Grey’s Anatomy: ‘Maggie Leaving Wasn’t My Idea,’ Kelly McCreary Responds to Her Exit

Following the departure of Ellen Pompeo (Meredith) earlier this year, another iconic Grey’s Anatomy character has just said goodbye to the hit medical series, which airs on TF1 in France.

From season 10 to the present, Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreery) has gradually become one of the central characters of Grey’s Anatomy, able to captivate the public thanks to her special relationship with her “sisters” Meredith and Amelia (Caterina Scorsone). His love stories with DeLuca, Jackson or Winston and the flaws he was able to show during extremely strong and exciting intrigues. As well as one centered on the death of his mother, who died suddenly of cancer.

However, after nine seasons of good and devoted service, Maggie left Gray Sloan Hospital during a double episode of season 19 that aired last night across the Atlantic on ABC.

Dr. Pierce, who was going through a crisis with his wife, from whom he had recently separated, accepted a position in Chicago. That’s how she says goodbye to Winston (Anthony Hill), despite their last high-risk operation together and their last night of love.

“I love you but I have to go”During the last conversation, Maggie turned to her husband. To which Winston simply replied: “I love you too, but I have to stay”. A final sign that despite everything they feel for each other, the two doctors have reached a breaking point in their relationship and want to focus on their careers anyway.

Why did Kelly McCreary decide to leave Grey’s Anatomy?

he asked DeadlineKelly McCreary reveals that the decision to leave Grey’s Anatomy seemed obvious to her at the end of season 18, a year ago now. “Maggie came to Gray Sloan in Seattle to learn more about her family — and subsequently herself — and every season I asked myself this question: Does Maggie understand what she wants? Does it ask new questions?– explains the actor.

“I wondered if the questions that he was facing and the compatibility questions with his wife that came up at the end of season 18 weren’t questions about who he was. Actually and what he wanted in life. I thought it was a sign that it was time for him to move on. So I went to Krista Vernoff, our showrunner, and I said, “I think it’s time for Maggie to go.”.

Kelly McCreary admits that she wasn’t really involved in the creative process leading up to her character’s departure, and that she even told the writers that she would know if they chose to kill Maggie off (I told them: I understand if you have to kill me, Meredith’s loved ones and friends are constantly having tragedies.).

But Krista Vernow and her team had other ideas for Maggie and chose a plot aimed at “Reviving Maggie’s youthful ambition, talent and genius”. What immediately packed the main interested. “The way Maggie left wasn’t my idea, but the writers consulted me and thought it was a great idea. I was really, really happy.”.

Kelly McCrea tells Deadline that Maggie’s decision to put her career before marriage clearly wasn’t easy: “It’s heartbreaking because I think he wanted to change, but at the end of the day, his passion for medicine, for science, remains his driving force. It’s a frustration for him, realizing he can’t have it all. Everything at once anyway. (. . . ) .) But there is still hope. Perhaps, when he solves this ambitious problem, one day, in another world, he will be good-natured and happy in love.”.

Maggie has already returned briefly in a few weeks

Although Kelly McCreery is leaving the Grey’s Anatomy regular cast, fans can take comfort in knowing that she will be back on the show very soon when the season 19 finale airs on May 18 on ABC. A two-part finale not to be missed as it also marks the return of Ellen Pompeo following her departure in episode 7 last February.

Maggie’s interpreter tells Deadline that her final scene with Caterina Scorsone was rescheduled several times due to weather, and didn’t feel like a true farewell sequence for the entire team, even if there was one. “lots of hugs”. Only because he knew he would be back soon.

“I’ll be back for a couple of season finale scenes, so the last scene didn’t feel like the end of anything to me. It’s really the end of the story, the end of the narrative arc, but I’ll be back soon.”

Kelly McCreary is careful not to reveal anything about the Season 19 finale, only teasing that Maggie and Winston will have scenes together. As for the rest, he says he’s open to another Grey’s Anatomy return if producers call him. “He’s not dead, he’s got family and friends in Seattle, so if they want me back, I’ll come running with gratitude and humility.”.

But for now, Kelly McCreary is going to take a break and start looking for new roles and new opportunities.

Season 19 of Grey’s Anatomy airs in France on TF1 on Wednesday, April 26, following season 18.