Actor Isaiah Washington is reportedly returning to Grey’s Anatomy, the show that made him a household name, for one episode this May.
Washington played the breakout role of Dr. Preston Burke on this hit show until season three in 2007, when he was fired following a high-profile dispute with T.R. Knight, a gay cast-member. Washington allegedly used a gay slur during an on-set altercation. Although he apologized publicly for his actions, his career suffered from the backlash.
He did however make a semi-comeback last year playing D.C. sniper John Allen Muhammad in the critically acclaimed indie film Blue Caprice.
Grey’s Anatomy‘s producer, Shonda Rhimes, is bringing Washington’s character back in part to bring closure to Sandra Oh’s character (who was his love interest on the program), who is leaving the series at the end of this season.
”It’s important to me that Cristina’s journey unfolds exactly as it should,” Rhimes said. “Burke is vital to that journey — he gives her story that full-circle moment we need to properly say goodbye to our beloved Cristina Yang.”
Washington will appear in a single episode. He will be appearing in the CW’s 100 this month.