Jesse Williams Won't Rule Out Grey's Comeback, but Don't Get Your Hopes Up
It may not be the last time we see this dreamy, blue-eyed doctor.
Jesse Williams made his debut as Dr. Jackson Avery on ABC's hit medical drama in 2009, joining the Grey's Anatomy cast in Season 6 when Seattle Grace Hospital merged with Mercy West Medical Center.
Jackson Avery quickly became a fan favorite for his character's depth and compassion and, of course, his handsome features, not to mention the fact that the actor, like his character, is an activist.
Fans watched him grow from surgical resident to chief of plastic surgery until Season 17, when he decided to move to Boston to help run his mother's charity, the Catherine Fox Foundation.
In reality, Willams decided to leave the show, stating, "I needed to get out of my comfort zone, I needed to go into a very unknown place." It's worth noting that Grey's Anatomy was his first role, and he had played Jackson Avery for over a decade.
Fortunately for fans, his decision to explore new opportunities didn't mean he was leaving Grey's Anatomy completely or forever.
Williams shared that the door is always open for him to return to Grey's Anatomy, and he is more than happy to entertain the idea of returning to the set in the future to direct an episode or make an on-screen appearance. (Here's hoping it's the latter).
Since leaving Grey's, Williams has made his Broadway debut in "Take Me Out" and is starring in the third season of "Only Murders in the Building," which premiered August 8.
Grey's has been losing long-time fan favorites, including Alex Karev, Andrew DeLuca and the iconic Meredith Grey. Fortunately, Jackson Avery left in a way that would allow him to return at any time, unlike DeLuca, who passed away.
Fans were ecstatic when it was announced that Jackson Avery would be appearing in the Season 18 finale, with comments on @greysabc's post ranging from "Great now I have 2 months of Greys to catch up on" to "YALL BETTER NOT MESSING WITH ME."
After his Season 18 appearance, Williams also appeared in a Season 19 episode, making it clear that his character has the means to return should Williams choose to do so, and fans can only hope that he does. Even in a reduced role, fans are happy to see a familiar favorite among so many new Grey's Anatomy cast members.
We're not sure what the future holds for Williams, but it's clear that if he decides to make a surprise appearance, fans will be ready and eager to welcome him back.