<P> Knight auditioned for the show , expecting a one - season run . In 2007 , Knight 's co-star Isaiah Washington ( Preston Burke ) insulted him with a homophobic slur , which resulted in the termination of Washington 's Grey 's Anatomy contract . In 2009 , after the conclusion of the fifth season , it was confirmed that Knight would not be returning for the show 's sixth season . The actor stated the reason for his departure was due to a `` breakdown in communication '' with Rhimes , his character 's lack of screen time , as well as his decision to come out as openly gay . Knight received generally positive reviews for his performance as O'Malley , and garnered a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series at the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards . Despite this , his death received mixed feedback . </P>
<P> Knight auditioned for the show , expecting a one - season run . In 2007 , Knight 's co-star Isaiah Washington ( Preston Burke ) insulted him with a homophobic slur , which resulted in the termination of Washington 's Grey 's Anatomy contract . In 2009 , after the conclusion of the fifth season , it was confirmed that Knight would not be returning for the show 's sixth season . The actor stated the reason for his departure was due to a `` breakdown in communication '' with Rhimes , his character 's lack of screen time , as well as his decision to come out as openly gay . Knight received generally positive reviews for his performance as O'Malley , and garnered a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series at the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards . Despite this , his death received mixed feedback . </P>
when did george from grey 's anatomy die
when did george from grey 's anatomy die
fifth season ,
fifth season ,