Saying goodbye to a beloved character on a long-running show is never easy. It's not easy for the fans, and certainly not for the actors themselves. Over the years, you grow attached to the people who bring these characters to life, celebrating their victories, mourning their losses, and following their journeys through heartbreak, triumph, and everything in between.
Grey's Anatomy recently returned with its twenty-second season on ABC, and fans had to watch as one of the show's most cherished and enduring characters met their demise. After the jaw-dropping season 21 finale that ended with a major explosion at Grey Sloan Memorial, we knew some characters wouldn't make it. There were some more at risk than others due to where they were in the hospital when the blast occurred, and sadly, one of those doctors was the main casualty in the Grey's Anatomy season 22 premiere.
Spoilers are ahead from the Grey's Anatomy season 22 premiere.
Unfortunately, Dr. Monica Beltran lost her life after sustaining severe injuries in the explosion. She became trapped after a large piece of machinery fell on top of her, and eventually succumbed to internal bleeding caused by the trauma. Her death shook up the entire hospital, but Jules and Amelia were those who were really affected. We watched them process their grief in the second episode of the season.
It's going to be a completely different dynamic without Monica on the show anymore, and we're curious to see how the rest of the season plays out. Now that the medical drama is moving on from that traumatic episode, the amazingly talented actress behind the Monica character is speaking out following her exit. And she has one request for Grey's Anatomy boss Shonda Rhimes.
Natalie Morales wants Monica's stethoscope
It's true! Natalie Morales joined the Grey's Anatomy cast in its twentieth season, playing the role of Monica Beltran. On Oct. 16, she took to Instagram to share a heartfelt farewell following her character’s death in the season 22 premiere. Her post consisted of behind-the-scenes photos from set. Two of the images even featured her co-star Adelaide Kane, who plays Jules in the show.
But it's the photo caption where she mentions how grateful she is to have been part of the legendary series, expressing her love for the cast, crew, and fans, and reflecting fondly on her time portraying a pediatric surgeon. To wrap up the post, she tags the official Shondaland (Grey's Anatomy producers) Instagram account, jokingly asking them to send her Monica's stethoscope. She states in the post that she misses it.
Honestly, I personally can see why she would miss it. Props like that often hold sentimental value for actors, serving as tangible reminders of the long hours, hard work, and unforgettable experiences they shared on set. For Morales, that stethoscope is more than just a piece of medical equipment. It represents the character she brought to life. Hopefully, the powers that be at Shondaland see the heartfelt sentiment behind her request and send it her way ASAP!
New episodes of Grey's Anatomy season 22 air every Thursday night on ABC.