Callie Torres will not be returning to Grey's Anatomy when the show comes back for its 13th season.
Sara Ramirez, who plays Torres in the Shonda Rhimes series, first fueled speculations that she's leaving when she posted a cryptic tweet about her last day of filming for season 12. Many of the stars in the show have contracts expiring soon, but while they are in the process of renegotiating, Ramirez has chosen not to renew hers.
"I'm deeply grateful to have spent the last 10 years with my family at Grey's Anatomy and ABC, but for now I'm taking some welcome time off," said the actress, who has been part of the show since its second season.
She did say "for now" so that means there's a chance for her character to return to the show, even if not as a series regular. For what it's worth, Torres did get an incredible send-off for Grey's Anatomy's season 12 finale.
Ramirez added it's been incredible working with Rhimes and that leaving the show doesn't mean their conversations will end. She also sent the rest of the cast and crew her love, saying she looks forward to being always a part of the Shondaland family.
Rhimes reciprocated the love in her own statement about Ramirez's departure from the show, saying the actress' performance inspired her. She added she'll miss Ramirez, but is excited for what she will be doing in the future.
The latest to leave Grey's Anatomy, Ramirez follows Patrick Dempsey, Sandra Oh, Eric Dane and other series regulars who have left the show. Dempsey's character being written out during the show's 11th season received a lot of backlash, but raging emotions have since simmered down as Rhimes explained why Derek Shepherd had to go.
Ramirez has been part of the show for 10 seasons. She was promoted to series regular during season 3 of Grey's Anatomy.
