Jesse Williams is saying goodbye to Grey’s Anatomy, which is currently in the middle of season 17. Williams joined the long-running series in 2009 as Dr. Jackson Avery. Originally a resident at Mercy West, his character was released as part of the merger storyline in season 6. Williams recurred during that season before eventually becoming a series regular the next year. In following seasons, Grey’s Anatomy explored Jackson’s relationship with his mother, Dr. Catherine Avery, along with the job they did at their base. Jackson also had many noteworthy romantic partners over the previous ten years. His connection with Dr. April Kepner stayed a fan favorite until portrayer Sarah Drew’s death in 2018.
In season 17 incident 14, Drew returned to the series in a guest-starring function. During the hour, Jackson visited April to show he wished to proceed to Boston to run the foundation. He requested April and their daughter Harriet to come with him. Though initially reluctant, April agreed to this move by the end of the episode. She also revealed she and her husband Matthew had separated, seemingly teasing a reunion for April and Jackson in the future, as a few Grey’s Anatomy viewers speculated.
Partway through the episode’s airing on the east shore came the news Williams is exiting Grey’s Anatomy. Showrunner Krista Vernoff as well as the authors were committed to giving Jackson a satisfying depart narrative, teeing up Drew’s return to the show. Vernoff made a statement praising Williams’ performance during the previous 11 decades, adding, “We will miss Jesse horribly and we will overlook Jackson Avery – played to perfection for so many decades. ” As revealed in the voucher for Grey’s Anatomy’s following episode, Williams’ last appearance will air May 20. The actor also made a statement of his own fixing his departure:
I will forever be thankful for the boundless opportunities supplied me by Shonda, the community, studio, fellow castmates, our unbelievable crew, Krista, Ellen and Debbie. As an actor, director and person, I have been obscenely blessed to learn so much from so many and that I invite our amazing fans, who breathe as much electricity and appreciation to our shared worlds. The endurance and experience created of creating nearly 300 hours of leading global television is a gift I’ll carry always. I am immensely proud of our job, our impact and to be moving forward with so many tools, chances, allies and dear friends.
Williams’ exit does not come as a huge shock. Jackson has spent this season of Grey’s Anatomy wrestling with his life’s leadership and attempting to figure out how to make the biggest difference in the world. Running the base looks like a logical career move for him. In addition, besides Harriet, there is not a lot maintaining Jackson in Seattle. The latest episode resolved the Harriet problem with April’s willingness to move to Boston, so the shift produces a lot of awareness for Jackson.
Of course, Williams’ exit storyline would feel far less satisfying without Drew’s yield. Jackson’s conversation with April added a much-needed dose of realism, while also satisfying fans of that connection with the implication both can get back together following their move to Boston. Behind the scenes, it is clear Williams is prepared to move on from the series. Over a decade is a long time to play with 1 character, and Grey’s Anatomy has witnessed many similar exits through the years. In March, Giacomo Gianniotti, who played Dr. Andrew DeLuca, left the series after six years. The two exits combined mean Grey’s Anatomy will appear very different next year. On the other hand, the series has proven its ability to carry on even after season important departures, therefore Williams’ exit should not be any different.
