Five Fast Facts About Former Grey’s Anatomy Star T.R. Knight

T.R. Knight is best known for playing George O’Malley on Grey’s Anatomy for five seasons. Though he’s been on a few shows since leaving the ABC medical drama, he’ll always be known in our eyes (and beloved) as George.

From his Emmy nominee to his decision to leave Grey’s Anatomy, here are five fast facts about T.R. Knight.

In the Beginning
Knight started acting very young when he became involved with the Guthrie Theater in Minnesota at the age of 5. He also started performing at the Children’s Theatre Company when he was in high school and pursued theater well into his adulthood. In fact, he left college because he got leading roles at the Guthrie Theater.

Why He Left
Knight left Grey’s Anatomy following Season 5. He cited issues with creator Shonda Rhimes and his character’s decreased screen time, which seemed to follow news of co-star Isaiah Washington (ex-Burke) allegedly using an anti-gay slur about him to co-star Patrick Dempsy (ex-Derek). Knight left with three years left on his contract.

Noticed By His Peers
Thanks to his incredible work as George O’Malley on Grey’s Anatomy, he earned an Emmy nomination in 2007 for Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Law & Order Alum
Like many actors who spend time in New York, Knight has appeared on a number of different Law & Order shows. He was first on Law & Order: Criminal Intent back in 2004 and then he was on Law & Order: SVU playing twins who had never met in 2011.

Getting Personal
Knight married his husband, Patrick B. Leahy, on October 5, 2013. Leahy, who is a ballet dancer and a writer, and Knight, live in Hudson, New York together. In life imitating art, his best friend is former onscreen Grey’s Anatomy BFF Katherine Heigl (ex-Izzie) and was a groomsman at her wedding to Josh Kelley.