Kate Walsh Set to Exit PRIVATE PRACTICE

As first reported on Deadline.com, Kate Walsh is set to exit ABC's long-running medical drama PRIVATE PRACTICE following the upcoming sixth season. The actress, who has portrayed Dr. Addison Montgomery on the show for the past 7 years, will depart the series after filming 13 additional episodes.  

Walsh's character first appeared on ABC's 'Grey's Anatomy' before moving to Los Angeles for the Private Practice spin-off series. There has been recent speculation that the actress is ready to move on with her career. With her contract expiring at the end of last season, Walsh agreed to commit to only 13 episodes, which allowed the network to move ahead with a sixth season of the show. 

It remains uncertain whether Private Practice will go on once it's star has departed. Speculation has been that the hospital will close its doors for good once Season six comes to an end.

Photo credit: Walter McBride