Former Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Krista Vernoff reacted to longtime cast members Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd’s respective exits.
“I went back to set for the first time in 3 years last week to hug these gorgeous humans,” Vernoff, 54, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, March 25. “These are consummate artists, extraordinary talents and truly wonderful people.”
Vernoff, who served as the Grey’s showrunner from 2017 to 2023, uploaded a photo with McKidd, 52, and Raver, 57, while they filmed a scene for the currently airing season 22. (Meg Marinis succeeded Vernoff as the Grey’s showrunner.)
“I love you @therealkmckidd and @kimraver — and writing for Teddy and Owen was always a great joy,” Vernoff added. “I knew your performances would be authentic, deep, rich, funny, and true. #greysanatomy will miss the hell out of you, but fans won’t have to — because you two will never stop working. The sky’s the limit.”
McKidd and Raver portray divorced couple Owen Hunt and Teddy Altman on the long-running medical drama. The characters, who were introduced as platonic friends during their respective tenures in the military, ultimately got married before raising two kids together: Leo and Allison. (Owen adopted Leo as a single father before he started dating Teddy.)
News broke earlier on Wednesday that McKidd and Raver’s final episode will air during the May season 22 finale. The two actors have also addressed their respective exits.
“18 seasons. 18 years. That’s a fair stretch of a man’s life,” McKidd, who joined Grey’s in season 5, wrote in an Instagram statement. “I came over just hoping to get a shot … and somehow found a home. A family. A place that’s shaped me more than I probably realize yet.”
He continued, “Playing Owen Hunt has been one of the great privileges of my career, in front of the camera and behind it [as a director on the show]. I’m deeply grateful to @shondarhimes for trusting me with him.”
According to McKidd, he is now ready to “build something of [his] own from the ground up.”
Raver joined Grey’s in season 6, later returning during season 15.
“Playing Dr. Teddy Altman will always hold a dear and special place in my heart,” she wrote in a social media statement. “Sixteen years ago, I had the incredible privilege of stepping into this role thanks to the vision of Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers. Since that day, it has been a true gift to bring the iconic words of Shonda and our brilliant team of writers to life.”
Grey’s Anatomy airs on ABC Thursdays at 10 p.m. EDT.
