Kelly McCreary announces the exit of Grey’s Anatomy after 9 seasons

Gray Sloan Memorial is down another great doctor.

Following Ellen Pompeois the output of Grey’s Anatomy last month, another longtime cast member is stepping down. Kelly McCrearywho played Maggie Pierce on the show for nine seasons, announced her departure from the ABC medical drama on March 17.

“After nine seasons, I say goodbye to Maggie Pierce and her Gray Sloan family,” the actress said in a statement to E!. “It has been a tremendous honor to be part of such a legendary television institution as Grey’s Anatomy. I will always be grateful to Shonda Rhimes, Krista Vernoffand ABC for the opportunity, and to the incredible fans for their passionate support.”

Richard Webber’s daughter (James Pickens Jr.) and mother of Meredith (Pompeo) Ellis Gray (Kate Burton), Maggie held the title of Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Gray Sloan throughout her run on the show.

“Spending nine years exploring a character from the ground up, while reaching a global audience with impactful stories, is a rare gift,” the 41-year-old continued. “It gave me the opportunity to collaborate with, learn from, and be inspired by countless brilliant artists in front of and behind the camera.”