Grey's Anatomy spoilers follow.
Grey's Anatomy actor Jesse Williams is saying goodbye to the series after 12 seasons playing Jackson Avery.
At the end of Thursday night's (May 6) episode on ABC in the US, 'Look Up Child', Jackson's imminent exit was revealed. His final episode will be the season 17 finale, 'Tradition', airing on May 20.
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As first reported by Deadline, Williams said in a statement: "I will forever be grateful for the boundless opportunities provided me by Shonda [Rhimes], the network, studio, fellow castmates, our incredible crew, Krista [Vernoff], Ellen [Pompeo] and Debbie [Allen].
"As an actor, director and person, I have been obscenely lucky to learn so much from so many and I thank our beautiful fans, who breathe so much energy and appreciation into our shared worlds.
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"The experience and endurance born of creating nearly 300 hours of leading global television is a gift I'll carry always. I am immensely proud of our work, our impact and to be moving forward with so many tools, opportunities, allies and dear friends."
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Sarah Drew has also returned as April Kepner for Williams's farewell to give Jackson and April closure.
In 'Look Up Child', Jackson visits his father (Eric Roberts), which helps set him on the right track, before he has a heartfelt conversation with April, the mother of his child who's been living with her husband Matthew (Justin Bruening).
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Grey's showrunner Krista Vernoff added of the actor's exit: "Jesse Williams is an extraordinary artist and activist. Watching his evolution these past 11 years both on screen and off has been a true gift.
"Jesse brings so much heart, such depth of care, and so much intelligence to his work. We will miss Jesse terribly and we will miss Jackson Avery – played to perfection for so many years."
Grey's Anatomy season 17 airs on ABC in the US and Sky Witness in the UK, with selected episodes also available on NOW. Seasons 1-16 are streaming on Disney+.
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