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‘Grey’s Anatomy’ alum Isaiah Washington retiring from acting



Actor Isaiah Washington, best known for playing Dr. Preston Burke for three seasons on “Grey’s Anatomy,” announced his retirement from acting.

“It is with a heavy heart and a sense of relief that I am announcing my early retirement from the entertainment industry today,” Washington tweeted on Friday.

While Washington admits there are a few reasons that made him throw in the towel altogether, he cited the ongoing criticism of his “Grey’s” character as the final straw.

“Those who have been Following/Witnessing my journey here on T—ter since 2011 all know that I have fought the good fight, but it seems that the haters, provocateurs and the Useful Idiots have won,” he wrote to his nearly 200,000 followers.

“I’m no longer interested in the back and forth regarding a ‘color construct’ that keeps us human beings divided nor am I interested in politics or anything vitriolic.”

In the meantime, Washington said he’ll be “traveling this great country before it falls into Socialism and then Communism.”

“Until then, know that this Frederick Douglass Conservative will keep his powder dry and loves you all. I am truly grateful for your support over the years,” he added.

The “True Crime” star said his project “Corsicana” where played the role of “Bass Reeves” was his final onscreen venture, but assured fans he’ll keep them updated on his “retirement shenanigans here and there.”

Isaiah Washington, Russell Hornsby, and Justin Chambers in 2005.
Isaiah Washington, Russell Hornsby, and Justin Chambers in 2005.
IMDb
Washington with Sandra Oh in a scene from 2005.
Washington with Sandra Oh in a scene from 2005.
IMDb

Washington was axed from “Grey’s Anatomy” ahead of the long-running series’ fourth season for using a homophobic slur against costar T.R. Knight both on set and at the 2007 Golden Globe Awards.

While he initially denied ever using the slur at first, he later said it happened in the heat of the moment and followed up with an apology.

“I can neither defend nor explain my behavior,” he said in a statement at the time. “I can also no longer deny to myself that there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul, and I’ve asked for help.”

“I did everything that the producers and the network asked me to do,” he said after learning he’s been let go from the show.

Isaiah Washington poses with the "Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series" award at the 38th annual NAACP Image Awards on March 2, 2007.
Isaiah Washington poses with the “Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series” award at the 38th annual NAACP Image Awards on March 2, 2007.
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“I came back under great stress and thought I was doing the job I was hired to do. I thought that was going to speak for my future at Grey’s, but apparently, that wasn’t the same vision that the network and studio had for me.”

He was later asked to make a final appearance during the show’s 10th season.





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