Jesse Williams' Shocking Post-Grey's Life: 7 Things Dr. Jackson Avery Has Been Hiding (The Japril Reunion Status)

Dr. Jackson Avery, the handsome and complex plastic surgeon from *Grey's Anatomy*, remains one of the most beloved and discussed characters in the show's long history, particularly following actor Jesse Williams' departure and subsequent return. As of this month, December 2025, the biggest news surrounding the character is the confirmation of his happy ending with Dr. April Kepner, alongside the actor's continued work both in front of and behind the camera at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The character’s journey from a privileged 'Pretty Boy' resident to the head of the powerful Catherine Fox Foundation has established a legacy that continues to influence the storyline of the entire *Grey's Anatomy* universe.

The recent guest appearance by Jesse Williams in Season 22 cemented the current status of the character, providing fans with a much-needed update on his life in Boston. His arc is a masterclass in character development, moving from a competitive Mercy West transfer to a dedicated, empathetic leader tackling systemic issues in medicine. This deep dive explores the man behind the scalpel—Jesse Williams—and the seven essential, up-to-the-minute details about the enduring legacy of Jackson Avery.

Jesse Williams: Full Biography and Activist Profile

Jesse Wesley Williams, the actor who brought the complicated life of Jackson Avery to the screen, is a multi-talented force known equally for his acting, directing, and fervent activism. His commitment to social justice often mirrors the progressive path his character eventually took on the show, adding layers of authenticity to the role. His full profile details a life dedicated to both the arts and human rights.

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• Full Name: Jesse Wesley Williams
• Born: August 5, 1981
• Age: 44 (as of 2025)
• Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
• Education: Temple University (Majored in African American Studies and Film and Media Arts)
• Career Highlights: Actor, Director, Producer, and Activist. Best known for his 12 seasons as Dr. Jackson Avery on *Grey's Anatomy*.
• Notable Filmography (Outside Grey's): *The Cabin in the Woods* (2012), *Lee Daniels' The Butler* (2013), and the Amazon Prime Video series *Hotel Costiera* (2024).
• Directing: Has directed multiple episodes of *Grey's Anatomy* and *Station 19*.
• Activism: Board member of The Advancement Project and an executive producer of the documentary *Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement*.

7 Major Updates on Jackson Avery's Life and Legacy

Since leaving Seattle to take over the Catherine Fox Foundation, Jackson Avery’s life has been filled with monumental changes. His departure marked a significant shift in the show’s narrative, transitioning him from a surgical superstar to a philanthropic powerhouse. Here are the seven most critical updates and facts about the character's journey, focusing on the latest developments in his life and the status of his most iconic relationship.

1. The Confirmed "Japril" Reunion in Boston

The most satisfying update for long-time fans is the official status of the Jackson and April Kepner (Sarah Drew) relationship, affectionately known as "Japril." When Jackson left Grey Sloan, April agreed to move to Boston with their daughter, Harriet Kepner-Avery, to support his work at the Foundation.

In the show's 400th episode, Jackson returned to Seattle, where it was explicitly revealed that he and April had rekindled their romantic relationship and were living together in Boston. This reunion provided a definitive, happy ending for the fan-favorite couple, a rare outcome in the often-tragic world of *Grey's Anatomy*.

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2. The Power of the Catherine Fox Foundation

Jackson's primary focus is now running the Catherine Fox Foundation (formerly the Harper Avery Foundation), a massive philanthropic organization dedicated to health equity and eradicating systemic racism in medicine. This role transformed the character from a top-tier Plastic Surgeon and ENT specialist into a global change-maker.

His mission, inspired by his mother Catherine Fox (Debbie Allen), involves traveling the world to invest in hospitals and programs that provide quality healthcare to underserved communities. His work is the new, major driving force for the character, far surpassing his previous surgical goals.

3. His Surprise Season 22 Guest Return

Jesse Williams made a highly anticipated and unexpected return as Dr. Jackson Avery in Season 22 of *Grey's Anatomy*, specifically in the episode that aired on October 30th. This guest appearance was a major event for the series, confirming that Jackson still maintains strong ties to his former colleagues at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

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The return often involves his work with the Foundation, bringing him back into the orbit of characters like Meredith Grey and Richard Webber, and allowing the show to provide a check-in on the "Japril" Boston storyline.

4. The Legacy of Mark Sloan

Jackson's early character arc was heavily influenced by his mentor, Dr. Mark Sloan, the former Head of Plastic Surgery. Jackson was often compared to Sloan, feeling the pressure to uphold his standard and legacy after his tragic death. This comparison, along with the weight of the Harper Avery name, drove much of his ambition and early arrogance, earning him nicknames like "Richie Rich" and "Dr. Fancypants."

His eventual move to philanthropy is, in many ways, a fulfillment of a different kind of legacy—one that focuses on human impact over surgical fame, though he remains a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.).

5. Jesse Williams' Directorial Career on the Show

Beyond acting, Jesse Williams has significantly contributed to the *Grey's Anatomy* universe as a director. He has directed several episodes, including "When I Get to the Border" in Season 19. This behind-the-scenes role is a major part of his post-departure career and explains his continued, though sporadic, presence on the set.

His directorial work showcases his commitment to the craft of television production and provides a creative outlet that extends beyond his character's storyline.

6. The Canceled Amazon Project

While Williams’ career is thriving, not every project has been a massive success. Following his departure from *Grey's*, he took on a new role in the Amazon Prime Video murder mystery series, *Hotel Costiera*. Unfortunately, despite the high profile of the cast, the show was canceled after just a single season run.

This highlights the challenges of transitioning from a long-running, successful series like *Grey's Anatomy* to new ventures, but Williams continues to pursue diverse roles in film and television.

7. Harriet Kepner-Avery's Future

The foundation of Jackson and April’s relationship is their daughter, Harriet Kepner-Avery. The decision to move to Boston was primarily for Harriet to have both parents actively present in her life, a significant contrast to Jackson's own upbringing with an absent father. Jackson’s commitment to his daughter and April represents a full-circle moment for the character, prioritizing family and emotional health over the competitive chaos of the hospital. Harriet is the living proof of the enduring love story of "Japril," and her well-being is the unshakeable center of Jackson’s current life.

Jackson Avery: From Mercy West Rival to Philanthropic Hero

Jackson Avery's evolution is one of the most complete character arcs in *Grey's Anatomy*. He began as a competitive resident who joined Grey Sloan following the merger with Mercy West. Initially, his character was defined by his family's wealth and the enormous shadow cast by his grandfather, the infamous Harper Avery.

His early years were marked by a struggle to prove his worth beyond his name, often leading to a cocky and flirty demeanor. His friendship with Mark Sloan was pivotal, shaping his path in plastic surgery, but the true turning point was his tumultuous, passionate, and deeply spiritual relationship with April Kepner.

The shared grief over the loss of their son, Samuel Norbert Avery, and the subsequent birth of Harriet, matured Jackson profoundly. He learned to grapple with existential questions and the limits of science, finding a deeper purpose that eventually led him to the Catherine Fox Foundation. His final decision to leave surgery to fight for health equity was the ultimate redemption arc, transforming the spoiled "Boy King" into a true hero dedicated to systemic change. This legacy ensures that even when he is off-screen, Dr. Jackson Avery remains one of the most influential characters in the entire Shondaland universe.