1 of 3 | Kim Raver is leaving “Grey’s Anatomy.” File Photo by John McCoy/UPI | License Photo
Grey’s Anatomy cast members Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd have announced they are leaving the ABC medical drama after 16 and 18 seasons respectively.
“Playing Dr. Teddy Altman will always hold a dear and special place in my heart. Sixteen years ago, I had the incredible privilege of stepping into this role thanks to the vision of Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers,” Raver wrote on Instagram Wednesday.
“Since that day, it has been a true gift to bring the iconic words of Shonda and our brilliant team of writers to life,” she added. “I feel so fortunate to have worked under the brilliance of Debbie Allen, who not only mentored me but welcomed me into the Director’s chair. To my amazingly talented cast-mates and our formidable, tireless crew: playing in this arena with you has been a joy, and I will carry this company in my heart always.To the fans, your unwavering devotion and support are the reason this show remains such a force. Thank you for making this set my place of magic and my home.”
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McKidd posted a separate statement on his own account.
“18 seasons. 18 years.That’s a fair stretch of a man’s life. I came over just hoping to get a shot… and somehow found a home. A family. A place that’s shaped me more than I probably realize yet,” he said.
“Playing Owen Hunt has been one of the great privileges of my career, in front of the camera and behind it. I’m deeply grateful to @shondarhimes for trusting me with him. Long before any of this, I was just a young actor from Scotland, grafting. Wondering if it was ever going to happen. Taking the knocks, the rejections… all of it. If you’re in that place right now, keep going,” he added.
“You never quite know where it’s leading. The work you’re putting in, quietly, when no one’s watching… it does count.So this is a goodbye… for now.It’s time to build something of my own from the ground up. To tell new stories, and take everything I’ve learned here into the next chapter.”
EW.com said McKidd directed what will be his and Raver’s final episode, airing on May 7.
“Over the years, we have had the privilege of watching Owen and Teddy’s love story evolve and deepen — two characters who always seem to find their way back to each other,” Rhimes said in a statement.
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“It is both bittersweet and joyful to give this couple the happy ending their story deserves. Kevin and Kim bring extraordinary talent, nuance, and heart to their roles as Owen and Teddy. Their contributions leave an indelible mark on Grey’s Anatomy, both in front of and behind the camera. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them both and to see them shine.”
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ stars walk the red carpet
Ellen Pompeo attends the Women In Film Crystal + Lucy Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif., on June 13, 2018. She stars as Meredith Grey, who will appear in seven episodes of Season 21. Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
