Sarah Drew and Jessica Capshaw are leaving Grey’s Anatomy following the show’s announcement on March 8 that they would not be returning after the 14th season.
Capshaw has played Dr. Arizona Robbins for 10 seasons while Drew, who was cast as Dr. April Kepner, has been on for nine seasons.
If one reads between the lines and looks at both actresses’ Twitter feeds and remarks, their sudden departure seems to have been as much of a shock to them as it was to loyal fans.
The decision definitely looks to be that of the show’s producers and not that of the cast.
The official statement from Grey’s Anatomy producers:
Grey’s showrunner Shonda Rhimes posted this on her Twitter:
https://t.co/ASqMUZAKy5 pic.twitter.com/Vcnbc8BI8s
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) March 8, 2018
Why is Jessica Capshaw leaving Grey’s Anatomy?
There had been speculation that fellow cast-member Ellen Pompeo’s salary raise to $20million may have shut out Capshaw and Drew, however showrunner Krista Vernoff strongly denied the rumors:
Regarding #GreysAnatomy and @EllenPompeo pic.twitter.com/d2ynURphsR
— Krista Vernoff (@KristaVernoff) March 8, 2018
Capshaw has inhabited the role of Arizona since 2009. Her trailblazing LGBTQ character is beloved. Currently, her IMDb page lists no new upcoming projects. This is what she posted on Twitter about her departure:
— Jessica Capshaw (@JessicaCapshaw) March 8, 2018
Why is Sarah Drew leaving Grey’s Anatomy?
This is what the star said about leaving the show:
https://t.co/IIBdRdCH9D pic.twitter.com/K9rdrcJXGx
— Sarah Drew (@sarahdrew) March 8, 2018
In happy news for Drew’s fans, she has already been signed on to star in CBS’ rebooted “Cagney & Lacey” pilot, according to Deadline. Drew will star as Cagney, while Michelle Hurd has been cast as her partner Lacey.
Vernoff congratulated Drew, but some fans took to Twitter to vent their frustrations over claims she was the one who actually fired her.
You are unbelievable, just wow! You fire Sarah & Jessica because you got no creativity and have the guts to congratulate her. Never seen a more #fakeFeminist – ever! #BoycottGreysAnatomy pic.twitter.com/MhcgmHla64
— Charleen??⛸ (@HappyCharlene23) March 14, 2018
How many different languages can she be dragged across the coals in? ? Remember it’s easier to replace showrunners than it is to replace actresses of 10 years! One of the most hypocritical people… pic.twitter.com/8wsgG45WWo
— Abby Metheney (@absgoalie3) March 14, 2018
Who is starring on Grey’s Anatomy tonight?
Guest stars tonight include Rachel Ticotin as Marie Cerone and Greg Germann as Tom Koracick.
What time is Grey’s Anatomy on?
Grey’s Anatomy Season 14, Episode 15, “Old Scars, Future Hearts” airs tonight at 8/7c on ABC.