Lets be honest, Greys Anatomy fans dont take kindly to new characters. Every time someone is introduced, theres always a bit of backlash. However, when Stephanie Edwards (Jerrika Hinton) first appeared in Greys Anatomy Season 9, viewers knew she would become one of their favorites.

Nevertheless, Stephanie hung up her stethoscope toward the end of season 13, collectively breaking everyones hearts. But is there hope for Hinton to return as Stephanie on Greys Anatomy? Heres what we know.

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Hinton left Greys Anatomy to pursue other projects. In March 2016, the actor was cast as the leading role for Shonda Rhimes new comedy, Toast. Unfortunately, the pilot wasnt picked up by ABC. But in January 2017, TVLine reported Hinton would exit Greys Anatomy for Alan Balls new HBO show, Here and Now.

When speaking with The Hollywood Reporter after her exit, Hinton shared creator Shonda Rhimes was supportive of her decision.

When Toast didnt go, I went away and had a spiritual summer in a lot of ways, Hinton said in May 2017. Shonda and I had a meeting at the beginning of season 13 where we talked about my departure and my creative process, and she was very supportive of my wishes. I am eternally grateful to her for understanding.

Meanwhile, Rhimes said in a statement:

Actors evolve differently and when an actor like Jerrika comes to me and says she wants to try something new creatively, I like to honor that. Jerrika has shared so much of herself with Stephanie and I am incredibly proud of the journey weve taken together. While Im sad to see Stephanie leave Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, I am excited to see whats next for Jerrika.

HBO canceled Here and Now after one season. However, Hinton currently stars as Millie Morris on Amazon Primes Hunters.

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The Greys Anatomy Season 13 finale titled Ring of Fire served as Hintons last episode as Stephanie. In the previous episode, Stephanie set a rapist on fire. But in a turn of events, he reached a supply of oxygen tanks, causing an explosion at Grey Sloan Memorial.

When the finale originally aired on ABC, fans panicked, wondering whether Shondaland claimed yet another victim. But luckily, Stephanie made it out alive. However, she was covered in major burns. Then in a conversation with Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.), Stephanie realized she wanted to stop living her life in hospitals and really live.

I spent my whole life in hospitals my whole life, she said. And I think I need to see everything thats not the inside of a hospital. I need to travel and explore and hike and breathe, I want to breathe it all in. Away from the monitors and the blood and the sterile gowns. Away from saving other peoples lives. I want my own. Its time I live my own.

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After the Greys Anatomy Season 13 finale was released in May 2017, multiple publications asked Hinton whether she would ever consider returning as Stephanie, particularly because the character wasnt killed off. In an interview with Variety, Hinton shared she wasnt sure how to answer. But she pointed out Stephanie wouldnt want to come back for some time.

Because of the nature of her injuries and because of what she says she wants to experience in her next chapter of life, if we do see her come back through those doors, it will be a long time, Hinton said. I think that she needs to heal. She needs to heal in a variety of ways before that place becomes a viable option again.

Then when speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Hinton confirmed she was open to reprising her role sometime in the future.

Yes, the actor said when asked whether she would want to return to the Shondaland series. That place has a really wonderful soft spot in my heart.

Now, its been three years since Hinton left Greys Anatomy and it appears the actor wouldnt say no to Stephanies return depending on the storyline.

It depends on the format, you know? It depends on what the story is, Hinton told CinemaBlend in January 2020. You never say never to things like that.

She continued, That was such a fundamental experience in my career, and so never say never. Although I am enjoying the world outside, certainly, in the current moment.

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Grey's Anatomy': Will Jerrika Hinton Ever Return as Stephanie Edwards? - Showbiz Cheat Sheet