00:00Fingers crossed for New Horizons.
00:04Fingers crossed for New Horizons.
00:09Another longtime star is checking out of Grey Sloan.
00:12Star Jesse Williams, who played Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey's Anatomy for the past 12 seasons,
00:17will officially be departing the series. The actor whose two-year contract was up this season
00:22will sign up ABC's Shondaland medical drama in the May 20th episode titled Tradition.
00:27Williams spoke out about his exit in a statement which read in part,
00:31I have been obscenely lucky to learn so much from so many,
00:34and I thank our beautiful fans who breathe so much energy and appreciation into our shared worlds.
00:40The experience and endurance born of creating nearly 300 hours of leading global television
00:46is a gift I'll always carry.
00:48The news was revealed Thursday as Williams' former on-screen love interest April, played by Sarah
00:53Drew, returned for an episode that'll point Jackson toward a fulfilling closure for the character.
00:58Sources note showrunner Krista Vernoff and the writers opted to bring Drew back
01:01as part of a fitting farewell for Jackson.
01:04As for closure for fans, Jackson will move to Boston, accompanied by April and their daughter
01:09Harriet, to take over the Avery Foundation. The May 20th episode will follow Jackson as he
01:14resigns from and says farewell to Grey Sloan Memorial. Williams joined Grey's Anatomy as a
01:19reoccurring player back in season six before being promoted along with Drew to series regular a year
01:24later. For more TV news and updates head to THR.com. For The Hollywood Reporter News, I'm Neha Joy.
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