“Grey’s Anatomy. – is one of the most successful and popular television series of the medical subgenre. This heartbreaking drama series has stirred the imagination of viewers for 18 seasons. It features many memorable characters such as Meredith Grey, Izzy Stevens, Alex Karev, Christine Young and George O’Malley.
Viewers are introduced to George O’Malley (T. R. Knight) in the first season. He is a sweet, naive intern at Seattle Grace Hospital. George initially falls hard for Meredith Grey. He works hard and learns, and later becomes an accomplished and talented surgeon with the support of his best friend, Izzy Stevens.
Unfortunately, the fate of the much-loved character turned out tragically on the show. It happened in season 6, episode 1. O’Malley died from his injuries after an accident that happened to him.
George seemed to have found his way as a trauma surgeon and had finally established himself in medicine, but in Season 5 he suddenly decided to join the Army in Iraq for the United States. He was going to go into surgical traumatology and help the wounded. George informed Chief Webber of his decision, and then enlisted in the Army.
On his way home to spend time with his family before officially enlisting, George saw a woman about to be hit by a bus. George instantly tried to save her life by throwing himself under the bus, but was horribly injured.
When George was brought to the hospital, none of the doctors even recognized him. So the patient with the terrible injuries was named “Jane Doe.” Then medics discovered the “007” mark on Meredith’s arm and double-checked the freckled Texas-shaped face of Callie Torres, his wife. Derek Shepard and the other medics tried to save O’Malley, but he suffered cerebral edema and the doctors had only to pronounce him dead. The entire hospital staff mourned such a tangible loss, especially Izzy Stevens, played by Katherine Heigl, his former lover and best friend.
George O’Malley’s death was undoubtedly a crushing blow to fans of Grey’s Anatomy. Nevertheless, he made a surprise return in season 15 of the popular medical series, in episode 4, “Flowers Grow from My Grave,” briefly appearing as the ghost who visits Meredith Grey on the Day of the Dead. He later repeated his role on “Grey’s Anatomy” in Season 17, appearing in one of Meredith’s unconscious visions on the beach, then struggling with COVID-19 disease. She was just contemplating the demise of George O’Malley in season six.
George O’Malley’s passing broke the hearts of his fans and disappointed them, but his return in an episodic role has fans of the beloved character excited. The actor’s departure from the show’s sixth season was announced in June 2009, and shortly thereafter T.R. Knight revealed that the reason for his move was the gradual “breakdown in the relationship” between him and Rhimes, who, in the actor’s words, “tried to talk him out of a coming-out.” This led him to stop being interested in further storylines involving George, and the actor simply asked to terminate his contract. In addition, Knight was not happy with the storyline in which George was cheating on his wife Callie Torres with Izzy.
George O’Malley dies in Season 5, Episode 24 of Grey’s Anatomy.
