Grey’s Anatomy teased that Harry Shum Jr.’s character was fired from Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, and the actor is addressing what it could mean for his future. In conversation about Dr. Benson “Blue” Kwan’s FDA-blocked experimental treatment exit, Shum Jr. s
When Grey’s Anatomy teased that Harry Shum Jr.’s character was fired from Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, the question fans immediately latched onto was simple: does that mean the actor is leaving the show?
Shum Jr., 44, tackled the uncertainty in a quick quip to E!. News on Sunday, May 17. “Who got fired?” he asked—before pointing to the story’s trigger. The tease came alongside Dr. Benson “Blue” Kwan being let go after he reportedly secretly gave a patient an experimental treatment that had been denied by the FDA.
Asked what viewers should expect from season 23, Shum Jr. admitted he doesn’t have answers. “I wish I knew. I am just as much in the dark as audiences,” he said. Then he zeroed in on the tension that usually decides a character’s fate: “But to me. it’s the hope of. ‘Do audiences want to see him go or do they want to see him go back to the hospital?’”.
He made it clear the audience reaction isn’t the final word. “It’s not fully up to the audience,” Shum Jr. clarified. “It’s up to the writers and Disney. But also, I think it’s good to see the doctors make mistakes, but also with good intentions.”
Still, his defense of the character’s motives carried its own weight. He added, “It wasn’t just because he was a bumbling mess. He was very motivated in making sure that someone got to be able to choose life over death.”
The actor’s comments land in the middle of a wider season of exits and cutbacks that have already reshaped the cast. Season 22 saw Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) choose to take a sabbatical after the shocking death of her colleague Monica (Natalie Morales). It was later reported that Scorsone’s break would last until the end of 2025 in an attempt to cut costs.
Grey’s Anatomy also began reducing commitments for some veteran performers: the show reduced the minimum guarantees for its cast members to 14 out of its 18 episodes per season. With some consistent stars missing for four episodes, Scorsone’s absence was doubled.
Showrunner Meg Marinis had warned that no character was guaranteed safety as the story kept moving. In May 2025. she told The Hollywood Reporter. “But even in the last two seasons with what you saw this year. we had to reduce the cast a little bit [because of industry-wide budget cuts]. and everybody has very passionate feelings about their favorite characters.” Marinis added. “But if we can get the writers upset then we know we’re doing it right. It’s not as satisfying a story if people aren’t upset when someone leaves. It’s supposed to make people upset and sad, so I’m sure there’ll be some arguments. But I’ve been persuaded before to change my mind on things.”.
Before season 22 wrapped earlier this month, Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd exited the show.
McKidd. 52. said in a March statement: “Grey’s Anatomy has been a huge chapter of my life. creatively and personally. and I’m deeply grateful for everything the show has given me over the years.” He continued. “Playing Dr. Owen Hunt and directing on the show have both shaped me enormously. and I’ve had the privilege of working with an extraordinary group of people throughout that time. I’m particularly thankful to Shonda Rhimes for creating Owen. and for the encouragement she gave me as I stepped into directing.”.
“As that chapter comes to a close, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead — building new work, telling new stories and taking everything I’ve learned into the next phase of my career,” he added.
Raver, 57, also addressed her departure in her own statement. “Playing Dr. Teddy Altman will always hold a dear and special place in my heart. Sixteen years ago. I had the incredible privilege of stepping into this role thanks to the vision of Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers. ” she wrote. “Since that day. it has been a true gift to bring the iconic words of Shonda and our brilliant team of writers to life. … To the fans — your unwavering devotion and support are the reason this show remains such a force. Thank you for making this set my place of magic and my home.”.
For now, Grey’s Anatomy remains in motion—streaming on Hulu—while Shum Jr. waits, like many viewers, for the writers to reveal how far that firing tease will go.
Grey's Anatomy Harry Shum Jr Dr. Benson Blue Kwan Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital season 23 cast departures Amelia sabbatical Meg Marinis Disney Hulu Kim Raver Kevin McKidd Teddy Altman Owen Hunt