The Final Chapter: 5 Shocking Details Behind Dr. Levi Schmitt's Exit From Grey's Anatomy In Season 21

The question has lingered for months, but the answer is now definitive and confirmed: Dr. Levi Schmitt has officially left Grey's Anatomy. As of the latest updates in December 2025, the beloved character, played by actor Jake Borelli, concluded his seven-year run on the long-running medical drama, marking one of the most significant cast shake-ups of Season 21. His departure was not a sudden, tragic event, but a carefully planned narrative that gave the fan-favorite resident a "true happy ending," a rarity in the world of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The final moments of his tenure were bittersweet, wrapping up a groundbreaking character arc that resonated deeply with viewers.

The final episode for Dr. Schmitt was the emotional Season 21, Episode 7, titled "If You Leave," which aired in November 2024. This exit, while sad for fans, was framed as a major career move for Levi, showcasing his growth from the nervous intern known as "Glasses" to a confident, fully-formed physician. The episode provided a touching send-off that honored his journey, leaving the door open just enough for a potential return, a common narrative device for fan-favorite characters in the Shondaland universe. Here is the complete breakdown of the character's journey and the five most crucial details surrounding his unexpected departure.

Dr. Levi Schmitt: A Complete Biography and Character Profile

Dr. Levi Schmitt, M.D., was introduced to Grey's Anatomy in Season 14 as part of the new batch of interns, quickly earning the nickname "Glasses" after famously dropping his spectacles into a patient's open body cavity during a surgical procedure. His journey was one of the most profound and transformative in the series' later years.

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• Full Name: Dr. Levi Schmitt, M.D.
• Portrayed By: Jake Borelli
• First Appearance: Season 14, Episode 1 ("Break Down the House")
• Final Appearance (as series regular): Season 21, Episode 7 ("If You Leave")
• Role at Grey Sloan: Surgical Intern, Resident, and former Co-Chief Resident (with Taryn Helm).
• Groundbreaking Storyline: Schmitt's character was pivotal in the show's LGBTQ+ representation. His relationship with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Nico Kim (played by Alex Landi) marked the first major male same-sex romance in the series' history.
• Major Character Arcs:
  • Coming out to his family and colleagues.
  • The "Glasses" nickname and overcoming his initial surgical clumsiness.
  • A significant mental health crisis and temporary resignation from his residency following the death of a patient during a botched "Webber Method" surgery.
  • Becoming Chief Resident and regaining his confidence.
  • His final decision to leave Grey Sloan for a new career opportunity.
• Relationships: Dr. Nico Kim (ex-boyfriend), James Morgan (current boyfriend at the time of exit).
• Total Episodes: 133 episodes (as of his departure).

1. The Confirmed Exit: Season 21, Episode 7 was Schmitt's Goodbye

The speculation about Schmitt's future began early, with reports confirming that Jake Borelli would not be returning as a series regular for Grey's Anatomy Season 21. The news sent a wave of concern through the fanbase, as viewers wondered if the character would be killed off or simply fade away.

The answer came definitively in Season 21, Episode 7. Rather than a dramatic death, Schmitt's departure was framed as a positive, forward-looking career choice. He accepted a new position at another hospital, a decision that allowed him to grow beyond the walls of Grey Sloan, the place where he first found his confidence and identity. The final scene was a touching farewell, a moment of profound closure for the character. This type of "happy ending" exit is uncommon, often reserved for characters who have completed their emotional journey and deserve a peaceful send-off from the intense environment of the hospital.

2. Jake Borelli's Emotional Reaction: "I Didn't Want to Leave"

The character's departure was clearly a difficult one for the actor. In interviews following the broadcast of his final episode, Jake Borelli was candid about his feelings. He admitted that he did not want to leave Grey Sloan, the place that had been his home for seven years and where he had played such a pivotal role in LGBTQ+ representation on television.

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Borelli expressed that while he was sad to say goodbye, he was ultimately satisfied with the way the writers handled Dr. Schmitt's final arc. He stated that Levi received the send-off he "deserves," one that honored his growth from a clumsy intern to a competent and compassionate surgeon. The actor’s willingness to discuss his mixed feelings—the sadness of leaving a family and the pride in the character's completed journey—added a layer of emotional realism to the cast change, making it a major talking point for the season.

3. The Significance of His Arc: From "Glasses" to LGBTQ+ Icon

Levi Schmitt's character arc is arguably one of the most important in the show's later seasons, providing immense topical authority on themes of identity and mental health. When he first appeared, he was defined by his anxiety and clumsiness, earning the infamous "Glasses" nickname. His evolution into a confident man who came out as gay and pursued a relationship with Dr. Nico Kim was groundbreaking.

Their relationship, affectionately dubbed "Schmico" by fans, was a landmark moment for the series, showcasing a healthy, long-term same-sex relationship between two male doctors. Furthermore, Schmitt's storyline dealing with a crisis of confidence and quitting his residency after a patient died was a powerful look at the mental toll of being a doctor, a storyline that resonated with many viewers. His final decision to leave was a testament to overcoming these personal and professional hurdles, choosing a path that was best for his well-being and career advancement, a true sign of character maturity.

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4. The Door is Open: The Possibility of a Return to Grey Sloan

Despite the definitive nature of his exit as a series regular, both the actor and the showrunners have been clear that the door is always open for Dr. Levi Schmitt to return. In the world of Grey's Anatomy, a character leaving for a new job is rarely a permanent goodbye. Many beloved characters, including Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh), have returned for guest appearances or recurring arcs long after their primary departure.

Jake Borelli himself has expressed his hopes to return, stating that he would love to come back to see how Levi is doing and what he has accomplished in his new role. This possibility of a guest spot in future seasons, perhaps for a major event or a professional collaboration, keeps the character connected to the Grey Sloan family and provides a comforting reassurance to fans that the story of Levi Schmitt is not entirely finished.

5. The Final Relationship Status: Moving On From Nico Kim

A key part of the curiosity surrounding Schmitt's exit was the status of his love life, especially his on-again, off-again relationship with Dr. Nico Kim. The "Schmico" pairing officially ended in Season 18. By the time of his Season 21 departure, Schmitt had moved on.

The character was in a new relationship with James Morgan, which was a significant detail in his final storyline. This new relationship provided the necessary emotional stability and context for his decision to leave Seattle. His departure was not driven by heartbreak or a desire to escape, but by a joint decision to pursue the best path for his future, both professionally and personally. This detail emphasizes the "happy ending" theme, showing Levi's growth into a mature adult capable of making life-altering decisions with confidence and support.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Dr. Levi Schmitt

Dr. Levi Schmitt's departure from Grey's Anatomy in Season 21, Episode 7, marks the end of an era for one of the show’s most endearing and relatable characters. His journey from the clumsy "Glasses" to a respected Chief Resident and a confident gay man stands as a powerful testament to personal and professional evolution. While actor Jake Borelli has left his role as a series regular, the legacy of Dr. Schmitt—his groundbreaking representation, his mental health struggles, and his ultimate success—will remain a core part of the show's rich history. Fans can take comfort in the fact that he left on his own terms, pursuing a bright future outside the operating rooms of Grey Sloan, with the hopeful possibility of a return always on the horizon.