Sara Ramirez Confirms ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Departure: ‘I’m Taking Some Time Off’
Turns out Sara Ramirez’s cryptic goodbye tweet last month was much ado about something.
The longtime Grey’s Anatomy actress — whose contract was up for renewal this season — confirms in a statement that she will not be back for Season 13. Her character was written out in Thursday’s Season 12 finale when, in the episode’s closing moments, Callie moved forward with plans to follow girlfriend Penny to New York.
“I’m deeply grateful to have spent the last 10 years with my family at Grey’s Anatomy and ABC, but for now, I’m taking some welcome time off,” Ramirez said in a statement. “[Series creator] Shonda [Rhimes has] been so incredible to work for, and we will definitely continue our conversations. I send my love to Ellen [Pompeo], the rest of the cast and crew, and I look forward to always being a part of the Shondaland family!”
#GreysAnatomy #CallieTorres #Gratitude #Love #Shondaland pic.twitter.com/plbWhDAQ9g
— Sara Ramirez (@SaraRamirez)
Rhimes, meanwhile, issued her own statement, saying, “Dr. Callie Torres came into our lives dancing it out in her underwear almost a decade ago, and I could not be happier or more proud of her journey. Sara Ramirez’s performance inspired me as well as millions of fans each week. We wish her the best on her well-deserved time off. I will miss Callie tremendously but am excited for what the future holds for Sara. She will always have a home at Shondaland.”
Ramirez, who joined Grey’s in its second season, is one of several veteran cast members whose contracts are set to expire in June. Her longtime scene partner, Jessica Capshaw, however, is not one of them. As TVLine exclusively reported, she inked a new three-year deal with the show last May.
This marks the third major Grey’s exit in as many seasons, following the departures of Sandra Oh (in Season 10) and Patrick Dempsey (in Season 11).
Where does Ramirez’s departure rank among past Grey’s Anatomy exits? Deposit your comments below!
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