Audra McDonald, one of the original cast members of the 'Grey's Anatomy' spinoff 'Private Practice', is leaving the cast at the end of the current season in the US, but could return as a guest star.
TV Line reports that the actress, who plays Dr Naomi Bennett, is leaving to spend more time with her family.
McDonald lives in New York, but the series is filmed in Los Angeles.
She told TVLine's Michael Ausiello: "I have spent four amazing years working with the best cast and crew on television at 'Private Practice'.
"Though I am stepping away from the series as a regular in order to spend more time in New York with my family, I am not closing the door on 'Private Practice' or the character, Naomi. I am beyond grateful to [series creator] Shonda Rhimes, [US network] ABC, and the team behind the show."
Rhimes added: "We are so appreciative of Audra and her talents and look forward to having her return to 'Private Practice' as often as possible. Audra has been a bicoastal commuter throughout our four seasons on the air, and, ultimately, we respect and appreciate her desire to spend more time with family in New York."
