7 Shocking Facts About Jackson Avery's Return And Jesse Williams' New 2025 Career Move

Dr. Jackson Avery, the beloved plastic surgeon from the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial, remains one of the most talked-about characters in television history, and his presence is still keenly felt in the Grey's Anatomy universe. As of December 2025, fans are still reeling from his recent return to the long-running medical drama, a moment that reignited hope for one of the show's most iconic couples, "Japril." This article dives deep into the latest status of the character, the actor's high-profile new projects, and the enduring legacy of the Harper Avery—now Catherine Fox—dynasty.

The character’s recent guest appearance confirmed that even after his emotional departure to Boston, Jackson Avery's story is far from over. Actor Jesse Williams has masterfully balanced his return to the show with a burgeoning career in film and television, taking on a new lead role that promises to redefine his post-Grey's Anatomy trajectory. We break down the most current and essential facts about the doctor and the man who plays him.

Dr. Jackson Avery: A Comprehensive Character Profile

Jackson Avery, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a pivotal figure in the Grey's Anatomy universe, known for his privileged background, his journey to find purpose outside of his family's shadow, and his specialization in Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology. His arrival at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital in Season 6, as part of the merger with Mercy West, marked the beginning of a complex and compelling character arc.

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• Full Name: Jackson Avery, M.D., F.A.C.S.
• Portrayed By: Jesse Williams
• Specialty: Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology
• Family Lineage: Grandson of the legendary surgeon Harper Avery, the namesake of the prestigious Harper Avery Award (now the Catherine Fox Award).
• Mother: Dr. Catherine Fox (formerly Avery), a renowned Urological Surgeon and head of the Catherine Fox Foundation.
• Father: Robert Avery, who abandoned the family when Jackson was young.
• Spouse (Ex): Dr. April Kepner
• Children: Harriet Kepner-Avery (Daughter); Samuel Norbert Avery (Deceased Son)
• Major Career Move: Relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, to take over the leadership of the Catherine Fox Foundation, dedicating his life to medical equity and reform.
• First Appearance: Season 6, Episode 5 ("Invasion")

Jackson’s journey is one of evolution—from a cocky, wealthy resident to a compassionate surgeon driven by a mission to use his family’s immense resources to fix systemic healthcare disparities. His decision to leave Seattle to run the Catherine Fox Foundation was the culmination of this personal and professional growth.

The Impact of Jackson's Recent Return in Season 22

The return of Jesse Williams as Dr. Jackson Avery in Season 22 was a major event for the show and its dedicated fanbase. The guest appearance, which aired on October 30, was highly anticipated, especially as it provided a rare look into his life in Boston.

His departure in 2021 saw him move to the East Coast to lead the Catherine Fox Foundation, a role that gave his character a profound new purpose. The foundation is dedicated to addressing inequalities in medicine, a storyline that allowed Jackson to finally step out of the shadow of the controversial Harper Avery legacy and forge his own path. The brief, but meaningful, return allowed viewers to see the fruits of his labor and offered an update on his personal life.

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The episode served as more than just a nostalgic cameo; it was a crucial check-in on a character who represents a major philanthropic shift in the show's narrative. His commitment to medical reform and equity became a significant topical authority entity in the show, proving that the Avery/Fox wealth is now being leveraged for good.

The Enduring Saga of ‘Japril’: Jackson and April Kepner

No discussion of Jackson Avery is complete without mentioning Dr. April Kepner (Sarah Drew), and the couple affectionately nicknamed "Japril." Their relationship timeline was one of the most tumultuous and beloved on the series, featuring a dramatic elopement, a devastating loss, a divorce, and co-parenting their daughter, Harriet Kepner-Avery.

The ultimate payoff for fans came during Jackson’s original exit in Season 17, when April agreed to move to Boston with him so he could take the foundation role and they could co-parent. Crucially, it was revealed that April had separated from her husband, Matthew Taylor, paving the way for a potential romantic reconciliation.

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The recent Season 22 return confirmed what fans had hoped for: Jackson and April are back together. Their co-parenting dynamic in Boston blossomed into a full-fledged romantic partnership, solidifying their status as one of the few couples in the *Grey's Anatomy* universe to find a true, happy ending off-screen. This update was a massive relief and a satisfying conclusion to years of will-they-won't-they tension, confirming that "Japril" is alive and thriving while working together for the Catherine Fox Foundation.

Jesse Williams’ Explosive New Projects in 2025

While Jackson Avery's story continues, actor Jesse Williams is making major waves in his post-medical drama career. Williams has consciously sought out diverse and challenging roles, moving beyond the operating room and into new genres.

1. Leading the Action Drama *Costiera* (or *Hotel Costiera*)

In a major career pivot for 2025, Jesse Williams is set to star in and produce a new action drama series titled *Costiera* (also referred to in some reports as *Hotel Costiera*). This high-profile project, an international co-production, sees Williams take on the lead role of a former Marine turned hotel manager in the stunning setting of the Italian Riviera.

The series is a significant step, showcasing Williams in a new, action-oriented light, far removed from the surgical gloves of Dr. Avery. He has spoken about having a "checklist" of criteria he looks for in new roles, and this project clearly met his desire for a fresh, compelling challenge.

2. Tony Award-Winning Broadway Success

Williams has also established himself as a respected stage actor. He received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in the 2022 Broadway revival of *Take Me Out*. This critical acclaim cemented his status as a versatile performer capable of commanding both screen and stage.

3. Executive Producing Oscar-Winning Work

Beyond acting, Williams is a successful producer. He served as an executive producer on the 2020 short film *Two Distant Strangers*, which won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. This off-screen work highlights his commitment to impactful storytelling and social commentary, mirroring the philanthropic mission of his on-screen character, Jackson Avery.

The latest updates on Jackson Avery and Jesse Williams confirm an exciting period for both the character and the actor. Avery's return, coupled with the definitive 'Japril' reunion, provides a satisfying narrative closure, while Williams' move into leading roles in major international productions like *Costiera* ensures his continued prominence in the global entertainment landscape well into 2025 and beyond.