Preston Burke

Preston Burke

Preston Xavier Burke, M.D. 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. Introduced as an attending cardiothoracic surgeon at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, Burke's main goal throughout the series has been becoming the Chief of Surgery, while his romantic relationship with intern Cristina Yang formed one of the main storylines in the shows' first three seasons.

Burke made his final appearance in the third season, leaving Seattle in the aftermath of his failed wedding. On June 7, 2007, ABC announced it had decided not to renew Washington's contract, and that he would be dropped from the show after an on-set incident with fellow cast members T.R. Knight and Patrick Dempsey.