Jake Borelli is reportedly leaving Grey’s Anatomy after seven seasons. Borelli, who plays Dr. Levi Schmitt, will exit the series following season 20. He will appear in several episodes to wrap up his character’s storyline. While Borelli has not addressed his exit, the news came out during a major milestone for him – his birthday.
Grey’s Anatomy is currently in its 20th season, making it the longest-running primetime medical drama in television history. The season finale is set to air on Thursday, May 30. ABC announced that the show will return for season 21 in 2024, with no additional casting changes revealed. Show creator Shonda Rhimes expressed her gratitude for the loyalty of the show’s fans and teased the excitement for the next season.
Borelli joined Grey’s Anatomy in season 14 as a recurring character and was later bumped up to the main cast. His character, Levi, has become a fan favorite over the years as he progressed from intern to senior resident. In season 15, Borelli was part of an LGBTQIA+ storyline as Levi started a romance with Dr. Nico Kim, the first openly gay male character in the series. Borelli publicly came out after the episode of Nico and Levi’s first kiss aired.
In a social media post in November 2018, Borelli expressed how special it was for him as a gay man to be part of the LGBTQIA+ storyline on Grey’s Anatomy. He emphasized the importance of representation and shared gratitude towards fans who supported him. Although Landi, who played Nico, departed the series in 2022, he briefly returned for season 20 to show that Nico was in a new relationship and expecting a child via a surrogate.
Borelli’s departure marks the end of his time on Grey’s Anatomy after becoming a significant part of the show’s cast in the later seasons. His portrayal of Levi, along with the LGBTQIA+ storyline, has resonated with viewers and brought important representation to the series. As the show continues to evolve in its 21st season, fans will see how Levi’s story concludes and what the future holds for Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
As Borelli moves on from Grey’s Anatomy, he leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking representation and memorable moments on the long-running medical drama. His character’s journey from intern to senior resident, as well as his impactful LGBTQIA+ storyline, have left a lasting impression on viewers. While his exit may be bittersweet, fans can look forward to seeing how his character’s story wraps up and the new chapters that will unfold in the upcoming seasons of Grey’s Anatomy.
