Two series regulars from the hit show “Grey’s Anatomy” are leaving the show at the end of the season, according to multiple media reports.
Jessica Capshaw, who portrays pediatric surgeon Arizona Robbins, and Sarah Drew, who plays general surgeon April Kepner, will be leaving the show at the end of season 14 after several years on the hit ABC network show, according to Deadline.
Capshaw joined the show in season 5 as Arizona Robbins, who became an important LGBTQ figure on the show, dating Sara Ramirez’s Callie Torres for several seasons.
Meanwhile, Sarah Drew joined the show in season 6 as April Kepner, a transfer from Mercy West, and connected with audiences through her evangelical Christian storyline.
“Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes released the following statement regarding the cast shakeup:
“It’s always hard for me to say goodbye to any of my characters,” Rhimes said to Entertainment Weekly. “Both Arizona Robbins and April Kepner are not only beloved but iconic — both the LBGTQ and devout Christian communities are underrepresented on TV. I will be forever grateful to both Jessica and Sarah for bringing these characters to life with such vibrant performance and for inspiring women around the globe. They will always be a part of our Shondaland family.”
Both Drew and Capshaw also shared their thoughts on the news of their departures from the show on Twitter:
