Did the Grey's Anatomy writers consider killing Richard Webber?

Yes, showrunner Meg Marinis confirmed that there were conversations about the possibility of killing off Richard Webber.

What health issue did Richard Webber face on Grey's Anatomy?

In Season 22, Richard Webber was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Were other Grey's Anatomy characters almost killed off?

Yes, the writers also debated extreme storylines for Jo Wilson and her twins, considering their fates seriously.

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Grey's Anatomy Nearly Killed Richard Webber, Showrunner Admits

31 Jan

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Summary

Showrunner Meg Marinis considered killing off Richard Webber.
Richard Webber was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Season 22.
Writers also debated fates of Jo Wilson and her twins.

Grey's Anatomy Nearly Killed Richard Webber, Showrunner Admits

Grey's Anatomy showrunner Meg Marinis disclosed that the possibility of killing off veteran character Richard Webber was a topic of discussion within the writers' room. Webber, portrayed by James Pickens Jr., faced a prostate cancer diagnosis during the show's 22nd season.

Marinis indicated that despite the intense conversations, the decision was ultimately made against such a drastic plot point. This mirrors concerns for other characters, including Jo Wilson and her twins, whose fates were also left on a cliffhanger in a previous episode.

The show has explored dark themes, but Marinis suggested that killing off integral characters like Webber or leaving Link as a single father would have been too extreme. The showrunner emphasized valuing character storylines and the audience's emotional investment.