George O'Malley is Dead

For several months there has been speculation that T.R. Knight would be leaving ABC's "Grey's Anatomy." Now, it's official.

It has been reported by Entertainment Weekly that Knight has been released from his contract early.

"Leaving 'Grey's Anatomy' was not an easy decision for me to make. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to play this character and will miss my fellow cast and crew very much. I continue to wish them the very best, and wholeheartedly thank all of the fans who have supported me and the show with such passion and enthusiasm," he said in a statement.

Rumors have circulated that Knight was unhappy in his role as George O'Malley because of his diminishing storylines and overall involvement in the show. However, the show creator, Shonda Rhimes, says that was a necessary part of the season finale shocker where John Doe, who had been hit by a bus was actually George.

"I really wanted you to not notice that he wasn't there for most of this episode. I don't think anybody noticed because of the way we laid it out this season," Rhimes said.

Rhimes released her own statement upon Knight's departure.

"I think I speak for the entire 'Grey's Anatomy' family when I say we wish T.R. Knight the best in his future endeavors," she said.