What happened to Dr. Burke in Grey's Anatomy? (2024)

Dr. Preston Burke, portrayed by Isaiah Washington, left the American medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy by the end of season 3. Following his botched wedding to Cristina, Burke made his final appearance before leaving Seattle.

Burke debuts as an attending cardiothoracic surgeon at the fictitious Seattle Grace Hospital. During the first three seasons of the show, one of the main themes is Burke's romantic relationship with intern Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh).

The primary focus of the American medical drama Grey's Anatomy is the personal and professional lives of attendings, residents, and surgical interns at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, which was later renamed the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The show’s pilot was written by Shonda Rhimes, who was also the executive producer, writer, and showrunner for 10 years.

Why did Dr. Burke leave Grey’s Anatomy?

After his failed wedding to Cristina, Burke left Seattle in Season 3, marking a final appearance in episode 25 titled, “Didn’t We Almost Have It All?” The couple went through the usual stresses during the preparations for their wedding, such as getting to know each other's families. Burke noticed, however, that he had been trying to make Cristina into someone she wasn't on the wedding day.

After having a moment of clarity, he decided to call off the wedding, leaving Cristina at the altar and then leaving Seattle. Cristina was heartbroken when she found that Burke had only removed his stuff when she returned to their apartment.

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Does Burke return to Grey’s Anatomy?

Dr. Burke doesn’t return to Grey’s Anatomy. However, he reappears in season 10 of the series. Rhimes revealed in March 2014 that Washington would make a special appearance on Grey's Anatomy in Season 10 to help wind up Cristina's plotline.

Burke makes an appearance in Season 10 while leading a cardiothoracic research hospital in Zurich, Switzerland. At first, Cristina feels uneasy and surprised to see him, but he invites her to talk about her research.

After exchanging bitter remarks, Cristina confesses that their relationship would never have succeeded as she had hoped to follow in his footsteps rather than become his partner. Burke allows her to take over his hospital, which is his sole reason for bringing her to Zürich.

He explains that he is moving to Milan with his two daughters, Simone and Vivianna, as well as his Italian wife, Edra. By accepting the offer, Cristina begins a new and important stage in her career.

Why was Dr. Burke removed from Grey’s Anatomy?

During the third season of the show, Washington was involved in a well-reported backstage controversy. He allegedly used a homophobic slur against T. R. Knight (who played Dr. George O'Malley) in an argument with co-star Dempsey in October 2006.

Knight came out as gay in public following the said incident. After expressing regret for his "unfortunate use of words" on set, Washington denied uttering the slur at the 2007 Golden Globes, despite several cast members confirming the incident. Although Washington publicly apologized once more and underwent executive therapy, he was fired from Grey's Anatomy in June 2007. After getting fired, Washington was upset and disappointed, accusing Knight of taking advantage of the circumstances to further his career and raise his pay.

In interviews, including one on CNN's chat show Larry King Live, he offered an opinion on the matter. He also claimed that racism in the media contributed to his dismissal.

During the third season of the show, Washington was involved in a well-reported backstage controversy. He allegedly used a homophobic slur against T. R. Knight, who played Dr. George O'Malley. Although Washington publicly apologized and underwent executive therapy, he was fired from Grey's Anatomy in June 2007.

When she met Burke after years, Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) confessed that their relationship would never have succeeded as she had hoped to follow in his footsteps rather than become his partner.

Dr. Preston Burke, portrayed by Isaiah Washington, left the American medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy by the end of season 3.