Shocker! 'Grey's Anatomy' Star Sara Ramirez Exits Show After 10 Seasons


Grey’s Anatomy
is losing one of its own.


Sara Ramirez,
who played Dr. Callie Torres for 10 seasons on ABC’s medical drama, is leaving the show.

The 40-year-old actress made the news official following the show’s season 12 finale on Thursday, tweeting a heartfelt message to fans about her decision not to return. (Ramirez’s contract was set to expire in June.)

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“I’m deeply grateful to have spent the last 10 years with my family at Grey’s Anatomy & ABC but for now, I’m taking some welcome time off,” Ramirez wrote. “Shonda [Rhimes has] been so incredible to work for, & 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!” she concluded her note.

Rhimes also took to Twitter to confirm the news, praising Ramirez for making an impact on Grey’s from the moment she was introduced in season two.

“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,” the Grey’s creator wrote. “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.”

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“I will miss Callie tremendously, but am excited for what the future holds for Sara. She will always have a home at Shondaland,” Rhimes continued.

In Ramirez’s final episode, Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) offered an olive branch to her ex, Callie, making the decision that they could try and co-parent their daughter together even if they were no longer romantically involved.

Last month, Ramirez raised eyebrows when she posted a tweet ">that alluded to a potential departure from Grey’s.

“That’s a wrap for Doctor #CallieTorres #Season13 #GreysAnatomy,” she tweeted on April 27. “#ThankYou all for an enriching & unforgettable #Rollercoaster ride!”

Ramirez is just one of the latest regulars to leave Grey's. Last season, Patrick Dempsey's Dr. Derek Shepherd, was killed off after the car he was in was struck by a large semi truck.

“Patrick Dempsey’s performance shaped Derek in a way that I know we both hope became a meaningful example – happy, sad, romantic, painful and always true – of what young women should demand from modern love,” Rhimes said following Dempsey's final episode in April 2015. “His loss will be felt by all.”