**Key Takeaways:**
– George O’Malley’s departure from “Grey’s Anatomy” at the end of Season 5 marked one of the show’s most poignant moments, following his heroic yet tragic death.
– T.R. Knight, who portrayed George, faced challenges with his character’s development and screen time, leading to his request to exit the series.
– Post-“Grey’s Anatomy,” Knight continued to thrive in his acting career, taking roles in various acclaimed series, including a return to Shondaland and appearances alongside notable actors.
In an unforgettable moment that left fans heartbroken, George O’Malley, portrayed by T.R. Knight, made the ultimate sacrifice at the close of “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 5. George’s decision to join the army as a trauma surgeon took a tragic turn when he saved a woman from an oncoming bus, only to be struck himself. Severely injured, he was unrecognizable upon arrival at the hospital. It wasn’t until he traced “007” into Meredith’s palm that his identity was revealed. Despite the medical team’s efforts, George’s injuries proved fatal, marking a sorrowful exit for the beloved character.
Behind the scenes, T.R. Knight faced his own set of challenges. Controversies, including an incident involving co-star Isaiah Washington, and dissatisfaction with George’s storyline and diminished presence in Season 5, led Knight to request his release from the show.
Knight’s career, however, did not wane post-“Grey’s Anatomy.” He made a successful return to Shondaland in 2017 with a role in “The Catch.” His talent also shone through in performances on “The Good Wife,” “11.22.63,” and “Genius,” among others. In 2019, Knight lent his voice to “The Bravest Knight” and in 2020, he starred opposite Kaley Cuoco in the HBO Max series “The Flight Attendant.” Additionally, Knight made a poignant return to “Grey’s Anatomy,” reuniting with Meredith in a special episode during her COVID-19 induced coma.