The Doctor Is Out

T.R. Knight, a.k.a. Dr. George O’Malley, is leaving Grey’s Anatomy’s Seattle Grace.

It was widely reported earlier this year that the actor had asked to be released from his contract – a full three years before it was up – because of, really, myriad reasons, chief among them Isaiahgate (Google it – I don’t care to perpetuate it), as well as rumors of clashes with show mastermind Shonda Rhimes. Knight’s character subsequently was backburnered.

Well, who says wishes can’t come true? Knight is checking out of the show, and Jessica Capshaw, who joined Grey’s Anatomy midway through last season as recurring character Dr. Arizona Robbins, has been promoted to series regular.

The only question remaining is: What’s going to happen to Katherine Heigl’s Izzie? Last we saw her, her life (and George’s) was hanging in the balance.

And Heigl was said to be wanting off, too.

Those Grey’s Anatomy folks – they know drama.

Photo: EW.com.

Update: A day after the news of his departure broke, T.R. Knight said that, “Leaving Grey’s Anatomy was not an easy decision for me to make,” while Shonda Rhimes, in a separate statement, expressed her best wishes and admiration for the actor.

And then it dawned on me how much I am going to miss George next season.

Meanwhile, Katherine Heigl’s Dr. Izobel “Izzie” Stevens will stay on duty at Seattle Grace. Heigl’s contract option on the hit medical drama has been picked up, meaning she will be needed back this fall.