Grey’s Anatomy has lost another series regular.
After nine seasons of playing Maggie Pierce, Meredith Grey’s (Ellen Pompeo) half-sister and head of the hospital’s cardiothoracic surgery, Kelly McCreary is leaving ABC’s hit medical drama.
McCreary is leaving the show to pursue other opportunities.
Maggie’s Season 19 arc is being crafted as the character’s final chapter at Grey Sloan Memorial.
Her last episode as a series regular will air on April 13, according to Deadline. The outlet reports that Maggie also will also appear in to visit the doctors of Grey Sloan later this season, following her April 13 farewell.
McCreary thanked 'Grey's Anatomy,' Shonda Rhimes, and more for giving her the opportunity to be a part of the “legendary television institution” in an official statement.
After nine seasons, I am saying goodbye to Maggie Pierce and her Grey Sloan family. It has been a tremendous honor to be a part of such a legendary television institution as Grey’s Anatomy. I will always be grateful to Shonda Rhimes, Krista Vernoff, and ABC for the opportunity, and to the incredible fans for their passionate support. To spend nine years exploring a character inside and out, while reaching a global audience with impactful stories, is a rare gift. It has afforded me an opportunity to collaborate with, learn from, and be inspired by countless brilliant artists both in front of and behind the camera. Playing Maggie Pierce has been one of the true joys of my life and I leave with profound gratitude for every step of this journey. I am excited for this next chapter, and what the future holds.
Executive producer/showrunner Krista Vernoff is sad to see Kelly McCreary go.
“Kelly McCreary is a writer’s dream come true; brilliant, nuanced, thoughtful, and kind,” Vernoff said. “We will deeply miss her and her beautifully crafted Dr. Maggie Pierce.”
