Here's Why Justin Chambers Really Left Grey's Anatomy

Earlier this year, one of our favorite Grey's Anatomy cast members of all time, Justin Chambers, unexpectedly announced he would be leaving the long-running show. "There's no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that's defined so much of my life for the past 15 years," Chambers said in a statement (via Deadline). "For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices. And, as I turn 50, and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time." 

Understandably, the actor, who has played Alex Karev since the show premiered in 2005 (with his last episode airing in March 2020), now wants to change things up and look for other acting opportunities. Also, coinciding with his exit from the show, Page Six reported that Chambers decided to address some issues he was having with his mental health at the time.

In response to the news that Chambers was exiting the award-winning series, showrunner Krista Vernoff told Hollywood Reporter: "It is nearly impossible to say goodbye to Alex Karev. For 16 seasons, 16 years, we have grown up alongside Alex Karev. We have come to love him deeply." And we can only agree. He's been such an impactful and central character that it's hard to imagine the show without him.