‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star bids goodbye after 19 seasons

Grey's Anatomy fans will soon miss its titular star.

Ellen Pompeo, who plays general surgery chief Dr. Meredith Grey, the principal character in the long-running medical drama series, announced she'll be leaving the show after 19 seasons.

The 53-year-old actor said, "I am eternally grateful and humbled by the love and support you have all shown me, Meredith GREY, and the show for 19 seasons! Through it all… none of it… would have been possible without the best fans in the world. You all are RIDERS and you all have made the ride so fun and ICONIC!!"

In season 19, which started airing on 6 October, Grey decides to leave Grey Sloan Memorial hospital in Seattle to pursue research on Alzheimer's disease at the Catherine Fox Foundation in Boston.

Notwithstanding Pompeo's exit, series creator Shonda Rhimes said, "In true #greysanatomy fashion… this isn't a goodbye, it's a see ya later! Can't wait to see what's in store for Ellen, Meredith and Grey Sloan Memorial."

Fans call Pompeo's leaving the series "an end of an era." But Rhimes' statement opened a door for the Pompeo's possible guest appearance in future episodes.

Among the original cast members who have left the show and returned as guests were T. R. Knight (George O' Malley), Isaiah Washington (Preston Burke), Patrick Demsey (Derek Shepherd), Kate Walsh (Addison Montgomery), among others.

Sandra Oh, who played Christina Yang for 10 seasons and is Grey's best friend in the series, appeared via text message to Dr. Grey.

Pompeo will do other projects, including Hulu's adaptation of the 2009 film Orphan.