Warning: Spoilers for Grey's Anatomy season 17 episode 14 "Look Up Child."
Jesse Williams is saying goodbye to Grey's Anatomy, which is currently in the midst of season 17. Williams joined the long-running series in 2009 as Dr. Jackson Avery. Originally a resident at Mercy West, his character was introduced as part of the merger storyline in season 6. Williams recurred throughout that season before eventually becoming a series regular the next year. In subsequent seasons, Grey's Anatomy explored Jackson's relationship with his mother, Dr. Catherine Avery, and the work they did at their foundation. Jackson also had several notable romantic partners over the last decade. His relationship with Dr. April Kepner remained a fan favorite until portrayer Sarah Drew's departure in 2018.
In season 17 episode 14, Drew returned to the series in a guest-starring role. During the hour, Jackson visited April to reveal he wanted to move to Boston to run the foundation. He asked April and their daughter Harriet to come with him. Though initially hesitant, April agreed to the 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 some Grey's Anatomy viewers theorized.
Partway through the episode's airing on the east coast came the news Williams is exiting Grey's Anatomy. Per Deadline, showrunner Krista Vernoff and the writers were committed to giving Jackson a satisfying exit storyline, teeing up Drew's return to the show. Vernoff made a statement praising Williams' performance over the last 11 years, adding, "We will miss Jesse terribly and we will miss Jackson Avery — played to perfection for so many years." As shown in the promo for Grey's Anatomy's next episode, Williams' last appearance will air May 20. The actor also made a statement of his own addressing his exit:
I will forever be grateful for the boundless opportunities provided me by Shonda, the network, studio, fellow castmates, our incredible crew, Krista, Ellen and Debbie. 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. 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 doesn't come as a huge shock. Jackson has spent this season of Grey's Anatomy wrestling with his life's direction and trying to figure out how to make the biggest difference in the world. Running the foundation seems like a logical career move for him. Additionally, aside from Harriet, there isn't a lot keeping Jackson in Seattle. The most recent episode resolved the Harriet issue with April's willingness to move to Boston, so the change makes a lot of sense for Jackson.
Of course, Williams' exit storyline would feel far less satisfying without Drew's return. Jackson's conversation with April added a much-needed dose of realism, while also satisfying fans of that relationship with the implication the two could get back together after their move to Boston. Behind-the-scenes, it's understandable Williams is ready to move on from the show. Over a decade is a long time to play one character, and Grey's Anatomy has seen many similar exits over the years. Just in March, Giacomo Gianniotti, who played Dr. Andrew DeLuca, left the show after six years. The two exits combined mean Grey's Anatomy will look quite different next season. However, the show has proven its ability to carry on even after major departures, so Williams' exit shouldn't be any different.
Source: Deadline