Photo by Marco Chilese on Unsplash
This has to be the saddest news I’ve received in a long time. Justin Chambers a.k.a Alex Korev is leaving Grey Slone Memorial to “diversify his acting roles”.
Okay, I’m sorry but what’s more diverse than going from the bad boy intern with a bad attitude to a loving, caring husband just trying to make sure his wife is okay and the CHIEF OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY. The man has come up and as soon as he gets it together he’s leaving us high and dry. I’m not happy, Justin. I’m very, very upset. There’s been a lot of character building for Alex specifically and it’s one of those things that pulls on my heartstrings because I’m so connected to the character. I’ve grown up watching him evolve and I too have gone through major life events. I graduated high school, college, and gotten married all while Alex Karev graced my television. It’s a lot and I’m seriously thinking of taking a half-day to mourn this huge loss to network television.
His statement read in part.
“There’s no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that’s defined so much of my life for the past 15 years,” Chambers said in a statement to Deadline. “For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices. And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time.”
Yadda yadda yadda, WAIT, hold up, did he just say he was 50? Holy, mother of dragons, I had no idea Justin Chambers was old enough to be my father. I mean I guess it makes sense. He has been a full-grown adult on Grey’s for a decade and a half. For context, I’m a 25-year-old woman (currently in a quarter-life crisis might I add) but when the show started I was in 5th grade so yeah. I guess the entire original cast is probably getting up there in age.
His statement went on:
“As I move on from Grey’s Anatomy, I want to thank the ABC family, Shonda Rimes, original cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, and the rest of the amazing cast and crew, both past and present, and, of course, the fans for an extraordinary ride,” he said.
Justin, if you’re reading this, just know that as a fan of the show I am selfishly disappointed in this decision but as a human that understands the need for growth, I applaud your brave choice to walk away from what’s comfortable and into the unknown.
Justin leaves the show following so many of his former co-stars like Katherine Heigl and Sandra Oh. Now, these two have had wildly different career paths. The former ended up in a NyQuil commercial while the other has an award-winning television show. Which path will Justin take? Only time will tell. But I wish you the best Karev.