Sarah Drew talks about her exit from 'Grey's Anatomy'

Actor Sarah Drew has opened up about her exit from the popular show "Grey's Anatomy".

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 37-year-old actor, who played Dr April Kepner for nine seasons on the ABC medical drama, said it was "painful" when her character was written-off from the show.

"I was let go during an episode where I was shadowing Kevin McKidd (who stars as Owen and regularly directs episodes). It was in the afternoon and I went back to my trailer and I did my crying and called my people. A whole bunch of people came into my trailer to give me hugs and cry with me and tell me they were so sad I was leaving," she said.

Drew said she was told that show had too many characters and it needed to downsize so the main cast all had time to have their stories told.

"I was told that the show had too many characters and that they needed to downsize because they couldn't service all of the characters effectively. They didn't want any of us to be left in the background and not getting much of a story.

"Because there were so many series regulars, they needed to downsize and to find some characters that they felt like they could tie up their stories well," she said.

The actor said she is ultimately at peace with the decision.

"I'm a believer in things happening for a reason and finding beauty in the midst of grief. I don't regret or begrudge anybody this season of my life. I'm embracing it," Drew said.