4 Grey's Anatomy Actors Not Coming Back for Season 20

We have to admit it, Thursday nights this October are not the same without new episodes of Grey's Anatomy. The show has been warming our chilly fall nights for 18 straight years, but due to the Hollywood strikes, Season 20 has been delayed indefinitely. The earliest premiere date in sight is spring 2024.

The good news is that it is definitely coming and will likely be followed by many more. The bad news is that not every beloved character will be strolling the corridors of Grey Sloan Memorial in the new episodes. Four major cast members are not expected to return for Season 20.

Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey)

Of course, the biggest cause of sadness for all dedicated fans is the departure of lead actress Ellen Pompeo, which happened in Season 19. The actress promised that she would continue to do voiceovers for episodes and make occasional guest appearances, but her cameo in Season 20 is highly unlikely.

Because of the strikes, the new installment will probably be shortened. There will not be enough screen time to follow Meredith to Boston. Also, Pompeo is involved in a new Hulu project and will have to focus on that after the SAG-AFTRA strike is over, leaving her no time to film for Season 20. But who knows, there's always a chance, right?

Scott Speedman (Nick Marsh)

Speedman has only been a core cast member for the last two seasons, but he is not expected to return to the show. His character, Nick, is the main love interest for Meredith, and Season 19 has shown that it will continue to be that way in the future. The couple confessed their love for each other and Nick followed Meredith to Boston to the delight of many fans.

Kelly McCreary (Maggie Pierce)

Another cast member who saddened fans this year is Kelly McCreary, who portrayed Meredith's half-sister Maggie, daughter of Chief Richard Webber and Ellis Grey. The actress reportedly left the show after ten seasons to pursue new career opportunities. Her character's arc mirrored real life and saw Maggie take a better position at a Chicago hospital and move there.

Anthony Hill (Winston Ndugu)

Like Meredith and Nick, Maggie and Winston are the ultimate inseparable couple. While Anthony Hill's departure has not been confirmed or denied, it is safe to assume that Winston will follow his wife to Chicago.