- Jessie Williams is leaving Grey's Anatomy.
- The 39-year-old made his first appearance as plastic surgeon Doctor Jackson Avery in season six.
- "The experience and endurance born of creating nearly 300 hours of leading global television is a gift I'll carry always," said Jesse in a statement.
Jessie Williams is hanging up his white coat as Doctor Jackson Avery on Grey's Anatomy after 12 seasons.
The 39-year-old's last episode titled Tradition will air next week in the US.
The Little Fires actor said in a statement to People that he would "forever be grateful for the boundless opportunities provided me by Shonda, the network, studio, fellow castmates, our incredible crew, Krista, Ellen and Debbie."
He continued: "As an actor, director and person, I have been obscenely lucky to learn so much from so many, and I thank our beautiful fans, who breathe so much energy and appreciation into our shared worlds.
"The experience and endurance born of creating nearly 300 hours of leading global television is a gift I'll carry always. I am immensely proud of our work, our impact and to be moving forward with so many tools, opportunities, allies and dear friends."
Executive producer and showrunner Krista Vernoff told E News in a statement: "Jesse Williams is an extraordinary artist and activist. Watching his evolution these past 11 years, both on screen and off, has been a true gift.
"Jesse brings so much heart, such depth of care, and so much intelligence to his work. We will miss Jesse terribly, and we will miss Jackson Avery—played to perfection for so many years."