Photo: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
Kelly McCrearyis soaking up her final days onGrey’s Anatomy.
On Sunday, the actor exclusively spoke with PEOPLE about how she’s processing her exit from ABC’s long-running medical drama after nine seasons of playing Maggie Pierce.
Now working her final days, McCreary is taking stock of what she’s been a part of. “Every moment is a big moment and it feels nice to be able to take stock of something in your life like that,” she tells PEOPLE. “It’s nice.”
Janet/AFF-USA/Shutterstock
McCreary also has positive thoughts on the new generation of young doctors following her lead.
“I love this core group of new interns that we have. I think they are so dynamic and gorgeous and talented and fun to watch and such terrific actors. I feel like the show is amazing,” she says, going on to recall the time she was herself “brand new” to the show.
“That was a time when the show was also in transition and it seemed like the audience didn’t know how the show would go on,” McCreary continues. “I always say it’s the new blood, it’s the new life, it’s the new stories, it’s the new characters that makes this show just so special and you just keep leaning in. So I’m excited about the future of the show.”
PEOPLE confirmed last month that McCreary will appear in herlast episode as a series regularon April 13 but return for additional episodes this season.
Ron Tom/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Expanding on her gratitude to everyone involved withGrey’s Anatomy, McCreary shared a heartfelt Instagram post on March 17, breaking down some of her highlights of the long-running medical drama.
“9 seasons, 200 episodes, scores of heroic surgeries, countless brave patients, dozens of delightful sister house scenes, 1 episode with my real-life sister, some loss and some grief, a few ghostly visitations from mothers, a handful of boyfriends, 2 gorgeous weddings, a bunch of drunken emotional breakdowns, 1 high-speed chase, several awkward dinner parties, 1 punch taken (1 punch thrown), at least 1 pratfall, buckets of tears, innumerable fits of laughter, all the medical jargon mastered, a slew of friends for life, myriad collaborators who grew me as an artist, 1 grateful heart and 1 massive THANK YOU.”
“What a ride! 🥹♥️🙏🏾,” she added.
In a more expanded statement, McCreary also reflected on playing Maggie Pierce, the half-sister of Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), since becoming a series regular in season 11.
Mitch Haaseth/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
McCreary’s departure comes as Maggie and her husband Winston (Anthony Hill) are at odds over prioritizing their career over their personal lives on the medical drama after he changed specialties to protect their marriage.
PerDeadline, McCreary informed producers of her desire to leaveGrey’s Anatomyto pursue other opportunities and allowed them tocreate a final storylinefor the character in season 19. Pompeo alsostepped back fromGrey’s Anatomythis season to pursue outside projects
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“Maggie came from a loving, supportive family to find other parts of her family and I thought, ‘What else is she looking for?'” McCreary adds of her decision to leave the character. “So I wondered how that question might play into it and it kind of led me to, ‘Maybe this is the end.'”
As for how she thinks Maggie and Winston’s relationship will end up amid their marriage struggles, she shares that she’s “always rooting for Winston and Maggie.”
“Maggie sort of chronically has relationship issues,” she adds. “So I think there’s a lot of love there. I’ll put it that way.”
Grey’s Anatomyairs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.
source: people.com
