Key Grey’s Anatomy Character Fired, Injured Ahead of Season 22 Finale

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Nobody knows where a Grey’s Anatomy finale might end up—and season 22 is no different.

The second-to-last episode of the recent season of the medical drama strongly hinted at several characters leaving Grey Sloan Memorial. In a surprising turn, Dr. Benson Kwan (played by Harry Shum Jr.) was fired, even though Dr. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) tried to protect him during an investigation by the hospital’s review board.

In the April 30th episode, Bailey continued to cover for Kwan, protecting him from questions about giving a patient an experimental, unapproved medicine to try and save their life. She had previously taken the blame, claiming she was the one who broke the rules, not Kwan.

Despite seeming to get away with it, Bailey and Kwan’s secret plan was discovered. At the end of the episode, Chief Weber (James Pickens Jr.) revealed to Bailey that the IRB had caught their deception.

Oh my god, it was Kwan! Weber finally said it, right to Bailey’s face! I was screaming at the TV! And then Weber called him out on the lie – Bailey actually said he did it! Can you believe the audacity? Weber immediately benched him from surgeries, and honestly, good! I’ve suspected Kwan all along, and seeing Weber finally confront them both? Perfection. I’m still reeling!

Bailey didn’t seem bothered by the reprimand and actually asked Weber to be lenient with the second-year resident, Kwan.

“That won’t be a problem,” Weber said. “He’s fired.”

Okay, so not only is there a chance Kwan might be leaving – I’m still reeling from that! – but the episode just kept hitting me with twists! Seeing Teddy and Owen trying to fix things was already emotional, especially knowing Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd are leaving soon. But then… Owen getting into a major car accident at the very end?! Seriously?! I can’t even breathe right now. This is too much!

When Altman learned about the incoming casualties from the bridge collapse, she received a voicemail from Hunt who was apologizing for an argument they’d had earlier.

“Let’s talk when I get in,” Hunt tells her. “If I ever get in, the traffic on this bridge is—” 

Hunt’s voicemail is abruptly cut off by crashing noises, before the episode cuts to black. 

The latest cliffhanger on Grey’s Anatomy definitely got fans’ hearts racing! It was particularly shocking because creator Shonda Rhimes had previously hinted that the stories of characters Altman and Hunt wouldn’t end in tragedy.

After confirming the departures of actors Jessica Capshaw and Kevin McKidd last month, Shonda Rhimes shared that she’s been delighted to witness the development of Owen and Teddy’s relationship. She described it as ‘bittersweet and joyful’ to give the couple the happy ending they’ve earned.

Honestly, the thought of Raver and McKidd leaving Grey’s Anatomy is just… crushing. I’m still reeling! It’s going to be so hard to watch, no matter how their stories end. I need to know everything about who else has left and what the actors are up to now, just to cope, you know?

During the third season, Burke unexpectedly left Cristina at their wedding and moved away. He later achieved success, winning a prestigious Harper Avery award and eventually establishing a cutting-edge hospital in Zurich, Switzerland. He built a life there, getting married and having a family. Years later, in season ten, he offered Cristina the opportunity to run his hospital when he decided to retire.

Isaiah Washington was fired from the show after reports surfaced that he used a homophobic slur towards 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 reflect on his own behavior, stating he’s seeking help to do so.

Since leaving Grey’s Anatomy, he’s appeared in several popular shows, including The 100, where he played Thelonious Jaha until his character’s death in the fifth season. Most recently, he starred in the critically praised P-Valley on Starz.

Izzie Stevens battled cancer, married Alex Karev, and recovered, but she unexpectedly left Seattle during season six. She briefly returned, explaining 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.

Katherine Heigl’s departure from the show started in 2008 when she asked to not be considered for an Emmy award because she wasn’t satisfied with the storylines. By 2010, her character was written off completely. While she later expressed interest in returning, creator Shonda Rhimes decided against it, stating in 2015 that she had moved past that character’s story.

Katherine Heigl was becoming well-known for romantic comedies when she went back to television with shows like State of Affairs and Doubt. More recently, she appeared in an arc on Suits and starred in Firefly Lane, which concluded in 2023.

Norman joined the show in its fourth season, but people often mistook him for a fully qualified doctor because of how old he looked, even though he was just an intern. He made a serious error by mistakenly telling a patient she was terminally ill, and later suffered a stroke. 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. He also had roles in popular 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 cheerful personality often annoyed her coworkers. She briefly dated Derek, but her character was written off the show early in season four. She did make a quick return appearance in season 21, airing in 2024.

Kali Rocha is an actress known for her roles in 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 emotionally devastating 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. Arriving at the hospital in critical condition, he was unrecognizable until he wrote his nickname, ‘007’, on Meredith’s hand. Despite their best efforts, he tragically died.

Following a difficult period marked by backstage conflicts – including a reported incident where Isaiah Washington used offensive language – actor Knight felt unhappy with some of the plotlines for his character 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 been seen 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, appearing 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 wire, hoping to save him. The heart Denny received had originally been meant for one of Erica’s patients. When Callie wouldn’t report this incident, Erica ended both the relationship and her employment at the hospital early in season five.

Brooke Smith continued her career with roles in popular TV shows like Bosch, Bates Motel, Supergirl, The Good Doctor, Chicago Med, and The Good Fight. She also appeared 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 was known for creating chaos as an intern at Grey Sloan Memorial, and her personal life was particularly dramatic. She was involved in a complicated love triangle with Steve and Pierce, dating Pierce while having an affair with Steve. This led to a near-violent confrontation between the two men, and Megan eventually became pregnant with Steve’s child. Surprisingly, they later married, but Megan hasn’t appeared on the show since season six, after Derek Shepherd brought her back on staff.

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, Joe Williamson, the actor who played Pierce, 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, after which he left the show and wasn’t seen again.

I was so surprised to see Mark Saul pop up in so many shows after he left Grey’s Anatomy! It’s been fun spotting him in things like Franklin & Bash, Mom, The Great Indoors, Grace & Frankie, Modern Family, and even I Think You Should Leave. He’s clearly been keeping busy!

Olivia, a former nurse at the hospital, lost her job during the merger with Mercy West in season six. She briefly reappeared in season fourteen when her son accidentally swallowed a toy while she was visiting family in Seattle. He was treated by Alex, a doctor she previously had a relationship with, and she spent some time catching up with his then-fiancée, Jo.

Since leaving the show 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.

Graciella, who was last seen as an intern during the hospital shooting in season six, has been consistently working in television. Recent roles include an arc on How to Get Away with Murder and guest appearances on shows like S.W.A.T., The Good Doctor, American Housewife, Animal Kingdom, Snowfall, Criminal Minds, NCIS: LA, Anger Management, and Bones. She also appeared in the 2019 miniseries Reckoning and had a role as Rona in a 2024 episode of Tracker.

In season six, Nora was the first person killed by Gary Clark, who went to the hospital with the intent of murdering Derek. She was fatally shot in the head and died instantly.

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, but his death was a longer, more harrowing scene. He was trapped with a patient – Mandy Moore! – and Bailey, and shot at point-blank range. Despite Bailey’s efforts 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.

Lucy, an OBGYN, unexpectedly got a fantastic job opportunity in Africa, essentially taking it from Alex. This happened partly because Alex hadn’t mentioned his own potential interest in working in Africa. Lucy took the position and wasn’t seen 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, initially introduced as Derek’s estranged and resentful wife, became a popular character who even got her own show. She last appeared as a regular on Grey’s Anatomy in season seven’s memorable musical episode, where she assisted in saving Callie after a car accident. She made a guest appearance in 2012 during an episode where Meredith fantasized about her mother being alive and happily married to Richard, while also briefly revisiting her complicated marriage with Derek. More recently, she returned for a storyline in 2023.

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

She’s known for her roles in popular shows like Fargo, 13 Reasons Why, and The Umbrella Academy, as well as her short-lived series Bad Judge. More recently, she starred 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, one of the show’s most devastating, saw her fatally injured and unable to be saved. Her boyfriend, Mark Sloan, was left heartbroken. Later, in a poignant scene during Meredith’s COVID-19 coma, Lexie and Mark appeared together, suggesting they were reunited in the afterlife.

Chyler Leigh first appeared in the comedy series Taxi Brooklyn. She then became known for her strong and capable 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, though not right away. He managed to get back to the hospital and survived for a few days, but his injuries were too critical. Now, the hospital is named after him and Lexie, thanks to funds from a lawsuit won by the other plane crash survivors. In a touching moment, Mark appeared alongside Lexie while Meredith was in a coma, suggesting they found each other again after death.

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 appear in 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 resident at OGYN? They had a big argument when he discovered she’d been keeping secrets, 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, and he just disappeared after that.

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

In season 10, 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 discovered Herman was battling a large, fatal 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 recurring roles on Netflix’s GLOW and the She-Ra reboot. Currently, she primarily works behind the scenes as a producer, including executive producing Mission Unstoppable With Miranda Cosgrove.

After a difficult recovery from the plane crash, Cristina Yang faced another setback when she didn’t win the Harper Avery award. She realized her current hospital wouldn’t allow her to achieve that recognition and started considering her options. An opportunity arose when her former love, Preston Burke, offered her the chance to lead his new, state-of-the-art hospital in Zurich, as he planned to retire and focus on his family. Following a final celebration with Meredith, she accepted and left in season 10.

Sandra Oh is a hugely popular TV actress, best known for her role as Eve in the award-winning series Killing Eve, for which she received a Golden Globe. Similar to Geena Davis, she also appears in the Netflix show She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. In addition, Sandra Oh provides a voice performance in Robert Kirkman’s animated series Invincible.

Shane started as a confident, but inexperienced intern and eventually became a resident. He pushed himself to the point of exhaustion, almost collapsing from overwork. He developed a close bond with Cristina and, after asking if he could join her, moved to Zurich to follow her career path.

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

Derek Shepherd went through a challenging period when he started working for President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. He wanted his family to join him, but Meredith didn’t want to move, leading to a period of separation. Eventually, Derek realized he needed to be closer to home and found a way to do his job remotely so they could be together again.

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 involved, but tragically, he 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 CT scan of his head, 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 spend more time with his family, so he requested to be released from his contract. After leaving Grey’s, he appeared in Bridget Jones’ Baby, the miniseries The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair, the show Devils, and even did commercials playfully 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.

Let’s talk about Leah Murphy – a character who really had a rollercoaster ride on the show. Honestly, it was clear pretty early on she struggled with the demands of being a surgeon, and ultimately that led to her leaving in season 10. But then, surprisingly, she reappeared in season 13, working alongside Maggie! It was great to see her back, even if briefly, but just as quickly as she came back, she was gone again. It was a bit of a confusing arc, if I’m being honest!

In 2019, Tessa Ferrer appeared in the Hulu miniseries Catch-22 alongside George Clooney. More recently, in 2024, she starred in Grotesquerie.

Callie moved to New York when her girlfriend, Penny, received a prestigious job offer there. Initially, Callie had planned to stay in Seattle after a difficult and heartbreaking custody dispute with Arizona, but Arizona ultimately changed her mind and allowed Callie to take their daughter, Sofia, with her at the end of season twelve.

Sara Ramirez departed to join the cast of CBS’s Madame Secretary. Since then, they’ve become known for playing the controversial character Che Diaz on HBO’s Sex and the City sequel, And Just Like That. In 2024, Ramirez also lent their voice to the character Amber in Velma.

Penelope’s time at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital was challenging. She started off on the wrong foot, arriving as Callie’s girlfriend and being unfairly associated with Derek’s death, and then had to navigate working with a difficult Meredith. Even when she landed a great job in New York and Callie joined her, it led to a painful custody battle with Arizona. Eventually, Penelope and Callie broke up, which ultimately prompted Arizona’s move to New York, but their relationship was never likely to last.

Samantha Sloyan gained recognition for her role as Leigh in The Haunting of Hill House, and has 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 Grey was even suspended because of conflicts with her. Ultimately, Minnick was fired after prioritizing strict hospital rules over a resident’s safety; she failed to notify the police that Stephanie had gone missing during a fire, nearly resulting in a tragedy.

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 difficult season 13 – filled with grief over her boyfriend Kyle’s death and nearly dying in a fire – Stephanie decided it was time for a fresh start and went off to explore new opportunities.

Jerrika Hinton continued her 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 alive 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.

Martin Henderson, known for being in Britney Spears’ “Toxic” music video, later starred in the series Virgin River until 2024.

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2026-05-01 18:52