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Martin Henderson Opens up About Leaving ‘Greys Anatomy’ — “It’s Been a Couple of Fun Years!”
We didn’t see this coming! Fans are worried that Grey’s Anatomy character Dr. Nathan Riggs — played by Martin Henderson — is leaving the hit medical drama after watching the Thursday, Oct. 26 episode titled “Danger Zone.” Martin, 43, first joined Grey’s in Season 12 and Nathan has since become a favorite Grey Sloan Memorial surgeon and love interest for main character Meredith Grey. So, what’s going on with Nathan’s storyline now? And is Martin really exiting the show? Scroll down to see everything you need to know about the character and actor!
Is Nathan Riggs leaving Grey’s Anatomy?
Unfortunately, it seems Nathan’s time on the show has come to an end. After the “Danger Zone” episode aired, Grey’s creator Shonda Rhimes took to Twitter to seemingly confirm Martin has left the series. “I loved that we were able to give Riggs a happy ending worthy of his character and talent. As for Martin, this is not an ending for our relationship. He has been part of the Shondaland family since the pilot of Inside the Box and he will always be family. I can’t wait to find a new project to work with him on in the future,” she wrote.
Martin also spoke to Deadline about his surprise exit. “I only had a short-term contract with the show. This is my final year so I was expecting Nathan’s storyline to be wrapped up. Bringing in [character Megan Hunt] and tying up loose ends, provided a reason. That was always intended when they brought Megan back with a twist… It’s been a couple of fun years on the show,” he said.
Fans were understandably upset about Martin’s sudden departure from Grey’s after just a few seasons. “I hope it was Martin’s choice to leave otherwise it’s a disappointing, pointless end to a character that should’ve become a regular,” one person wrote on Twitter with another adding, “I am fuming! Why would they do the whole thing between [Meredith and Riggs] for two years just to have him leave and his character then be with Megan?!” Angered people also voiced their opinions on Instagram. “This makes me crazy! We want Martin Henderson [on] Grey’s, not dancing off into the fairy tale sunset,” one fan wrote.
What happened with Nathan Riggs and Megan Hunt?
Though we didn’t get to meet Megan until Season 14, Nathan’s romance with Owen Hunt’s sister has been part of his storyline for years. In previous episodes, we learned that Nathan, Owen, Megan, and Teddy Altman were all working as US Army surgeons in Iraq 10 years ago before Megan went missing. During that time, Riggs proposed to Megan with an emerald necklace, but it was later revealed that Nathan really bought the necklace for another woman whom he had a brief affair with. Megan accidentally found the jewelry, forcing him to propose. Nathan and Megan then both admitted to being unfaithful to each other and their relationship was on the rocks when Megan vanished.
When Megan was found and rescued at the end of Season 13, Nathan was living in Seattle and basically dating Meredith, leading to a bit of an awkward love triangle during the current season. In the Season 14 premiere, Nathan got down on one knee and proposed (again) to Megan while she was recuperating at Grey Sloan Memorial. But Nathan later revealed that Megan did not accept his second proposal because she believed he was still in love with Meredith.
Meredith and Nathan on Grey’s Anatomy. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
However, in the “Danger Zone” episode — which was dedicated to telling the rest of Megan’s story — Megan sported a large diamond engagement ring while her adopted son, Farouk, and Riggs set up their new house in LA. At the beginning of the show, Owen helped his sister pack up her belongings before she left Seattle. It was then revealed that Riggs had left his surgical job at Grey Sloan Memorial and moved to LA to live with his fiancée, Megan, and Farouk. The show ended with the three playing on the beach together, presumably confirming the end of Megan and Nathan’s storylines on Grey’s.
“They’ve embarked on a commitment to start a new positive change and a new energy. Thinking symbolically, the image of them on the beach looking at a new horizon, for me signifies a sense of a new beginning and hope,” Martin said of Megan and Nathan ending up together. “Obviously raising the child, and Nathan finding his feet in a new town, won’t be without its challenges. They’re committed to a life together.”
Is Martin Henderson married?
No, he’s not! Martin has never been married but he’s currently dating 47-year-old director, producer, and arts patron Helen Randag. The actor — who is from New Zealand — has also reportedly dated Demi Moore, Jennifer Garner, Radha Mitchell, Nicky Watson, and Marnette Patterson in the past.
Does Martin Henderson have kids?
He does not, but he’d like to be a father one day! “I’ve always wanted kids, but I never felt ready. I wasn’t mature enough to have them earlier. It would’ve felt more of a burden, whereas today I’m at an age where spending time with kids or my nephews is wonderful. But I’m not going to rush out and do it for the sake of it,” he said in a recent interview. “I don’t think having a family is the answer to anything, but more a complement to life. I’d rather find the right woman first, but life’s funny — I might find someone and they can’t have kids. So I don’t want to get hung up on the idea because then if I met someone who couldn’t, I’d feel like I was being denied something.”
What are Martin Henderson’s other acting credits?
Martin began acting at age 13 but really rose to fame when he was 17 years old by starring in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He appeared in several Australian movies and TV projects before moving to the US in 1997. Since then, he’s had starring roles in films The Ring, Little Fish, Smokin’ Aces, Devil’s Knot, Everest, and Miracles from Heaven. He’s currently shooting the movie Strangers: Prey at Night with Christina Hendricks.
So, what’s next for the actor? He’s not totally sure! “That’s a bit of a work in progress at the moment. I’m finding the right thing. I’m fortunate at this point in my life and career where I can take a bit of time… I’m just spending some time with my family, and plan to get back to LA to my girlfriend and my dog,” Martin recently said. We’ll miss seeing him as Nathan on Grey’s Anatomy, but we can’t wait to see what Martin does next!
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