‘Grey’s Anatomy’ season 13: Shonda Rhimes found out last-minute about Sara Ramirez’s exit

As it turns out, were it not for a bit of luck “Grey’s Anatomy” could have found itself in an enormous pickle when it comes to how to write out Sara Ramirez’s character of Callie. Had the finale ended without some sort of cliffhanger for the character, it’s possible that the writers would’ve had to spend this summer trying to figure out how in the world to send this woman off for a while that made some sense.

Speaking (per The Hollywood Reporter) at the Vulture Festival in New York City, show creator Shonda Rhimes explained that she found out about Ramirez’s decision to leave “three days” before she tweeted out a cryptic message that made it seem like she was leaving:

“This one was interesting. It was different because it wasn’t a big, planned thing … I had a different plan going and when Sara came and said, ‘I really need to take this break,’ I was sort of lucky that we had shot the end of the season with her going to New York … I felt really good that we had shot that ending and that she said she wanted to take this break and we were able to give it to her because I love the woman and I want to do everything for her. It all worked out in that sense.”

One thing that we do continue to find interesting when it comes to the exit of Sara is how the word “break” is used routinely rather than “departure.” It certainly suggests that the door is open for her to return someday, and we hope it happens. We just know that this show is incredibly demanding in terms of time, so to do it for almost a decade (which she did) is truly remarkable and a testament to her work ethic.

If you’re interested in getting some more reaction to “Grey’s Anatomy” this season, and also talk on the future, head over here to see what Ellen Pompeo had to say about Meredith’s new love triangle! Also, you can sign up at this link to secure some more TV news on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ABC.)