Grey’s Anatomy Character Amelia Shepherd Takes Sabbatical After Death Episode

LOS ANGELES, CA — Amelia Shepherd, a key character on ABC’s “Grey's Anatomy,” will take a sabbatical from Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital following a tragic event in the show’s recent episodes. Caterina Scorsone, who portrays Amelia, announced her temporary leave during the October 16 episode.

The decision comes after the characters dealt with the devastating death of Dr. Monica Beltran, played by Natalie Morales, in the season 22 premiere. Amelia’s absence is expected to last through at least eight episodes, as reported by E! News. This hiatus forms part of a strategy to manage costs and reduce appearances of long-standing series regulars.

In her last episode, titled “We Built This City,” Amelia faced emotional challenges as she processed her grief over Monica’s death. The character’s journey leads her to this choice to step back from her duties for an indefinite period.

Fans have expressed their outrage and heartbreak over Amelia’s departure. Social media is abuzz with comments from viewers declaring intentions to boycott the show until her return. One viewer lamented, “No Amelia until NEXT YEAR?” while another said, “She’s the only character they could give good storylines to.”

Shonda Rhimes, the show’s creator, reflected on the show’s longevity, sharing her surprise at reaching the 450th episode milestone during an interview. “When we hit episode 150, I thought I knew how it was going to end. Here we are, and I have no idea,” she said. Rhimes emphasizes her commitment to the overall story, indicating that character departures are part of the process.

As for Scorsone, her last appearance coincidentally aired on her 44th birthday. She expressed gratitude to her supporters on Instagram, saying, “Grateful for every breath that got me here, for every human that loved me…” As it stands, Amelia’s journey may lead to a surprising twist when she returns to the operating room in 2026.