Jesse Williams is leaving 'Grey's Anatomy' after 11 years

In a statement to E! News, Jesse said: "I will forever be grateful for the boundless opportunities provided me by Shonda [Rhimes], the network, studio, fellow cast mates, our incredible crew, Krista, Ellen and Debbie [Allen]. 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."

Jesse will be back for one final time on May 20 for the 'Tradition'

episode.

ex ecutive producer and showrunner, Krista Vernoff, hailed Jesse for playing plastic surgeon Dr. Avery "to perfection for so many years".

She commented: "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."

Jesse's exit comes after Giacomo Giannotti's alter ego Andrew DeLuca was killed off.

The on/off boyfriend of Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) was fatally stabbed in a heartbreaking scene.

Giacomo first joined the show back in 2014 and quickly became a fan-favourite.