Kevin McKidd, Kim Raver to Exit Series After Season 22
Goodbye, Teddy and Owen! “Grey’s Anatomy” will be bidding farewell to two of its veterans — pun intended — when Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd leave the series in the Season 22 finale of ABC’s long-running medical drama, airing on May 7.
The two ex-Army majors, who met in Baghdad during the war in Iraq, and finally (finally!) married in Season 18 of “Grey’s Anatomy,” have been pulled apart and brought back together over many seasons. McKidd joined the show’s cast during Season 5, and Raver was cast the next season in a recurring role; she was made a series regular later that season in 2010. At the end of Season 8, Raver left the show of her own volition, only to return for a guest stint in Season 14 and then for real in Season 15. McKidd’s and Raver’s departures are said to be a creative decision, and, as with other stars in the “Grey’s Anatomy” firmament, they may return in the future. Production has wrapped on Season 22.
Though it’s been a rocky road for Owen and Teddy of late — they are officially divorced, having tried to have an open marriage and failing miseraby — the statement from “Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes included in full below indicates that perhaps they’ll ride off into the sunset together after all. “It is both bittersweet and joyful to give this couple the happy ending their story deserves,” Rhimes wrote. Eyes emoji!
Over his time on “Grey’s Anatomy,” a role he took after starring in the 1999 movie “Trainspotting” and HBO’s 2005 historical drama “Rome” — McKidd has directed 48 episodes of the show, beginning in 2011. (He also directed his upcoming departure in the season finale.) Raver has directed three episodes, beginning in Season 19, and in her statement, she shouts out Debbie Allen, the executive producing director of “Grey’s,” who has spearheaded the show’s effort to encourage its acting troupe to direct. “I feel so fortunate to have worked under the brilliance of Debbie Allen,” Raver said, “who not only mentored me but welcomed me into the director’s chair.”
There are four more episode in this 18-episode season of “Grey’s Anatomy,” including this week’s.
Statements from McKidd, Raver, Rhimes and showrunner Meg Marinis are included in full below.
Kevin McKidd Statement
Grey’s Anatomy has been a huge chapter of my life, creatively and personally, and I’m deeply grateful for everything the show has given me over the years. Playing Dr. Owen Hunt and directing on the show have both shaped me enormously, and I’ve had the privilege of working with an extraordinary group of people throughout that time. I’m particularly thankful to Shonda Rhimes for creating Owen, and for the encouragement she gave me as I stepped into directing.
As that chapter comes to a close, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead — building new work, telling new stories, and taking everything I’ve learned into the next phase of my career.
Kim Raver Statement
Playing Dr. Teddy Altman will always hold a dear and special place in my heart. 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.
I am especially grateful to our current showrunner, Meg Marinis, for her leadership and heart, and I want to honor the immense talent of the showrunners who came before her, including Krista Vernoff whose guidance helped shape Teddy’s journey through the years.
I feel so fortunate to have worked under the brilliance of Debbie Allen, who not only mentored me but welcomed me into the Director’s chair. To my amazingly talented castmates and our formidable, tireless crew: playing in this arena with you has been a joy, and I will carry this company in my heart always.
To the fans—your unwavering devotion and support are the reason this show remains such a force. Thank you for making this set my place of magic and my home.
Shonda Rhimes Statement
Over the years, we have had the privilege of watching Owen and Teddy’s love story evolve and deepen- two characters who always seem to find their way back to each other. It is both bittersweet and joyful to give this couple the happy ending their story deserves.
Kevin and Kim bring extraordinary talent, nuance and heart to their roles as Owen and Teddy. Their contributions leave an indelible mark on Grey’s Anatomy, both in front of and behind the camera. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them both and to see them shine.
While we will all miss seeing them in the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial each day, I am excited to witness where Kim’s and Kevin’s journeys will take them in the future.
Meg Marinis Statement
Kim and Kevin will always be cherished members of the Grey’s Anatomy family.
Over the last eighteen seasons, Kevin has brought extraordinary depth and heart to Owen Hunt. While he arrived as a stoic veteran and trauma surgeon, Owen grew into a loving husband and father, helping shape the emotional foundation of the show for audiences around the world. In addition to his stunning performances on screen, Kevin has been an incredible leader to our cast and crew on set, directing nearly fifty episodes.
For twelve seasons, Kim has amazed us with her fierce and raw portrayal of Teddy Altman. Her performance as a strong female veteran and cardiothoracic surgeon has inspired us all, particularly the women who constantly must fight for their place in the room. Kim also stepped behind the camera and directed episodes with the same passion and storytelling instinct that defined her work as an actor.
While their story is coming to a close, this is never truly a goodbye. We are endlessly grateful for the years, the artistry and the memories they’ve given to the show and we look forward to cheering them on in whatever comes next.
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