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Grey’s Anatomy premiered on television in 2005, and even after fifteen years, it remains one of the most popular medical dramas ever to air.

The series tells the story of the dedicated medical staff and residents of a fictional Seattle hospital. Over the years, fans have watched many of their favorite characters grow and develop, going through various tragedies and growing their families. These days, Grey’s Anatomy remains a force in television entertainment, and although it has weathered various controversies, fans return with each new season.

Still, there are a few things that would definitely distance the fan base — and recently, some fans on Reddit opened up about the one character exit that would really infuriate hardcore fans. 

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ features an ensemble cast

CHANDRA WILSON, JAMES PICKENS JR.
CHANDRA WILSON, JAMES PICKENS JR. | Raymond Liu/ABC via Getty Images

Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo, has long been the main character in Grey’s Anatomy. The show centers on Meredith’s rise from a resident to an esteemed doctor at Seattle Grace Hospital.

In addition to her professional life, however, viewers dive deep into Meredith’s personal life — with her many loves detailed during the course of the series. However, there are many other characters who have played prominent roles in the show over the years.

Stars such as Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, T.R. Knight, Sandra Oh, and Katherine Heigl have all played integral parts in Grey’s Anatomy, while a plethora of other character actors have played smaller, but still vital roles.

Many of the actors have been honored for their work in the medical drama, and during its 15 years on the air, Grey’s Anatomy has received nearly forty Primetime Emmy Award nominations. 

Who plays Richard Webber?

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In 2005, when Grey’s Anatomy debuted on television, viewers were introduced to one supporting character who would become a fan favorite. Richard Webber, played by James Pickens Jr., was the Chief of Surgery at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital, and a figure of some mystery. Richard tends to play things close to the vest and likes to remain strictly professional when at work — even if he happens to be suffering from intensely emotional problems.

Pickens made a splash in his role as Richard Webber, and although he had quite a distinguished resume prior to getting cast on Grey’s Anatomy, he has become closely entwined with the character of Richard.

Pickens has personally been honored with several awards for his work on the show, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Fans would riot if Webber left ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

These days, Richard Webber is still a firm favorite on Grey’s Anatomy. Still, fans are concerned that writers might eventually try to write him off the show.

Additionally, some rumors have circulated in recent years, suggesting that James Pickens Jr. is ready to move on. Hidden Remote recently reported that “Richard Webber’s fate on the series is now in question,” suggesting that the character could soon be exiting for good.

Recently, some fans on Reddit discussed the possibility of Webber leaving, revealing that it is the one plot twist that they will not stand for. “Even with the decline in quality, I’ve always said that I would stick Grey’s out to the end,” one fan posted. “That said, if they killed Webber off, I would turn it off for good.”

Another poster echoed those same sentiments, saying that “I (will) never forgive them if they kill Webber.” For now, it seems as though Webber is safe — but in the world of Grey’s Anatomy, nothing is ever certain.