable (and slightly debated) musical episode during season seven, where she assisted in saving Callie after a car accident. She also made guest appearances, including a 2012 episode where Meredith fantasized about her mother being alive and happily married to Richard, and returned for a storyline in 2023.

She ended Private Practice married to Jake (Benjamin Bratt) with a son, Henry. 

Kate Walsh has had a diverse career, appearing in shows like Fargo and The Umbrella Academy, as well as starring in Bad Judge and the emotional series 13 Reasons Why. More recently, she’s been recognized for her role in Emily in Paris and made a guest appearance on Optics in 2025.

Lexie’s death was a heartbreaking moment for viewers. The plane crash storyline was particularly devastating, and she tragically died before reaching the hospital. Her boyfriend, Mark Sloan, was devastated by her loss. Years later, in a poignant scene during Meredith’s COVID-19 coma, Lexie and Mark appeared to suggest they were reunited in the afterlife.

Chyler Leigh first appeared in the comedy series Taxi Brooklyn. She then became known for her strong and determined character, Alex Danvers, in Supergirl. More recently, since 2023, she’s been playing Kat Landry in the Hallmark series The Way Home.

Mark, known as ‘McSteamy,’ also died in the season eight plane crash, but not right away. He managed to get back to the hospital and survived for a few days, but his injuries were too serious. Now, the hospital is named after him and Lexie, thanks to money the other plane crash survivors received from a lawsuit. In a touching moment, Mark appeared with Lexie while Meredith was in a coma, suggesting they were reunited in the afterlife.

Eric Dane departed from the show to lead the cast of TNT’s The Last Ship, which concluded after five seasons in November 2018. He now stars in the HBO series Euphoria alongside Zendaya, and is scheduled to return for the highly anticipated third season.

In April 2025, the actor announced he had been diagnosed with ALS, a disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Do you remember Jo’s boyfriend from season nine, the OGYN resident? They had a big argument when he discovered she’d been keeping things from him, and it escalated into a physical fight. Jason ended up in the hospital with a head injury after falling during the altercation. Alex talked him out of pressing charges against Jo, and he moved away – we never heard from him again.

Charles Michael Davis became known for his roles in several television series, including The Originals (The CW), Younger (TV Land), For the People (ABC), and Chicago P.D. (NBC). His most recent appearance was in a 2022 episode of Legacies.

In season 10, the beloved but eccentric intern Heather tragically died during a major storm. She was electrocuted while attempting to assist Dr. Richard Webber.

Tina Majorino most recently appeared on CBS’ Scorpion and an episode of The Good Doctor.

Dr. Herman was a tough mentor to Arizona during her fetal surgery training, but Arizona understood why when she found out about Nicole’s serious, incurable brain tumor. Amelia successfully removed the tumor, but Herman later lost her vision and departed the show in season 11. She reappeared in season 14 to support Arizona’s exit, providing funding for her to establish a women’s health center in New York.

Geena Davis appeared in the 2016 Fox series The Exorcist and later returned to Grey’s Anatomy. More recently, she’s had roles in the Netflix show GLOW and the She-Ra animated series reboot. Currently, she primarily works behind the scenes as a producer, executive producing Mission Unstoppable With Miranda Cosgrove.

Following the devastating plane crash, Cristina Yang faced a long and difficult recovery. Later, the disappointment of losing the Harper Avery award – and realizing she’d never win while at that hospital – led her to consider a change. An invitation from her former love, Preston Burke, to lead his state-of-the-art hospital in Zurich – allowing him to retire and focus on his family – presented that opportunity. After a final celebratory dance with Meredith, she left in season 10.

Okay, seriously, Sandra Oh is EVERYTHING right now! I’m completely obsessed with her as Eve in Killing Eve – she SO deserved that Golden Globe! And can we talk about how she’s also in She-Ra and the Princesses of Power on Netflix, just like Geena Davis? It’s amazing! Plus, she voices a character in Invincible created by Robert Kirkman – she’s just constantly popping up in all my favorite shows, and I’m living for it!

Shane started as an overconfident intern and became a resident, pushing himself to the point of exhaustion. He developed a close bond with Cristina and eventually asked to join her when she moved to Zurich, and she agreed.

Gaius Charles, best known for playing Smash Williams in Friday Night Lights, has also appeared in Aquarius and Taken. He recently starred in The Walking Dead: Dead City.

Derek Shepherd went through a difficult period when he started working for President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. He wanted his wife, Meredith, and their family to join him, but she didn’t want to move. They lived separately for a time until Derek realized he needed to return home and find a way to work remotely to be with his family.

After finally finding happiness with Mer in season 11, he was driving back to resolve some unfinished business when he came across a serious car crash. He spent hours helping those injured, but tragically, was then struck by a truck while returning to his own vehicle. The hospital he was taken to wasn’t equipped to handle severe trauma, and doctors didn’t order a crucial head scan, which ultimately led to his death.

Patrick Dempsey explained he left Grey’s Anatomy because the show’s storylines were becoming difficult to maintain, and he wanted to prioritize spending time with his family. He requested to be released from his contract. Since then, he’s appeared in Bridget Jones’ Baby, the miniseries The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair, the show Devils, and has even done commercials referencing his former role as a TV doctor. Currently, he’s starring in Dexter: Original Sin.

He shockingly returned to Grey’s for a series of dream sequences in season 17.

Leah Murphy had a rough time on the show. She was fired in season 10 because she struggled as a surgeon. Surprisingly, she came back in season 13 to work alongside Maggie, but disappeared just a few episodes later.

As a bit of a film and TV buff, I always love seeing talented actors pop up in interesting projects. I remember Tessa Ferrer being fantastic in the 2019 Hulu miniseries Catch-22, alongside the legendary George Clooney – what a great show! And more recently, she was in Grotesquerie which came out in 2024. She’s definitely one to watch!

I was heartbroken when Callie left Grey Sloan. It all happened because her girlfriend, Penny, landed an amazing fellowship in New York, and honestly, it felt a little rushed. After that awful custody battle with Arizona, I really thought Callie was going to stay in Seattle. But then Arizona surprised everyone and let her go with Sofia at the end of season twelve. It was a bittersweet ending, but I knew Callie needed to be happy, and Penny offered her that chance.

Sara Ramirez departed to join the cast of CBS’s Madame Secretary. They later became known for playing the controversial character Che Diaz in the HBO series And Just Like That, a continuation of Sex and the City. In 2024, Ramirez also provided the voice for Amber in the animated show Velma.

Penelope’s time at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital was consistently difficult. She started off with a difficult introduction, being known as one of the doctors connected to Derek’s death and having to work under a frustrated Meredith Grey. Later, when she landed a great job in New York and Callie Torres joined her, it sparked a painful custody fight between Callie and Arizona Robbins. They’ve since broken up – a breakup that seemed inevitable – which led to Arizona also moving to New York.

Samantha Sloyan became known for her role as Leigh in The Haunting of Hill House, and she’s also appeared in shows like SEAL Team and The Rookie. Most recently, in 2025, she returned to medical dramas with a role in The Pitt.

During Season 13, Dr. Minnick replaced Richard Webber as the residents’ teacher, but she was widely disliked – Meredith was even suspended because of conflicts with her. Ultimately, she was fired after prioritizing strict rules over patient safety, failing to inform the police that a resident, Stephanie, was missing during a fire and nearly died.

Marika Dominczyk later appeared on ABC’s brief series Whiskey Cavalier, joining her husband, Scott Foley (who previously starred on Grey’s Anatomy).

After a grueling season filled with loss – including the death of her boyfriend, Kyle (Wilmer Valderrama) – and a near-fatal fire, Stephanie decided she needed a fresh start and set off to explore new possibilities.

Jerrika Hinton continued her acting career with roles in the HBO drama Here and Now in 2018 and the Amazon series Hunters, where she played a Nazi hunter. More recently, in 2024, she appeared as Lycia in The Accused.

In early season 14, Nathan left Grey Sloan after his long-held dream came true: his fiancée, Megan Hunt, was found safe after being held captive for ten years. They moved to Los Angeles with Megan’s adopted child, giving Nathan the happy ending he’d always wanted, though it meant the end of his relationship with Meredith.

I’ve been a fan of Martin Henderson for years – did you know he was in Britney Spears’ “Toxic” video? It was such a surprise to see him later on as a regular in Virgin River, and I was sad to see his character leave in 2024. He really made the show!

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2026-04-03 18:50