Leaving Early- 4

 
 
Katherine Heigl and T.R. Knight - Grey’s Anatomy

How they left: Katherine Heigl and T.R. Knight were two of Grey’s Anatomy’s most popular original cast members—but also two of the show’s most problematic. Both earned Emmy nominations for their roles on the show (she won), but, as they approached their fifth season on the drama, neither was happy. Knight never really recovered from being outed by cast member Isaiah Washington, and his character was heavily marginalized. Heigl was openly displeased with the storylines her character was given and had a burgeoning film career to pursue. Heigl’s character, Izzy, was given brain cancer, and in turn the actress had some of her meatiest material on the show. Knight’s George enlisted in the army, leading many to believe he would die in combat, and to wonder whether he or Izzy would kick the bucket first. But a shocking season finale ended with both characters flatlining. When season six returned, George had died, while Izzy got healthy and remained on the show for half the season before skipping town rather unceremoniously.

What happened next: In its seventh season, Grey’s Anatomy continues to prove itself adept at introducing and then streamlining new characters, with recent additions like Kim Raver, Chyler Leigh, and Kevin McKidd folding into the cast seamlessly. Heigl has become one of Hollywood’s most bankable romantic comedy actresses, while Knight, who’s starred in a few plays, has yet to appear on screen since his Grey’s send-off.