On Grey’s Anatomy Season 13 Episode 24, nearly every character wrapped up the season in a happy state.
Moreover, there were no shooting or natural disasters or plane crashes or major deaths of any kind.
Still… there was one development on Thursday night that was even more surprising than the lack of a crazy finale from Shonda Rhimes:
Sara Ramirez has left the series.
This is not actually a significant shock to anyone who follows the actress on Twitter.
In late April, Ramirez Tweeted her gratitude for having played the role of Callie Torres for 10 seasons, writing on Twitter:
“That’s a wrap for Doctor #CallieTorres #Season13 #GreysAnatomy #ThankYou all for an enriching & unforgettable #Rollercoaster ride!”
With Ramirez’s contract due to expire this summer, many believed this was either a negotiating ploy for a better deal or a fond farewell.
Following the conclusion of Grey’s Anatomy Season 12 last night, we know now it to have been the latter.
“I’m deeply grateful to have spent the last 10 years with my family at Grey’s Anatomy and ABC, but for now, I’m taking some welcome time off,” Ramirez said in a statement.
“[Series creator] Shonda [Rhimes has] 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 and crew, and I look forward to always being a part of the Shondaland family!”
Callie did at least get a satisfying ending.
After weeks of fighting with Arizona over the custody of their daughter, she was surprised when her ex-wife decided that they could work out an arrangement that would enable Callie to move to New York and still see Sophia on a semi-regular basis.
Ramirez becomes just the latest key Grey’s Anatomy cast member to leave the show, but she does so under far less acrimonious circumstances than Katherine Heigl, Isaiah Washington or Patrick Dempsey.
The latter’s beloved McDreamy was hit by a truck and killed off last season.
Wrote Rhimes in a glowing statement of her own:
“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.
“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.”
