Justin Chambers, one of the original cast members of "Grey's Anatomy," is leaving the show after 15 years.
The actor, who has played Alex Karev on the hit ABC medical drama since the show's premiere in 2005, officially confirmed his departure to "GMA" on Friday.
“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," he said in a statement.
MORE: How 'Grey's Anatomy' changed Hollywood for women, minorities and more"For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices," the statement continued. "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," his statement said.
The actor's popular character was one of the show's original interns at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. He was most recently employed as the chief of staff and chief of surgery at the Pacific Northwest General Hospital.
His character's final episode was reportedly on Nov. 14.
Chambers celebrated the show becoming the longest-running medical drama on TV in February 2019 with a message of appreciation for the show's fans.
"We appreciate all of our viewers, new and old, that have kept us on all of these years," he wrote in a post.
"Thank you to @shondarhimes for being a trailblazer, to @abcnetwork for giving us a home, and to all of the incredible castmates, crew members and writers throughout the years," he added. "It takes a village."
