It’s been nearly a decade since George O’Malley, one of Grey’s Anatomy's most cherished characters, tragically left the show. Fans still can't get over his heartbreaking departure, and it's easy to see why. For anyone who has ever watched Grey’s Anatomy, you probably remember the exact moment you realized "007" was gone. To honor the legacy of this unforgettable Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital doctor, let’s dive into everything you need to know about George. Keep reading!
George's Grey's Anatomy Debut
George, portrayed by the talented T.R. Knight, made his first appearance on Grey's Anatomy as a Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital intern back in 2005 during the show's inaugural season. He joined the surgical team alongside other iconic characters like Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl), Alex Karev (Justin Chambers), and Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh). Although George never officially specialized in a particular surgical field, his interest in trauma surgery became evident as the seasons progressed. Interestingly, T.R. Knight initially auditioned for the show expecting to appear in just one season. However, his character quickly became a fan favorite, leading to a multi-year run on the medical drama.
George and Callie on Grey’s Anatomy. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
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George's Love Life: Who Was He Married To?
George's romantic journey on Grey's Anatomy was as dramatic as they come. After a one-night stand with Meredith, George started dating orthopedic surgeon Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) in Season 2. In a whirlwind of emotions, George's father passed away from esophageal cancer, and George, struggling with his grief, impulsively eloped with Callie in Las Vegas. However, George soon realized that marrying Callie was a mistake and later had a drunken fling with his best friend, Izzie Stevens. When Izzie confessed her love for him, George contemplated transferring to another Seattle hospital to avoid further temptation. Despite their brief romance, George and Izzie eventually realized they lacked the necessary chemistry for a long-term relationship. Toward the end of T.R. Knight's time on Grey's Anatomy, Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh) revealed her feelings for George, but he never pursued a relationship with her.
The Tragic End: How Did George Die?
George's story took a dramatic turn as he developed a close bond with Chief of Trauma Surgery, Owen Hunt. This friendship inspired George to consider joining the U.S. Army as a trauma surgeon, similar to Owen's past experiences. At the end of Season 5, George suddenly joined the military. As his friends tried to persuade him to stay in Seattle, a severely injured John Doe was rushed into the hospital. Throughout the episode, this mysterious patient repeatedly attempted to trace the numbers "007" into Meredith's hand. When Meredith finally realized the disfigured patient was George, she and the medical team rushed to save him, but it was too late. At the same time, George's best friend, Izzie, was battling cancer and was also in critical condition. The season ended with a cliffhanger as Izzie, dressed in her Season 2 hospital prom dress, met George in the elevator, dressed in his Army uniform. Viewers were left wondering if George had died, Izzie had died, or both. Season 6 revealed that George had tragically passed away, while Izzie survived.
Why Did George Leave Grey's Anatomy?
George's departure from Grey's Anatomy was the result of a complex set of circumstances. In 2007, co-star Isaiah Washington, who played Preston Burke, reportedly used a homophobic slur toward T.R. Knight on set, leading to Isaiah's firing from the show. Fast forward to 2009, T.R. Knight announced his decision to leave Grey's Anatomy after Season 5. He cited a "breakdown in communication" with showrunner Shonda Rhimes, reduced screen time for his character, and his personal decision to come out as gay as reasons for his departure. Fans still miss George and the unique energy he brought to the show.
