Justin Chambers Wants More 'Antagonistic' Parts After Years onGrey's Anatomy: 'Excited to Embrace New Roles'

Mar. 15, 2025

Justin Chambers.Photo:Kevin Winter/Getty

Kevin Winter/Getty

Justin Chambersis opening up about diversifying his acting portfolio.

Afterbeing onGrey’s Anatomyfor 16 seasons, Chambers said he wanted to branch out from the empathetic, warm Alex Karev. Talking specifically about his guest appearance inAccused,a crime anthology series, the actor revealed what he was looking for when he took the part.

“What drew me in was the chance to play someone so different from Alex Karev,” Chambers toldUs Weekly. “After years of being a familiar face as Karev, it felt exciting to step into a more complex, antagonistic role and show a different side of myself as an actor."

Chambers said that being able to appear onAccusedwas “a blast,” but also praised the long-running medical drama for providing him with the opportunities he has today.

“Grey’s Anatomyhas given me a freedom that many actors don’t often experience, and now I’m excited about exploring passion projects both within and outside of Hollywood," he said. “I’m choosing to follow my heart in all my artistic and commercial pursuits. I really prefer being part of good storytelling, no matter how long it is. For me, it’s not about the quantity, it’s about the quality of the story and the acting. I want to tell stories that tackle real issues, like those inAccused.”

Justin Chambers and Ellen Pompeo on Grey’s Anatomy.Tony Rivetti/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Tony Rivetti/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Although his appearance as Tyler on season 2 of the legal drama is just for a one-episode arc, Chambers told the outletthat he would be “open to returning” for a larger storyline.

“It felt like shooting a small film since each episode stands alone,” he said. “Working on something where you know the ending — unlike some other projects — is really exciting. I believe people will look forward to fresh episodes and new story lines onAccused.”

“Thank you forever, Shonda Rhimes,” he continued, noting how “that chapter is closed for now.”

“But getting the opportunity to play characters like Marlon Brando inThe Offerand Tyler inThe Accused, both completely different from Alex, is why I’m excited to embrace new roles from talented writers and storytellers,” he added.

Justin Chambers.Michael Tran/FilmMagic

Michael Tran/FilmMagic

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Chambers announced his exit fromGrey’s Anatomyin 2020 after first joining the show in 2005. An original cast member, his final episode aired on Nov. 14, 2019, but fans didn’t know that was the last they’d be seeing of him at the time.

He added, “As I move on fromGrey’s Anatomy, I want to thank the ABC family,Shonda Rhimes, original cast membersEllen Pompeo,Chandra WilsonandJames Pickens Jr., and the rest of the amazing cast and crew, both past and present, and, of course, the fans for an extraordinary ride.”

Accusedairs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on FOX, andGrey’s Anatomyairs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

source: people.com