Welcome to Grey's Anatomy, where every beat tells a story and where each decision made holds the power to alter a life. Here, the intricacies of medicine combine with the intricacies of human relationships to form a tapestry of vivid triumphs and heartaches. But surprise is waiting around every corner in this world, and every minute reminds one of how delicate and strong a human spirit is.
From the high stress in the OR to those quiet, introspective moments, every episode is an intriguing balance of medical enigmas and heartfelt drama, peaking and plummeting on human connections. Welcome to Grey's Anatomy—where life and love are always on the line.
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While one is constantly bombarded by the overwhelming storylines of Grey's Anatomy, the real lifeblood of the series features its dynamic characters. There have been several fan favorites who have moved in and out over the years, making it hard to imagine the show without them. Here's a look at everyone who has left Grey's Anatomy and how their stories unfolded.
Every character who has left Grey's Anatomy
Time to revisit some of Grey's Anatomy's most iconic exits, and some of their lasting effects on the show. From pivotal moments to tear-jerking goodbyes, here's how each one of these departures shaped the series.
Dr. Cristina Yang (2005 - 2014)
Dr. Cristina Yang was a brilliant, ambitious cardiothoracic surgeon on Grey's Anatomy. Sandra Oh played this bright-eyed cardiothoracic surgeon with big aspirations, going hard in surgery but with intricate relationships on a personal level from Season 1 of the series.
She departed Seattle Grace Hospital at the denouement of the tenth season for a very prestigious opportunity in Switzerland, finally bringing her journey on the show to an emotional and life-altering close.
Dr. Preston Burke (2005 - 2007)
The role of Dr. Preston Burke was played by Isaiah Washington and was introduced as a brilliant cardio-thoracic surgeon and head of the cardio department. Burke turned into a principal character in the series, much because of his relationship with Dr. Cristina Yang.
His character leaving marked more than just a new turn for the series on its way; Cristina Yang's character was largely influenced as well, in that she had to be steered into a string of events without his character in her career and personal life.
Dr. Izzie Stevens (2005 - 2010)
Dr. Izzie Stevens, played by Katherine Heigl, was one of the main characters in Grey's Anatomy. Izzie, appearing first in the Season 1 of Grey's Anatomy chart, was that compassionate and industrious doctor with a very complicated story of personal and professional issues.
She left the program at the end of Season 6 in 2009 after surviving cancer and various other personal problems. Her ending was somewhat open-ended, leaving her future in the audience's mind.
Dr. George O'Malley (2005 - 2009)
The reason why most audiences have loved Dr. George O'Malley, played by T.R. Knight, so much is his tender heart and dedication to medicine. Having been first presented as a kind, somewhat naive surgical intern, George's character was developed well over the years on Grey's Anatomy.
The storyline concluded tragically in the fifth season when George is struck by a bus as he rescued someone from being run over by the same bus. He was severely injured, and despite their heroic efforts at saving his life, he dies from exactly those injuries.
Dr. Erica Hahn (2006 - 2008)
Dr. Erica Hahn was a cardiothoracic surgeon who first appeared in Season 4 and was played by Brooke Smith. She had razor-sharp skills and a very complicated personality. Erica's storyline also included a romantic angle with Dr. Callie Torres.
At the end of Season 5, she left the show due to personal and professional disagreements that included strained relationships with other staff.
Dr. Lexie Grey (2007 - 2012)
Dr. Lexie Grey was portrayed by Chyler Leigh in Season 4 as Meredith Grey's half-sister. With her brains and sweet nature, Lexie became an instant favorite. She specialized in radiology and held a really strong future ahead.
However, tragedy came her way. Lexie's story saw its final scene at the end of Season 8 when she died in the plane crash with Mark.
Dr. Mark Sloan (2006 - 2012)
Played by Eric Dane, Dr. Mark Sloan was a charismatic and skilful plastic surgeon. First introduced in Season 1, his character is shown to be good friends with Derek Shepherd. The show later explored a romantic angle between Mark and Lexie Grey, which ended tragically.
It all changed for the character of Mark in Season 8 of Grey's Anatomy, when he became a victim of a tragic plane crash and sustained serious injuries. Heartbreakingly for the audience, he succumbed to his injuries in the premiere of Season 9.
Dr. Derek Shepherd (2005 - 2015)
Dr. Derek Shepherd was played by Patrick Dempsey from Season 1 to Season 11 in the Grey's Anatomy television series. Sometimes referred to as "McDreamy," Derek was a very skilled neurosurgeon who exuded a great deal of charm, which cast its spell not only on his patients but also on his fellow doctors.
Derek, married to Meredith Grey, died from injuries sustained during a road accident. This remains one of the most unexpected character deaths in the show.
Dr. Callie Torres (2006 - 2016)
Guest-starring in this medical drama, Grey's Anatomy, is Sara Ramirez as the talented but bubbly orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Callie Torres. She became part of the show in Season 5 and soon became notable for her spirited commitment to her patients and her feisty, multileveled personality.
Callie left in Season 12 to move to New York with her daughter, Sofia, and her girlfriend, Penny Blake, in pursuit of new opportunities and a fresh start.
Dr. Arizona Robbins (2008 - 2018)
Dr. Arizona Robbins—played by Jessica Capshaw—is a pediatric surgeon whose character was introduced in Season 5 of Grey's Anatomy. She had a very sunny disposition and was passionately into her young patients. Some of her important storylines are the high-profile relationship with Dr. Callie Torres and the loss of her leg in a plane crash.
She left the series in Season 14 to move to New York with her daughter, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start.
As Grey's Anatomy continues to evolve, it is not hard to see just how telling a mark its departures have left on this series. Every exit redefined story and, with some emotional resonance for the show, held its grasp—through dramatic storylines and heartfelt goodbyes.
Relive their screen magic on ABC or stream Grey's Anatomy on Hulu.
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