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'Grey's Anatomy' cardiothoracic head Kelly McCreary leaving series after almost 200 episodes

'I am excited about this next chapter, and what the future holds,' said Kelly McCreary

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: As we know the OG character of the series, Ellen Pompeo left 'Grey's Anatomy' after starring in the series for 19 seasons. However, it is confirmed Grey Sloan Memorial will be losing the remaining Ellis Grey’s daughter this season. Kelly McCreary, who has played Maggie Pierce, Meredith Grey’s (Ellen Pompeo) half-sister and head of the hospital’s cardiothoracic surgery since the end of Season 10, is departing ABC’s 'Grey’s Anatomy' after nine years.  Pompeo's last episode as a series regular aired on February 23rd. It was also previously reported that showrunner Krista Vernoff will depart at the end of the current season, Season 19. 

When the series first aired the cast consisted of Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, Justin Chambers, T. R. Knight, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., Isaiah Washington, and Patrick Dempsey. The cast has undergone major changes throughout the series run. At the start of the 19th season, the show had a large ensemble of 17 actors—including three from the original cast (Pompeo, Wilson, and Pickens) however, now that is changing to 15.

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'I leave with profound gratitude'

It was announced that Kelly McCreary, who plays Maggie Pierce, will be exiting the series. Her last episode is scheduled to air on April 13th. McCreary is just the latest to depart or announce their departure from the iconic series, with Pompeo's last episode as a series regular having aired on February 23rd. 

“After nine seasons, I am saying goodbye to Maggie Pierce and her Grey Sloan family,” said McCreary who thanked 'Grey’s Anatomy' creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes, executive producer/showrunner Krista Vernoff, and ABC for the opportunity to be a part of the “legendary television institution” that the long-running medical drama is. “Playing Maggie Pierce has been one of the true joys of my life, and I leave with profound gratitude for every step of this journey. I am excited about this next chapter, and what the future holds.”

Grey sisters always stick together

Pompeo took to Instagram to share her own response to the announcement, thanking her co-star for her hard work and offering her "lots of love." Pompeo captioned the picture, "Congratulations Kelly💚 Thanks so much for your super hard work and the valuable contributions you’ve made to the Grey’s legacy. Looking forward to your next chapter✨ Lots of love, EP."

However, 'Grey's Anatomy' Season 19 airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. on ABC.