It’s Official: T.R. Knight Leaves Grey’s Anatomy (original) (raw)

It’s been a long time coming: After years of playing the lovable George O’Malley on Grey’s Anatomy, ABC has granted T.R. Knight his wish to leave the show, Grey’s sources confirm to PEOPLE.

A show source explains that in addition to feeling his character was not getting juicy enough plot lines, the actor was uncomfortable with the spotlight cast on him as a result of show’s success.

“From some ‘s point of view, T.R. doesn’t realize how good he has it being on a hit show and making the money he’s making,” a source says. “But I don’t know that he ever wanted that. He might be better off going and doing theater. Money doesn’t matter very much to him, and he likes to lead a private life.”

Reps for ABC and the actor had no comment on the news, which was first reported by EW.com.

Chandra Wilson, who is spending her summer as Mama Morton in Broadway’s production of Chicago, said she understood the tendency for some cast members to want distance from the Grey’s family — even if she doesn’t feel the same way.

“If you’re with your family in the house for ten months, all day every day, you’re going to have something to say about it, because that’s your family,” she tells PEOPLE. “Sometimes you want your cousins over; sometimes you want your cousins to get out the way. And that’s okay.” — Lisa Ingrassia

**Tell us: Will you miss George at Seattle Grace?**ABC