Grey’s Anatomy star Jake Borelli, known for his role as Levi Schmitt, is reportedly leaving the long-running ABC medical drama. While he is in talks to appear in several episodes of Season 21 to wrap up his character’s storyline, sources reveal that he is exiting the show. Borelli has been on the series since Season 14 and has appeared in over 120 episodes. The 20th season of Grey’s Anatomy is currently airing, with the season finale set to air on May 30.
According to Deadline, a potential “budget cut” for Season 21 may be the reason for Borelli and other actors experiencing reductions in their “episodic guarantees,” defined as the number of episodic fees per season that each series regular is entitled to per their contract. Despite this, Borelli expressed his gratitude for his time on Grey’s Anatomy in an interview, describing it as quite the ride. He noted that working with talented actors and the personal growth he and his character Levi have experienced together have been highlights of the job.
During an interview with Haute Living, Borelli mentioned the significance of coming out as gay on social media in 2018 around the time Levi’s character also navigated his own sexual identity journey on the show. The actor feels a deep connection to Levi and is grateful for the opportunity to portray him. Meanwhile, Grey’s Anatomy series creator Shonda Rhimes recently shared her thoughts on juggling multiple hit shows simultaneously, calling it an exhausting but fulfilling experience. She acknowledged that working on Grey’s, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder simultaneously was demanding but ultimately rewarding.
Grey’s Anatomy continues to be a popular show, with Borelli’s departure potentially marking the end of an era for the character of Levi Schmitt. As the series heads into Season 21, changes in the cast due to budget cuts may bring about new storylines and character developments. Fans of the show can catch Grey’s Anatomy on ABC on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET, with next-day streaming available on Hulu. Borelli’s exit will likely generate interest and speculation among viewers as they await the conclusion of Levi Schmitt’s storyline in the upcoming episodes. Despite the challenges of producing multiple successful shows simultaneously, Grey’s Anatomy remains a beloved series with a dedicated fan base.
