Sara Ramirez confirms she is leaving Grey's Anatomy after 10 years of playing Dr. Callie Torres
Sara Ramirez has confirmed that she is leaving Grey's Anatomy after 10 years on the show.
The 40-year-old, who portrayed Dr. Callie Torres, announced the sad news just after the season 12 finale aired on the East Coast on Thursday evening.
'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,' Sara shared on Instagram.
Saying goodbye: Sara Ramirez, pictured in September, announced on Thursday that she is leaving Grey's Anatomy
However the actress assured fans that this doesn't mean she is closing the door on the hit medical drama and its creator Shonda Rhimes entirely.
'Shonda's been so incredible to work for and we will definitely continue our conversations!' she went on, before mentioning Ellen Pompeo, who portrays Meredith Grey.
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Sara added: 'I send my Love to Ellen, the rest of the cast & crew, and I look forward to always being a part of the Shondaland family!'
The star sparked rumours she was exiting the series last month after posting a cryptic tweet.
A much loved character: The actress played Dr. Callie Torres on the show for 10 years
'That's a wrap for Doctor #CallieTorres #Season13 #GreysAnatomy #ThankYou all for an enriching & unforgettable #Rollercoaster ride!' she wrote on April 27.
In the season 12 finale, Sara's character Callie made amends with ex-wife Dr. Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) following a bitter custody row.
Arizona told Callie to go to New York with love interest Penny Blake, and it seems that Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital's head of orthopedic surgery decided to make the cross-country move after all.
'I'm deeply grateful': Sara shared the news on Instagram after the season 12 finale aired on the East Coast
Dropping a major hint: Fans had feared the 40-year-old was exiting the show after she shared this cryptic tweet on April 27
Fortunately for Grey's fans, this does leave the door open for the much loved character to return to the show in future.
After Sara's announcement on Thursday, Shonda said in a statement: '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.
'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. I will miss Callie tremendously, but am excited for what the future holds for Sara. She will always have a home at Shondaland.'
A firm favourite: Sara joined the medical drama in a recurring role during its second season in 2006. She was promoted to a series regular for season three
Sara, who has been married to Ryan DeBolt since 2012, found fame on Broadway and originally joined Grey's Anatomy in a recurring role during its second season in 2006.
She was promoted to a series regular for season three.
Sara's exit marks the latest shake-up in the Grey's Anatomy cast, which saw Sandra Oh (who played Cristina Yang) leave at the end of the 10th season and Patrick Dempsey (who portrayed Derek 'McDreamy' Shepherd) killed off in season 11.
The ABC show has been renewed for a 13th season, which is expected to premiere in September.
Keeping her options open: The star, seen here last May, assured fans that this doesn't mean she is closing the door on the medical drama and its creator Shonda Rhimes entirely
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