Kim Raver reflected on the possibility she could be exiting Grey’s Anatomy shortly before news broke of multiple cast departures.
“That’s the life of an actor,” Raver, 57, exclusively told Luxury Handbag Shopping ahead of her shocking exit, opening up about life working on a hit medical drama amid cast changes.
“When I was on 24, I always felt like being Jack Bauer’s girlfriend — I had a target on my back,” she added.
Raver, who played Teddy since season 6, wanted to focus on the work she was doing on screen rather than worrying about her future employment.
“It’s really just about trying to be present and doing the work and following the amazing story lines that the writers are giving us,” she explained. “Especially with how now we’re always having these incredible cliffhangers. One never knows.”
News broke on Wednesday, March 25, that Raver and Kevin McKidd are leaving the show.
“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,” Raver wrote in her own statement. “Since that day, it has been a true gift to bring the iconic words of Shonda and our brilliant team of writers to life.”
She continued, “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.”
Creator Shonda Rhimes, meanwhile, hinted how the season will wrap up for Teddy (Raver) and Owen (McKidd).
“Over the years, we have had the privilege of watching Owen and Teddy’s love story evolve and deepen — two characters who always seem to find their way back to each other. It is both bittersweet and joyful to give this couple the happy ending their story deserves,” she teased in her own statement. “Kevin and Kim bring extraordinary talent, nuance and heart to their roles as Owen and Teddy. Their contributions leave an indelible mark on Grey’s Anatomy, both in front of and behind the camera. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them both and to see them shine.”
She concluded, “While we will all miss seeing them in the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial each day, I am excited to witness where Kim’s and Kevin’s journeys will take them in the future.”
While speaking to Us, Raver gave Grey’s Anatomy fans a subtle idea of what they can expect from the rest of season 22.
“A couple of scripts came in [recently] and I was like, ‘Oh, my God.’ It gets messy and it is so Grey’s Anatomy. I just love it so much,” she shared. “We’re all reading what’s happening [during a table read], and I love it. Some of us are in scrubs, some of us are in our street clothes. Then when we find out the information, it’s a shock and a surprise to all of us. We are like the audience, too, and then we look at each other like, ‘This is really happening.'”
Grey’s Anatomy airs on ABC Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET and streams the next day on Hulu.
