Grey's Anatomy: The Bittersweet Departures And The Real-Life Stories Behind Them Ellen Pompeo says only 'nice actors die nice' on Grey's Anatomy

Grey's Anatomy: The Bittersweet Departures And The Real-Life Stories Behind Them

Ellen Pompeo says only 'nice actors die nice' on Grey's Anatomy

As another season of Grey’s Anatomy comes to a close, fans are bracing themselves for what’s sure to be an emotional finale. With the series wrapping up its 14th season on May 17, there’s no shortage of drama. We’ve got a long-awaited wedding to look forward to, but brace yourself—there will also be some tearful goodbyes. Spoiler alert: April and Arizona are saying farewell. But have you ever wondered why some characters leave the show in a blaze of glory while others exit with a bang? In a recent chat with Entertainment Tonight, Ellen Pompeo (the iconic Meredith Grey herself) revealed that sometimes, the way a character departs has everything to do with the actor behind them. If an actor’s behavior is less than stellar, their character might not get the happiest send-off. But if they’re a sweetheart, they go out with dignity. Curious to know who fits where? Let’s dive in and analyze some of the most memorable exits from Grey’s Anatomy.

Preston Burke: A Dramatic Exit

On the Show: Dr. Preston Burke made one of the most shocking decisions in Grey’s history when he walked out on his fiancée, Cristina Yang (played by Sandra Oh), at the altar. He claimed they didn’t truly love each other, leaving Cristina heartbroken and viewers in disbelief.

In Real Life: Isaiah Washington, the actor who portrayed Burke, was fired in 2007 after a heated on-set altercation with Patrick Dempsey turned physical. To make matters worse, Isaiah reportedly used a homophobic slur to insult co-star T.R. Knight. His departure was sudden, and fans were left reeling. It’s safe to say that Burke’s dramatic exit mirrored the real-life drama behind the scenes.

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  • preston burke grey's anatomy getty images

    Isaiah as Preston on Grey’s Anatomy.

    Arizona Robbins and April Kepner: A Bittersweet Farewell

    On the Show: As the show wraps up its current season, Arizona and April are set to leave the series. While Ellen Pompeo insists their departures aren’t tragic, fans are still left wondering about the circumstances surrounding their exits.

    In Real Life: Rumors have been swirling that Ellen’s new deal, worth a whopping $20 million for two more seasons, may have contributed to the dismissals of Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew. However, showrunner Krista Vernoff has denied these claims, leaving fans to speculate about the real reasons behind their departures.

    jessica capshaw sarah drew getty images

    Jessica and Sarah as Arizona and April on Grey’s Anatomy.

    George O’Malley: A Heroic Sacrifice

    On the Show: George O’Malley’s departure was nothing short of heartbreaking. After being disfigured in a bus accident, he ultimately died, leaving fans in tears.

    In Real Life: T.R. Knight, the actor who played George, has said that a lack of screen time following a breakdown in communication with show creator Shonda Rhimes led him to leave the series in 2009. His decision to step away from the show was bittersweet, but

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