NPR: Last Curtain Call: Grey's Star Not Coming Back

Last Curtain Call: Grey's Star Not Coming Back

As we wrap things up for the week, we note that actor Isaiah Washington has made his final curtain call on ABC's very popular "Grey's Anatomy."

TV Guide broke the story Thursday night that Washington would not be asked back for the show's next season.

Washington made headlines several months ago when he used an anti-gay slur while denying to the media that he had used the word to insult a fellow cast member. Washington later apologized and said he was going to seek counseling.

Following the announcement that he wouldn't return, Washington issued a statement saying he was "mad as hell and not going to take it any more" -- the famous line uttered by Peter Finch's character in the award-winning film "Network."

Personally, I think if Washington had followed the advice of fellow cast member Katherine Heigl, he might have been OK. "He just needs to stop talking," she told Access Hollywood at one point.

We'll be back on Monday. Remember, if you see anything interesting, e-mail us at newsblog@npr.org.

5:14 PM ET | 06- 8-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

You are wrong; He was hired for his talent and not his personal life. He has done a lot to demonstrate his remorse, and literally been put through the ringer. As we speak, Mr. Washington is in Sierra Leon doing beautiful volunteer work while Ms. Heigl works for profit and personal gain in a movie (Knocked Up) that uses homophobic language throughout. Maybe it is she who "just needs to stop talking."

Sent by Esther | 5:34 AM ET | 06-10-2007

This is getting ridiculous!! A Black man gets fired for making an anti-gay comment. What if a gay man had made an anti-Black comment? I do believe that gays should be left alone, but they don't deserve the same kind of protection as minority races do.You can't affect what race you are born into. Although a person may be born with the tendencies, to live a gay life is still a choice....and as such, that means live with the consequences.

Sent by Gene | 11:41 AM ET | 06-11-2007

If the roles were reversed and a gay man had made an anti-Black comment, he would have likely been fired, just like straight man Don Imus was. Let's not forget that Washington also had a physical confrontation with co-worker Patrick Dempsey, which would likely get someone fired from any workplace.

Sent by Harold Neal | 3:05 PM ET | 06-11-2007

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