Why did Justin Chambers leave Grey's Anatomy?

Justin Chambers’s character Alex Karev was one of the show’s original cast members in the American medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy. Karev enters the series as a surgical intern at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, advances to the rank of resident, and ultimately pursues pediatric surgery. The actor played the character for about 16 seasons consistently since the show’s debut in 2005.

Chambers formally confirmed his retirement from Grey's Anatomy on January 10, 2020. He also revealed that his farewell episode aired on March 5, 2020, and that his final episode aired on November 14, 2019. After 15 years, Chambers announced his retirement from the series on January 10, 2020, citing a need to focus on his family and pursue other acting opportunities.

Chamber’s portrayal of Dr. Alex Karev has been one of the greatest character developments in the show from being an arrogant, misogynistic, and selfish personality to evolving into someone who takes great care of his fellow surgeon friends, especially considering the growth of his bond with Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo).

The American medical drama series debuted on ABC on March 27, 2005. Being one of the long-running shows, Grey’s Anatomy has since had several changes in the main cast. The show is centered on the life of Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and her fellow intern friends.

How did Justin Chambers leave Grey’s Anatomy?

Justin Chambers's character Alex Karev departed the show in the 16th episode of season 16, titled, “Leave a Light on” after sending farewell letters to his peers and teachers in the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Alex reads aloud the letters of support sent to Cristina, Arizona, Callie, April, Addison, and the others. One of those letters also included Izzie Stevens, who was the reason Alex abruptly left Seattle to live with Izzie and their children.

Before the said episode, Alex made his final appearance in Meredith's trial for her medical license. “My Shot” is the 350th episode of Grey's Anatomy overall and the eighth episode of the sixteenth season. In the episode, Meredith has to deal with the medical board since her future as a medical professional is still uncertain and she faces some difficult memories.

Alex Karev in Grey’s Anatomy

Alex Karev had a difficult childhood because of his father's violent nature and frequent absenteeism as well as his mother's mental disorders. Alex protected himself and his mother by taking up wrestling in high school. He eventually confronted his father, which resulted in his father's permanent absence.

Aaron and Amber, Alex's two younger siblings, were placed in foster care for five years. Alex was placed with 17 foster families before he was reunited with his siblings, whereas Aaron and Amber were placed with only a few families. It is later disclosed that Aaron tried to hurt Amber after getting a schizophrenia diagnosis, and Alex was there when Aaron was admitted to a mental health facility.

Alex was admitted into the surgical residency program at the Seattle Grace Hospital following his graduation from the University of Iowa. He initially left a bad impression on his fellow interns, George O'Malley (T. R. Knight), Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh), Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl), and Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo).