Ellen Pompeo Defends Alex Karev's Controversial Goodbye on Grey’s Anatomy
Warning: Major Grey’s Anatomy spoilers ahead.
Attention, Grey’s Anatomy fans: Ellen Pompeo has weighed in on the show’s controversial farewell to Dr. Alex Karev (Justin Chambers), and she says hard pass to fans who wish the writers would’ve killed him off instead of sending him to live with Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl).
In last night’s episode, Alex sent letters to Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), his new wife, Jo (Camilla Luddington), and Bailey (Chandra Wilson) explaining that his ex from over 10 years ago had his babies and that he’s going to make a life with them. Many fans were against it, but Pompeo called it the “the best possible storyline” in a new Instagram post.
“Hi here I go again … Thank YOU! You are truly the best most passionate most loyal fans anyone could ever ask for,” she wrote. “Because of you we got to make great tv… because of you we got to make television history!”
Pompeo goes on to thank the writers “for giving Alex Karev the best send off” and calls him “the most amazing character.”
“For me personally for Karev to go back to the beginning…was the best possible storyline,” she continues. “It pays homage to those incredible first years and the incredible cast…that created a foundation so strong that the show is still standing. So let’s not be sad. As our fearless leader DA always says let’s PULL UP and celebrate the actors the writers and the fantastic crew who make this show come to life every week. No matter what the challenge or how tired we all are in the end…you keep us going…That is worth dancing it out over! So much love and gratitude to you all. Xo E.”
In January, Chambers announced his exit from Grey’s Anatomy. “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,” he said in a statement. “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.”
He added, “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.”