'Grey's Anatomy' Loses Dr. Callie Torres

'Grey's Anatomy' Loses Dr. Callie Torres

The medical drama Grey's Anatomy is still a solid performer even as it heads into its 13th season in the fall, but the show is going to have to find a way to get by without one of its longest-standing cast members when it opens its new season. This week, Sara Ramirez, who plays Dr. Callie Torres, announced officially that she will not return to the series next season.

On this week's season 12 finale, Torres revealed her plan to move from Seattle to New York to be with her girlfriend, Penny, and to share custody of her daughter with former partner Arizona. It was a tear-filled conclusion to the character's long run on the series, which began way back in season two.

Ramirez's departure comes as all of the series' original cast members are re-negotiating their contracts. The other core cast members - Ellen Pompeo (Meredith), Chandra Wilson (Bailey), James Pickens Jr. (Richard), and Justin Chambers (Alex) - are expected to return.

Unlike Patrick Dempsey, who was written out of the show last season after rumors of on-set feuding with producer Shonda Rhimes, Ramirez seems to be leaving the series on good terms. That leaves alive some hope that Callie could return if the behind-the-scenes situation changes.