Series creator Shonda Rhimes breaks silence on Derek Shepherd’s death in 'Grey's Anatomy'

Series creator Shonda Rhimes finally talked about her decision to kill off character Derek Shepherd, played by Patrick Dempsey, in “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 11 during the Television Critics Association, or TCA, summer press tour in Beverly Hills on Tuesday. ABC President Paul Lee and “Grey’s Anatomy” cast member Ellen Pompeo were also present at the event to discuss the shocking death that happened in the medical drama series. “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 12 will premiere on Thursday night, September 24, at 8/7c on ABC.

Shonda Rhimes explained in a TVLine report that the decision to kill off Derek Shepherd stemmed from the thought of keeping Derek’s love for Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo, true. Rhimes further explained that having Derek walk out and leave Meredith behind for Patrick Dempsey’s exit on the show would only suggest that Derek’s love for Meredith was a lie so it was not a difficult decision to kill off the character because it is the only way for Derek’s love for Meredith to remain honest.

However, Rhimes admitted that the decision to part ways with the actor who portrays the character was “not easy or fun” because they have been working together for a long time. “We’re family. Those choices and decisions are never easy for us,” Rhimes said in the TVLine report.

ABC President Lee admitted in another TVLine report that Patrick Dempsey’s exit on the show was a “difficult decision.” However, Lee teased during the TCA summer press tour panel that the show will reinvent itself again after seeing the pitch for “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 12.

“[Shonda Rhimes] really is a remarkable showrunner. We have no reason to expect that 'Grey’s Anatomy' will not go on for many, many years to come,” Lee said.

“Grey’s Anatomy” cast member Ellen Pompeo also talked to the reporters present at the event about losing a major character on the TV series.

Pompeo, 45, explained that there must be “big upheavals,” like losing a major character, in order for a drama series to continue. “You think, 'How can the show go on?' But that's how the writers find inspiration. So the loss of the big characters is exactly how the show does go on,” Pompeo said in the UsWeekly report.

Pompeo further admitted during the interview that she still has no idea what Meredith Grey’s storyline will be in the upcoming new season. However, she reportedly trusts Shonda Rhimes with all her heart because what the series creator does obviously works. When asked about having a new love interest in the show, Pompeo responded that she is okay with it as long as Rhimes comes up with a remarkable storyline.

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