Why did Alex leave Grey's Anatomy​?

Last Modified Apr 9, 2025 16:15 EDT
Why did Alex leave Grey's Anatomy​?
Alex Karev (Source: Instagram)


Alex left Grey's Anatomy to be with Izzie and their kids.


Grey's Anatomy is a superhit American medical drama made by Shonda Rhimes. It was released in 2005 on ABC and currently has 21 seasons. Its 21st season premiered in September 2024. The show is set in the Seattle Grace Hospital which was later renamed the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The story focuses on the lives of residents, interns, and attending doctors working in the hospital. The show has a long list of cast members, as it is in its 20th year, with only a few original cast members remaining. The original cast had Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, Sandra Oh, Justin Chambers, Katherine Heigl, T.R. Knight, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr. And Isaiah Washington.


Alex Karev was one of the protagonists of Grey’s Anatomy. He was part of the original cast of the show. He was introduced as a surgical intern at the Seattle Grace Hospital in the 1st season. The show highlights his journey from being an arrogant intern to a compassionate and talented surgeon. His exit from the show left viewers shocked and raised questions regarding the reason behind his exit. Here’s a look at the reasons why Alex left Grey’s Anatomy.


What made Alex leave Grey's Anatomy?


Why did Alex leave Grey's Anatomy​?
Alex Karev in Grey's Anatomy (Source: Instagram)


Alex Karev’s exit from the show in Season 16 was unusual and surprised many viewers. In Season 16, he remarries Jo Wilson and helps Meredith with her medical license. In the middle of the season, he left Seattle in the name of visiting his mother in Iowa and then he started ignoring Jo and Meredith’s calls and messages. Jo calls his mother to understand the situation and learns that he never visited his mother’s house.


In episode 16, titled “Leave a Light On” Jo, Meredith, and Miranda receive letters from Alex. He reconnected with Izzie to find out if she would support Meredith during the trials by giving a recommendation letter. In the middle of the conversation, he heard voices of children in the background and asked Izzie if she had kids. Izzie reveals that she gave birth to his kids by using his embryos which were frozen years ago when he had cancer.


He decides to stay with Izzie and his children in Kansas and leave Jo. He describes his twin children—Alexis and Eli—as stubborn and hilarious like Izzie. He admits that what he did with Jo was wrong and that she deserves better. He informs her that he met a lawyer, signed their divorce papers, and left her the shares he had at the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.


Related: why did dr torres leave greys anatomy


Who played Alex on Grey’s Anatomy?


Why did Alex leave Grey's Anatomy​?
Justin Chambers in Grey's Anatomy (Source: ABC)


Justin Willman Chambers played the role of Alex Karev on Grey’s Anatomy. He is an American actor, born on July 11, 1970 in Springfield, Ohio. He started as a model and worked with many fashion brands like Calvin Klein, Armani, and Dolce & Gabbana. He started his acting career in 1995 with the music video "Ants Marching" by Dave Matthews Band. He made his TV debut in 1995 with the TV show Another World.


He is best known for his work as Alex Karev in Grey’s Anatomy. He gained worldwide popularity and received praise from critics for his performance. He won many awards for the show including the Screen Actors Guild Award and the People's Choice Award. Other than Grey’s Anatomy, he has worked on many projects like Liberty Heights (1999), The Wedding Planner (2001), The Offer (2022), etc.


He got married to Keisha Chambers in 1993. The two met when Justin was modeling for a Calvin Klein ad campaign. The couple have 5 children together- 4 daughters and 1 son.


Read more about Grey's Anatomy:


When does alex leave greys anatomy

Who was bonnie on greys anatomy

Who does amelia end up with in greys anatomy

Who does george marry in greys anatomy



FAQs about Alex Karev

A. Justin Chambers played the role of Alex Karev in Grey’s Anatomy.

A. Alex ends up with Izzie Stevens in Grey’s Anatomy.

A. Alex leaves Grey’s Anatomy in Season 16.

Related Stories

Where to watch The Wire? Streaming details of the crime drama series, explored Where to watch The Wire? Streaming details of the crime drama series, explored
Where to watch The Wire? Streaming details of the crime drama series, explored
2d
The Housemaid sequel is officially happening, with Sydney Sweeney and Paul Feig set to return The Housemaid sequel is officially happening, with Sydney Sweeney and Paul Feig set to return
The Housemaid sequel is officially happening, with Sydney Sweeney and Paul Feig set to return
2d
"She's always going to be a part of them": The Duffer Brothers open up about Eleven's ending in the Stranger Things Season 5 finale "She's always going to be a part of them": The Duffer Brothers open up about Eleven's ending in the Stranger Things Season 5 finale
"She's always going to be a part of them": The Duffer Brothers open up about Eleven's ending in the Stranger Things Season 5 finale
1d
Did you catch this subtle homage to an iconic horror film in It: Welcome to Derry? Details explored Did you catch this subtle homage to an iconic horror film in It: Welcome to Derry? Details explored
Did you catch this subtle homage to an iconic horror film in It: Welcome to Derry? Details explored
1d
Loki Season 2 ending: 5 theories MCU fans could never let go of after that explosive conclusion Loki Season 2 ending: 5 theories MCU fans could never let go of after that explosive conclusion
Loki Season 2 ending: 5 theories MCU fans could never let go of after that explosive conclusion 
2d
Did Hiroyuki Sanada set a ‘non-negotiable condition’ to star in Shōgun? Here’s what we know Did Hiroyuki Sanada set a ‘non-negotiable condition’ to star in Shōgun? Here’s what we know
Did Hiroyuki Sanada set a ‘non-negotiable condition’ to star in Shōgun? Here’s what we know
2d
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms quietly fixes a crucial GOT and House of the Dragon error- here’s all about it A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms quietly fixes a crucial GOT and House of the Dragon error- here’s all about it
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms quietly fixes a crucial GOT and House of the Dragon error- here’s all about it
2d
Doc Season 2 Episode 10 cast and characters: Here's who brought the Fox medical drama to life Doc Season 2 Episode 10 cast and characters: Here's who brought the Fox medical drama to life
Doc Season 2 Episode 10 cast and characters: Here's who brought the Fox medical drama to life
1d
Spring Fever episode 2 recap: Jae-gyu and Yoon Bom's trip to Seoul as Se-jin leaves town Spring Fever episode 2 recap: Jae-gyu and Yoon Bom's trip to Seoul as Se-jin leaves town
Spring Fever episode 2 recap: Jae-gyu and Yoon Bom's trip to Seoul as Se-jin leaves town
1d
The Pitt Season 2 release schedule: When do new episodes of the HBO Max drama drop? Details explored The Pitt Season 2 release schedule: When do new episodes of the HBO Max drama drop? Details explored
The Pitt Season 2 release schedule: When do new episodes of the HBO Max drama drop? Details explored 
1d