Ellen Pompeo reveals what she thought of Justin Chambers' 'Grey's Anatomy' exit

By GMA Team

"Grey's Anatomy" star Ellen Pompeo thinks Justin Chambers' exit from the show "was the best possible storyline."

Chambers, who has played Dr. Alex Karev in the ABC medical drama since the show's premiere in 2005, officially left the show after 16 seasons.

Many fans were surprised to learn that he left his wife Dr. Jo Wilson to reunite with his ex-wife Izzie, a character played by Katherine Heigl, who left the show in 2010.

Pompeo shared a touching video featuring her character, Dr. Meredith Grey, and Karev's best moments. She also sounded off on Karev's controversial exit in the caption.

"Thanks to our national treasure @therealdebbieallen and the writers for giving Alex Karev the best send off," Pompeo wrote, commending the director. "Thanks to @shondarhimes for creating the most amazing character."

"For me personally for Karev to go back to the beginning.... was the best possible storyline," Pompeo continued. "It pays homage to those incredible first years and the incredible cast ...that created a foundation so strong that the show is still standing."

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A post shared by Ellen Pompeo (@ellenpompeo) on Mar 6, 2020 at 8:28am PST

She also asked fans to "not be sad." Instead, "PULL UP and celebrate the actors the writers and the fantastic crew who make this show come to life every week."

The show's dedicated fan base is what keeps the cast and crew going "no matter what the challenge or how tired we all are in the end," she said.

At the time Chambers' exit was announced earlier this year, the actor released a statement on why he was leaving the show.

"For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices," his statement said. "And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time.”

His statement also expressed his gratitude for the show's creator Shonda Rhimes.

"As I move on from 'Grey’s Anatomy,' I want to thank the ABC family, Shonda Rimes, 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," he said.

Learn more about Justin Chambers' final episode here.