The Drama Behind Grey's Anatomy's Biggest Character Departures

It all started late one night on the Grey's Anatomy set in Fall 2006. According to People, T.R. Knight was late for a scene with Patrick Dempsey and Isaiah Washington. When Dempsey insisted on waiting for Knight, Washington reportedly engaged him in a heated argument and, at one point, used the word "f*ggot." Knight, who was in the closet at the time, came out shortly thereafter, admitting that the controversy had prompted his decision.

By June 2007, Washington had officially been fired from the show. He returned briefly in 2014, which marked a fairly controversial decision in the eyes of fans. Creator Shonda Rhimes insisted that the return of Preston Burke was essential to the exit of Cristina Yang. He hasn't been back since.