Midori Francis Announces Departure from 'Grey's Anatomy' After Two Seasons: Official Statement
Midori Francis, known for her role as Mika Yasuda, bids farewell to 'Grey's Anatomy' as she exits the show before season 21. Get the details from the latest official statement.
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Midori Francis. Disney/Nino Muñoz
Midori Francis, aged 30, is set to depart from Grey’s Anatomy after being on the show for two seasons. According to Deadline, negotiations are ongoing for her return in season 21 to give closure to her character, Mika Yasuda. However, it has been confirmed that she will not be a regular cast member after season 20, which is currently airing on ABC.
We contacted ABC to get their input on the matter.
Francis became part of the Grey’s Anatomy cast for season 19 in 2022. She was among five new actors who played a group of interns at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The other newcomers included Alexis Floyd as Simone Griffith, Harry Shum Jr. as Benson “Blue” Kwan, Adelaide Kane as Jules Millin, and Lucas Adams as Niko Terho.
During an October 2022 interview with InStyle, Francis opened up about watching Sandra Oh on Grey’s Anatomy in her youth.
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Anne Marie Fox, who worked with Disney, reflected on the significance of seeing an Asian actor in a major role on primetime television. She noted how rare it was to see a character who was not just a minor part of the plot, but a central and complex figure.
Francis praised Sandra Oh for her dedication, intensity, and talent in her role as Cristina Yang on Grey's Anatomy. She recalled how many of her friends admired Oh's character when they were younger, which made her feel a strong connection to the show.
Deadline had announced that Jake Borelli, known for playing Levi Schmitt on Grey's Anatomy since season 14, will not be a series regular in the upcoming season.
The ABC series has experienced many changes in its cast over the years. Chandra Wilson (Miranda Bailey), James Pickens Jr. (Richard Webber), and Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey) are the only original cast members still on the show.
Ellen Pompeo, who has been a part of Grey's Anatomy since it started in 2005, decided to reduce her role in season 19, marking the first time she has done so.
Pompeo expressed her commitment to "Grey's Anatomy" in a September 2022 interview with Deadline. She mentioned being an executive producer and emphasized her deep connection to the show, stating, "I’ll never truly be gone as long as [it’s] on the air."
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Disney/Nino Muñoz
While no longer a series regular, Pompeo still narrates each episode and makes guest appearances throughout the season.
As season 19 began, new members joined the team and were warmly welcomed by the veteran cast.
In a 2022 interview with InStyle, Francis shared how the original cast members were humble and helpful. Chandra Wilson, for example, gave tips on memorizing complex medical terms, reassuring the new members that it was okay to struggle with them.
ABC recently confirmed that Grey’s Anatomy will be returning for a 21st season. Series creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes expressed her gratitude to the loyal fans for their support, stating that their love for the show has made this milestone possible. Showrunner Meg Marinis' storytelling has been praised for keeping the show fresh and engaging, and fans can look forward to what she has planned for the upcoming season.
Grey’s Anatomy airs on ABC Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
