"Grey's Anatomy" fans just had to cope with the farewell to series star Ellen Pompeo (53), when the US industry journal "Deadline" reports that another well-known face will leave Gray Sloan Memorial Hospital: after nine years with the popular one ABC series actress Kelly McCreary (41) gets out. The 41-year-old has embodied the character Maggie Pierce since the end of the tenth season.

"Playing Maggie Pierce has been one of the true joys of my life," actress McCreary said in an emotional statement. However, as in the case of series star Pompeo, McCreary is expected to return to the popular hospital series for occasional stints and guest appearances in the future. The final episode starring McCreary as part of the regular cast of Grey's Anatomy will air April 13 on ABC in the US.

Former Grey's Anatomy star Pompeo took to Instagram and wrote to the departing McCreary: "Thank you for your super hard work and valuable contributions to the Grey's legacy." Grey's Anatomy showrunner Krista Vernoff, 51, added in a statement distributed by EW: "Kelly McCreary is a screenwriter's dream come true: brilliant, nuanced, perceptive and kind. We will be her and her Deeply miss the wonderfully crafted Dr. Maggie Pierce".

Showrunner Vernoff will also leave "Grey's Anatomy" after the end of the 19th season currently running in the USA. A 20th season of the popular series has not yet been ordered by ABC. German television viewers can watch the 19th season of "Grey's Anatomy" on ProSieben on free TV from April 24th. The new episodes on Joyn and the Disney streaming service start a week earlier.