T.R. Knight gave us one of the most unforgettable characters on Grey's Anatomy in the form of George O'Malley. He was everybody's best friend and a pivotal member of a complicated love triangle. O'Malley was also Dr. Bailey's favorite intern despite her annoyance at him.
O'Malley was an iconic member of Grey's Anatomy as he was part of the original team of interns for the first few seasons. Knight's character was put through the emotional ringer.
From dealing with feelings for Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), navigating dating different women, discovering his feelings for Izzie (Katherine Heigl) while married to Callie, and more. Above all, his rocky ride as a budding surgeon despite the many highs had fans sympathizing with the character. Hence, his tragic fate left the fans in shambles.
The Grey's Anatomy fandom was never the same after his tragic death. O'Malley had a very tumultuous journey of becoming a doctor which led him to being at crossroads with his career. He was relieved to finally figure out what he wanted to do with his life when tragedy struck.
How did George O'Malley die in Grey's Anatomy?
On his way to resign from his doctoral duties, O'Malley came across a woman in danger of getting rammed by a bus. To save her life, O'Malley chose to push her out of the way as the bus zoomed ahead. This resulted in a horrible accident rendering him physically unrecognizable in Season 5.
Due to his disfiguration, O'Malley was known as 'John Doe' when he was initially brought into Seatle Grace in critical condition. When Meredith came to check on him, he nimbly scribbled '007' - his intern name, on her hand shocking her. She immediately delivered the news to the rest of her colleagues.
Despite all her friends, residents, and others fighting to save not just his but Izzie's (Katherine Heigel) life who was battling cancer. O'Malley sadly succumbed to the extent of his injuries causing his death.
The season ended with a bittersweet glimpse of O'Malley bidding goodbye to Izzy in his army uniform - a dream he never fulfilled.
Why did actor T.R Knight leave Grey's Anatomy?
Knight's departure from the show was indeed a shocking affair for fans. However, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Knight recalled his decision to leave the critically acclaimed medical drama. Reportedly, the actor left Grey's Anatomy due to creative differences.
However, it was later that the actor shed light on the truth of his departure in the aforementioned interview. Knight claimed he left due to a "communication breakdown" between him and the show's executive producer Shonda Rhimes. Per Knight, the actor was unsatisfactory with his character's storyline. He said,
"My five-year experience proved to me that I could not trust any answer that was given about George. And, with respect I'm going to leave it at that..."
Furthermore, since Knight had also come out to his fans shortly before his departure, he was concerned about how it would affect his character. Moreover, Knight expressed having a hard time coping with O'Malley cheating on Callie with Izzie.
In another statement, Rhimes claimed to reassure Knight that it wouldn't affect his character on Grey's Anatomy. Rhimes mentioned,
"We are not going to do that. The idea that a gay actor can't play a straight man is insulting."
Nevertheless, Knight mentioned that after years of walking away from the show, it was the best decision he could've made for himself.
Did T.R. Knight return to Grey's Anatomy?
Yes, he did! Knight did give fans and viewers the closure they've been asking for ages! O'Malley was Meredith's best friend apart from Christina Yang (Sandra Oh). They had seen each other at their best and worst and hence, his appearance in Seasons 15 and 17 respectively encapsulated their friendship.
In Season 15, episode 6 of Grey's Anatomy titled "Flowers Grow Out of My Grave," O'Malley's ghost briefly met with Meredith.
Just as she was reminiscing about the many people she lost, she encountered George in what appears to be a vision. Knight's character made a similar appearance in Season 17 on a beach where the two shared a wholesome moment, laughing and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Where is T.R. Knight now?
Knight continued to act in several other dramas including The Flight Attendant, The Catch, The Good Wife, and more. However, the Grey's Anatomy alumnus recently announced his new project: Forge - a dark comedy.
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