Sara Ramirez
Actress Sara Ramirez, star of the TV series "Grey's Anatomy", poses at the Women in Film 2007 Crystal and Lucy Awards in Beverly Hills, California June 14, 2007. The awards, presented by Women In Film, Los Angeles, honor outstanding women for their contribution to the entertainment industry. Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

A veteran cast member of the long-running ABC series “Grey’s Anatomy” will be leaving the show. Sara Ramirez has confirmed her departure in a touching message on social media.

Ramirez took to Twitter on Friday to share an emotional message addressed to the “Grey’s Anatomy” cast and crew members, as well as loyal fans of the show. The actress has been a part of the ABC series for 10 years as Dr. Callie Torres. Avid viewers may recall Ramirez joining the show’s cast members in “Grey’s Anatomy” season 2.

She wrote on Twitter that she was “deeply grateful” for the past 10 years that she has spent with the network and her “family at Grey’s Anatomy.” The actress stated that she will be taking “some welcome time off.” She also mentioned showrunner Shonda Rhimes in her Twitter message and described working with her as “so incredible.”

The actress ended her Twitter post by sending her love and well-wishes to the “Grey’s Anatomy” cast and crew members. “I send my love to Ellen [Pompeo], the rest of the cast & crew, and I look forward to always being a part of the Shondaland family!” she wrote.

Ramirez’s Twitter message has resulted in many fans sharing mixed messages of support and disbelief on the said social media site. Several Twitter users stated that the actress’ message made them cry. Although, a few Twitter users posted supportive messages to Ramirez.

Twitter user Camila wrote, “@SaraRamirez Tomorrow maybe I support you, but today I will cry.” Meanwhile, another Twitter user wrote, “@SaraRamirez we will miss you dearly. I can't imagine Grey's without my dear Calliope but you gotta do what's best for you. Sending much love.”

“Grey’s Anatomy” showrunner Rhimes also conveyed her support for the actress in a statement, TVLine reported. Rhimes recounted the time that Ramirez and her character were first introduced to the show. She described the actress’ performance as inspirational and wished Ramirez “the best” during her “well-deserved” break.

“I will miss Callie tremendously but am excited for what the future holds for Sara. She will always have a home at Shondaland,” Rhimes added.

“Grey’s Anatomy” recently wrapped up its season 12 run with episode 24 titled “Family Affair” that aired on May 19 on ABC.

RELATED STORIES