On Friday, ABC confirmed to PEOPLE that the 49-year-old original cast member has left the beloved medical drama after starring as Dr. Alex Karev for 16 seasons. His final episode aired on Nov. 14, 2019.
He added, “As I move on fromGrey’s Anatomy, I want to thank the ABC family, Shonda Rimes, original cast membersEllen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, and the rest of the amazing cast and crew, both past and present, and, of course, the fans for an extraordinary ride.”
Mitch Haaseth/ABC
Because Chambers’ last episode aired on Nov. 14 — he was absent from the midseason finale and it was explained that he was taking care of his ailing mother — the character will not get a send-off episode.
Deadline firstreportedthe news of Chambers’ exit.
Throughout the years, fans grew to love Alex Karev — an egotistical medical intern who blossomed into a nurturing pediatric surgeon throughout the seasons. Last season, Karev was fired for his involvement in the insurance fraud scandal and was hired Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at Pacific Northwest General Hospital.
One big question remains unanswered: What does this mean for Alex’s wife, Jo Wilson Karev (Camilla Luddington)?
Last season, the duo realized they never mailed in their signed a marriage license (after their ferry boat wedding in season 14), and it had expired. Then going through a difficult time, Jo gave Alex “an out” as she signed herself into a psychiatric facility.
But Alex wasn’t having it and proposed again after she finished her month-long stint at the facility.
Camilla Luddington and Justin Chambers onGrey’s Anatomy.Eric McCandless/ABC
Alex’s second proposal couldn’t have been more emotional and romantic.
“I don’t want an out, you hear me,” he told Jo after her 30 days in in-patient therapy were over. “You offered me an out. You were right. I was scared, so I thought about it and what I know for sure now is I’m a better man with you. I want to be your husband. I want you to be my wife.”
After receiving funding for his hospital Pac-North, Alex told Jo during the Halloween episode, “We should do something to celebrate. What time does the courthouse close? The two then stood in front of a judge in full costume.
Grey’s Anatomy‘s midseason premiere airs on Jan. 23 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.
source: people.com
