Grey’s Anatomy star Sara Ramirez, who plays Dr Callie Torres on the long-running ABC medial drama, is leaving the show. The news of her departure comes on the night of Grey’s Anatomy‘s S12 finale in the US.
“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 Twitter statement. “Shonda’s 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!”
Shonda Rhimes, creator of Grey’s Anatomy, commented: “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.”
Insiders tell Variety that leaving the show was truly Ramirez’s decision and that there was no bad blood behind the scenes.
Ramirez wrote that she is leaving “for now”, which suggests she may return to the show – and as stated in both Ramirez and Rhimes’ tweets, it appears that the door is open, should she want to return to Grey’s Anatomy.
Confirmation of Ramirez’s exit comes after the actress fueled speculation that she may be on her way out by posting a mysterious tweet last month, tweeting, “That’s a wrap for Doctor Callie Torres … Thank You all for an enriching & unforgettable rollercoaster ride!” At the time of that post, Variety confirmed that the cast was in the midst of contract negotiations and that Ramirez has not yet closed her deal, which concludes this June.
Ramirez has been on Grey’s Anatomy for over 10 years. She first appeared in S2 and was upped to a series regular in S3. – Reuters/Elizabeth Wagmeister
