Preston Burke

Preston Xavier Burke, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a fictional character from the medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy, which airs on ABC in the United States. The character was created by series producer Shonda Rhimes, and was portrayed by actor Isaiah Washington from 2005 to 2007. Burke is introduced as an attending cardiothoracic surgeon at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, and his romantic relationship with intern Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) becomes one of the central storylines of the show during its first three seasons. Burke made his final appearance in Season 3, leaving Seattle following the aftermath of his failed wedding to Cristina. In 2007, Washington was terminated from the show after he used a homophobic slur toward his co-star T. R. Knight during an on-set altercation involving Knight and Patrick Dempsey. On June 7, 2007, ABC announced that Washington would be dropped from Grey's Anatomy as a result of this incident. Although Burke is mentioned occasionally in the seasons following his departure, the character makes an official return in Season 10 as part of the storyline concluding Cristina's departure from the series.