After months of speculation surrounding the fate of Grey’s Anatomy’s George O’Malley, T.R. Knight, who plays the lovable doctor, is breaking his silence about his departure.
“The decision to leave Grey’s Anatomy was not an easy one for me to make,” T.R. Knight said in a statement today. “I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to play this character and will miss my fellow cast and crew very much."
"I continue to wish them the very best, and wholeheartedly thank all of the Grey's Anatomy fans who have supported me and the show with such passion and enthusiasm.”
T.R. Knight was an integral Grey's Anatomy cast member for five seasons.
Producer Shonda Rhimes simultaneously released her own statement, saying:
“I think I speak for the entire Grey’s Anatomy family when I say we wish T.R. Knight the best in his future endeavors. He is an incredibly talented actor and a person whose strength of character is admired by all of us.”
While T.R. Knight may be happy to depart from the show following a season of sparse screen time for George, co-star James Pickens, Jr., says the actor will be missed.
“He’s a good man, and a great actor,” Pickens, who plays Chief Richard Webber, says. “We have lots of laughs. I’m going to miss his sense of humor.”
The official confirmation comes just hours after word leaked that Knight's co-star and real-life BFF Katherine Heigl will be sticking around next season.
Knight is currently in talks to headline a Broadway revival of Lend Me a Tenor.
All of us here at Grey's Anatomy Insider would like to say thank you to T.R. Knight for his contributions to our favorite show over five seasons and over a hundred episodes. Best of luck wherever the future takes you, T.R.!
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89 Comments
June 19th, 2009 2:48 PM
I was doing fine. I wasn't crying until you thanked TR and here I go, bawling again.
That was such a sweet statement. Not one word to complain. Not one bad word about anyone.
My mom always said if you can't say something nice, say nothing at all. I guess that's why he didn't mention Shonda.
I have missed George all season, and I wanted a much better departure for our sweet sweet George.
Grey just lost its heart.
June 19th, 2009 2:52 PM
T.R. Knight, i'll really miss you on the show! They did you an injustice this season and you have good reason to leave. Although i wish you hadn't :( I'll miss T.R. as George on the show.
June 19th, 2009 2:53 PM
No! How dare he leave?! How dare Shonda let/make him?! Its George! Sweet innocent George who couldn't hurt a fly! Aaah! So pissed off! Maybe Katherine Heigl will lock him in an elevator for us... Do you think he'll die or leave some other way?
June 19th, 2009 2:54 PM
:'( this is so sad! its not gunna be the same without him...
June 19th, 2009 2:54 PM
That's ir. Our George is just going to die like that? We don't even get to see him again?
I just want to cry right now.
I love TR and want him to be happy, but I'm so sad right now.
June 19th, 2009 2:56 PM
Its official- soo sad. George was an awesome character. I know we hoped it wasn't true, but in the end George made his final exit as exceptionally sweet heroic man who saved that lady. I wished just like most of you guys that he would make it through or at least we could have said his goodbyes to his friends and we were able to witness it. Honestly, did we really want to see that sappy side? I didn't,it was already hard to see him unrecognizeable but to see him hurting again, too much. We saw his character grow from that first "007" to his final "007."
June 19th, 2009 2:58 PM
ugggh :( ... at least hes happy but i'm going to miss him so much D:
June 19th, 2009 3:04 PM
Not my George.
He can't go.
He's my favorite.
June 19th, 2009 3:07 PM
I am going to miss T.r. knight thanks for brings us a great doctor on the show thanks and best of luck
June 19th, 2009 3:10 PM
TR, why?
You're breaking my heart.