Jesse Williams is Leaving ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ After 12 Seasons

Jesse Williams is ready to hang up his white coat and hand in his hospital badge. The actor, who plays Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey’s Anatomy, will be leaving the medical drama after 12 seasons, Deadline reports. Williams’ final episode will air later this month on Thursday, May 20.

“I will forever be grateful for the boundless opportunities provided me by Shonda [Rhimes], the network, studio, fellow castmates, our incredible crew, Krista [Vernoff], Ellen and Debbie,” Williams told Deadline. “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 continued, “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.”

Williams’ exit was revealed on last night’s episode, when his character reunited with his ex, Dr. April Kepner (Sarah Drew), and shared his plans to move to Boston and take over his mother’s foundation, asking April, her husband and his daughter to move there with him. And while Grey’s is sending off a fan favorite character, they gave him hope for a happy ending: April revealed she’d split with her husband, leaving a chance for “Japril” to rekindle their romance.

Grey’s Anatomy executive producer/showrunner Krista Vernoff praised Williams as “an extraordinary artist and activist” in a statement to Deadline. “Watching his evolution these past 11 years both on screen and off has been a true gift,” she shared. “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.”

Grey’s is saying goodbye to Williams as Season 17 begins to wrap up, leaving fans to wonder if Grey’s Anatomy has been renewed. While the show hasn’t officially gotten the go-ahead for another season, ABC is expected to continue the drama with Season 18. According to Deadline, another season of Grey’s is “contingent on closing deals” with key cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr.

Grey’s Anatomy airs Thursdays at 9/8c on ABC.

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