Kevin McKidd, who has played Dr. Owen Hunt for 18 seasons of “Grey’s Anatomy,” is hanging up his scrubs.
The Scottish actor, who joined the hit medical drama in 2008, announced his exit from the beloved Shondaland series on Wednesday, March 25.
Kevin McKidd Bids Emotional Goodbye to ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
McKidd took to social media after a press release announced his exit.
“18 seasons. 18 years. That’s a fair stretch of a man’s life,” the “Made of Honor” actor began in his lengthy Instagram farewell. “I came over just hoping to get a shot… and somehow found a home. A family. A place that’s shaped me more than I probably realise yet. Playing Owen Hunt has been one of the great privileges of my career, in front of the camera and behind it.”
He continued, “Long before any of this, I was just a young actor from Scotland, grafting. Wondering if it was ever going to happen. Taking the knocks, the rejections… all of it.”
McKidd went on to share words of wisdom for young actors who find themselves in a similar position.
“If you’re in that place right now, keep going. You never quite know where it’s leading. The work you’re putting in, quietly, when no one’s watching… it does count,” he wrote. “So this is a goodbye… for now. It’s time to build something of my own from the ground up. To tell new stories, and take everything I’ve learned here into the next chapter.”
The beloved actor thanked series creator Shonda Rhimes for “trusting” him with Dr. Hunt, before extending his gratitude to the crew, the writers, the cast, and the fans.
Kim Raver Is Also Saying Goodbye to ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
Fans were dealt a double heartbreak on Wednesday as Shondaland announced another longtime favorite, Dr. Teddy Altman, would be saying goodbye to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
Kim Raver, the actress behind the iconic character, will also be leaving after the season 22 finale.
“It is both bittersweet and joyful to give this couple the happy ending their story deserves,” Rhimes said of their farewell.
She continued, “Kevin and Kim bring extraordinary talent, nuance, and heart to their roles as Owen and Teddy. Their contributions leave an indelible mark on Grey’s Anatomy, both in front of and behind the camera. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them both and to see them shine…While we will all miss seeing them in the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial each day, I am excited to witness where Kim’s and Kevin’s journeys will take them in the future.”
