ABC/Mitchell Haaseth(NEW YORK) — Goodbye, Callie Torres.
Grey’s Anatomy star Sara Ramirez, who has played the orthopedic surgeon since 2006, will not be returning next season.
At the end of Thursday night’s season-12 finale, her character seemingly finalized her divorce with Jessica Capshaw’s Arizona. As a result, she’ll be able to move to New York City.
“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, 40, said in a tweeted statement. “Shonda’s been so incredible to work for and we will definitely continue our conversations! I send my Love to Ellen [Pompeo], the rest of the cast & crew, and I look forward to always being a part of the Shondaland family!”
#GreysAnatomy #CallieTorres #Gratitude #Love #Shondaland pic.twitter.com/plbWhDAQ9g
— Sara Ramirez (@SaraRamirez) May 20, 2016
“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,” added series creator Shonda Rhimes. “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.”
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) May 20, 2016
Ramirez had fans speculating she might be leaving after she tweeted late last month, “That’s a wrap for Doctor #CallieTorres #Season13 #GreysAnatomy #ThankYou all for an enriching & unforgettable #Rollercoaster ride!”
Ramirez, is the latest star to leave the ABC drama. Sandra Oh departed the series in 2014, and last year audiences were shocked when Patrick Dempsey’s Derek Shepherd was killed in a car accident.
Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
