Yahoo News Grey's Anatomy star speaks out on Sarah Drew's exit plot and fan response
Grey's Anatomy star Jesse Williams has discussed Sarah Drew's exit from the show as Dr April Kepner.
Drew and Jessica Capshaw (Dr Arizona Robbins) were both dropped by the ABC medical drama last season, prompting huge outcry from the fans.
In an interview on Profile by BuzzFeed News, Williams, who plays Dr Jackson Avery, pointed out that it's not the first (and won't be the last) time the show has brought out emotions from viewers.
"[Grey's Anatomy is known for] figuring out ways to get you invested in something, just to rip you apart," he said.
"And I reminded folks that, you know, maybe for different reasons, but that Japril was a hard pill to swallow for fans as well. They didn't like us."
The star said that exploring Jackson and Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary) as a couple was difficult at first and acknowledged the fans' initial reaction.
"They didn't like her or me for different reasons and that pairing was hard," he explained, "but then you figure out a rhythm and a chemistry. Kelly McCreary, who plays Maggie, is an incredible actress and person.
"We did have to kind of figure out how to be deliberate about how we're forming and shaping them as individuals, which is as important as any union, having them be complete people so they can exist without each other.
"So it's a process. We're getting there."
Related: Grey's Anatomy star Sarah Drew plots TV comeback as she lands new lead role
Williams was also asked about his future at Grey's Anatomy. Although he didn't answer how long he would stay, he praised everyone who works on the show.
"I work with amazing, amazing, talented people, like top to bottom," he said. "It's such an example and a pioneering show in so many ways, particularly in inclusion – not as charity, but inclusion because it's the best way to make things work to get shit done."
Last year, Williams described Drew's controversial exit as "sad" and "unfortunate".
"That's my partner, my road dog, so it was unpleasant," he said at the time.
Speaking of heartbreak, the Grey's Anatomy crossover with Station 19 saw another Shondaland character suddenly written out.
Grey's Anatomy airs on ABC in the US and on Sky Witness in the UK.
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