★ It’s the end of an era – the Alex Karev era – on Grey’s Anatomy. Though Justin didn’t appear in episode 16.16 titled “Leave a Light on,” he did provide the voiceovers for Alex’s letters and this episode marked his series wrap.
I already shared my thoughts before, but I’ll reiterated my gratitude to Justin for his hard work and dedication to brilliantly playing Alex for 16 seasons and congratulate him for bringing to life a character who’s had a huge impact in the Grey’s universe and been an inspiration for fans around the world. I wish Justin all the very best in this new chapter of his life. ✨❤️
Following the airing of the episode, ABC released this “A Farewell to Alex Karev” video tribute.
★ Grey’s showrunner Krista Vernoff released this statement after the episode:
“It is nearly impossible to say goodbye to Alex Karev. That is as true for me and for all of the writers at Grey’s Anatomy as it is for the fans. We have loved writing Alex. And we have loved watching Justin Chambers’ nuanced portrayal of him. For 16 seasons, 16 years, we have grown up alongside Alex Karev. We have been frustrated by his limitations and we have been inspired by his growth and we have come to love him deeply and to think of him as one of our very best friends. We will miss him terribly. And we will always be grateful for his impact, on our show, on our hearts, on our fans, on the world.”
★ A few people who worked with Justin have mentioned him recently. Jesse Williams aka Dr. Jackson Avery speaking to Entertainment Tonight had this to say about the departure of Justin and Alex Karev:
“It can’t not reverberate. It’s such an incredible, impactful character,” Williams told ET on Wednesday in New York City while promoting his upcoming Broadway debut in Take Me Out on the aftermath of Alex’s departure. “I’ve always said that’s always been one of my favorite characters.”
Even with Chambers’ time on Grey’s over, his absence will be deeply felt for the foreseeable future, especially when it comes to Jo’s storyline moving forward.
“[Justin’s] been one of the sweetest and funniest guys on set with me and everyone, certainly not just me. He’s a light and he’s so unassuming and chill as a person. And that character is specific and rooted and motivated,” the 38-year-old actor said. “Yeah, it’s a big departure and it will impact all of us and impact the relationships that form and sever as a result, for sure.”
Lisa Ann Walter posted this sweet story about the compliment Justin gave her when they worked together in the 350th episode (ep 16.08 “My Shot”). The full post can be read below but here is the Justin-related part.
“…Justin gave me probably one of the top two compliments I’ve ever received for my acting…
After shooting in the morning, Justin approached me on a break –
He had Camilla Luddington introduce him and said this: “I told Camilla I wanted to meet you because I wanted to tell you this-”
With that he faced me, taking both of my arms in his hands- looking into my eyes. “Your work inspired me. The scene in The Parent Trap – where you learn that one twin is the other… that’s one of the scenes that made me want to become an actor”. I gasped. “That’s the best compliment you could ever give me – besides that I’m a good mom”. We spoke more – about work and how it was when we were young actors. But I thought everyone should know what a kindness he did for me.
Our work isn’t easy. There are people in my industry who’ve gone out of their way to be kind… But this moment stood out – and I wanted to share. This is who Justin Chambers is.”
Marika Dominczyk, who played Eliza Minnick in season 13, congratulated and wished Justin well with this post.
“There’s no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that’s defined so much of my life for the past 15 years. For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices. And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time. As I move on from Grey’s Anatomy, I want to thank the ABC family, Shonda, original cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, and the rest of the amazing cast and crew, both past and present, and, of course, the fans for an extraordinary ride.”
