“Major ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Cast Exits: From Yang to Schmitt”

Grey’s Anatomy has reshaped its roster across 22 seasons. The Shonda Rhimes medical drama moved from Seattle Grace to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

Major cast turnover and reasons

Long-term storytelling led to many exits. Some characters died, while actors left for other projects or personal reasons.

Original and early high-profile departures

• Sandra Oh starred as Dr. Cristina Yang from 2005 to 2022.
• Patrick Dempsey portrayed Dr. Derek Shepherd from 2005 to 2022.
• T.R. Knight played Dr. George O’Malley from 2005 to 2022.
• Katherine Heigl left after playing Dr. Izzie Stevens, an original cast member.
• Justin Chambers appeared as Dr. Alex Karev from 2005 to 2022.
• Isaiah Washington played Dr. Preston Burke from 2005 until 2016, across 63 episodes.
• Eric Dane portrayed Dr. Mark Sloan from 2006 to 2021.

Mid-era and supporting character exits

• Sarah Drew played Dr. April Kepner from 2009 to 2022.
• Jessica Capshaw appeared as Dr. Arizona Robbins from 2009 to 2024.
• Jerrika Hinton was Dr. Stephanie Edwards from 2012 to 2020.
• Chyler Leigh portrayed Dr. Lexie Grey from 2007 to 2021.
• Sara Ramirez played Dr. Callie Torres from 2006 to 2021.
• Jesse Williams spent 12 seasons as Dr. Jackson Avery.

Recent exits and departures through 2026

• Giacomo Gianniotti was Dr. Andrew DeLuca from 2015 to 2021.
• Martin Henderson played Dr. Nathan Riggs from 2015 to 2017, across 48 episodes.
• Richard Flood portrayed Dr. Cormac Hayes from 2019 to 2022.
• Midori Francis appeared as Dr. Mika Yasuda from 2022 to 2024, in 38 episodes.
• Kelly McCreary played Dr. Maggie Pierce from 2014 to 2025.
• Jake Borelli was Dr. Levi Schmitt from 2017 to 2025 and later directed an episode titled “Feel It Still.”
• Greg Germann appeared as Dr. Thomas Koracick from 2017 to 2025 and exited as a series regular.
• Kim Raver played Dr. Teddy Altman from 2009 to 2011 and again from 2017 to 2026.
• Kevin McKidd portrayed Dr. Owen Hunt from 2008 to 2026.
• Isaiah Washington, Jesse Williams, and others left at various points, reshaping the ensemble.

From Yang to Schmitt: the series legacy

Major Grey’s Anatomy cast exits altered the hospital’s culture on screen. Departures like Yang and Schmitt marked distinct eras for viewers.

Filmogaz.com will continue tracking future cast changes. The series remains known for bold character turns and major exits.