'Grey's Anatomy' star Kevin McKidd reveals reason for exit after 18 seasons: 'There comes a time...'
As 'Grey's Anatomy' Season 22 inches to a close, all eyes are on departing cast members Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd. The actors who play Teddy Altman and Owen Hunt, respectively, in the long-running medical drama confirmed their exits well ahead of the May 7 finale. McKidd's Owen, in particular, was looked at as one of the characters likely to die in the final chapter, but speculations are rife that he and Teddy get a bittersweet end.
In his latest sit-down with ABC News, McKidd addressed his decision to leave the show after 18 seasons. “It just felt like the right time. 18 years is a long time to do one thing. I came on the show as a guest star and then stayed for a few years, and was with Sandra Oh, and then stayed once Sandra left. Now I turn around and look and go, 'How did 18 seasons go by?' There comes a time when you have to do other things, and now’s that time." That said, this isn't entirely goodbye as McKidd plans to continue as a director on the show. Interestingly, he even directed the season finale. "I’m going to continue to direct on the show, so I’m going to be back but kind of in a different role, more behind the scenes. I directed the finale. That was a really big episode, so I directed my own exit from the show. That kind of felt fitting and nice and kind of empowering to do that."
The promo for Episode 18, titled 'Bridge Over Troubled Waters,' hinted that Owen might not make it out alive after a devastating accident. In the previous episode, Teddy heard a voicemail from Owen, who was cut off while on a bridge, as it seemed like it was collapsing. His voice got cut off, leading to uncertainty over his survival in the finale. The Teddy-Owen relationship has been one of the major storylines this season. With the couple heading towards divorce or reconciling, the latest setback will surely have fans wondering if Owen can make it out alive. Some fans believe he might survive a near-death experience and will retire with Teddy to focus on their relationship, but there is every possibility that the 'Grey's Anatomy' writers have a different ending in mind. His fate will now only be revealed once the series finale premieres Thursday, May 7, at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.
