"I would then be forced to talk about something that, at that point in my life, I wasn’t ready to talk about on the global level, which you can never be prepared for," the actor said.

We knew we were losing some Grey’s Anatomy cast members when the 21st season hit the 2024 TV schedule, but as we bid farewell to Levi Schmitt on Thursday’s emotional episode I

"I think it's so beautiful to see two gay men in a loving relationship like this, where they are willing to take huge leaps of faith for one another," Borelli tells PEOPLE

The actor opens up about saying farewell to a character he's played for seven years, the similarities he's had with his Levi Schmitt and how the political climate is villainizing queer people.

Grey’s Anatomy’ star Jake Borelli played openly gay surgical resident Levi Schmitt, but nearly turned down the LGBTQIA+ story line

The tradition continues on tonight's episode of the ABC medical procedural with Jake Borelli 's last episode (for now) as Levi Schmitt. Levi first entered the hallow halls of Grey Sloan Memorial as an intern in Season 14.

Note: This story contains spoilers from "Grey's Anatomy" Season 21, Episode 7. Dr. Levi Schmitt said goodbye to "Grey's Anatomy," ending his 133-episode run with a true happy ending. Actor Jake Borelli,

Another doctor is scrubbing out of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Ever since news broke that Jake Borelli and Dr. Levi Schmitt were leaving Grey’s Anatomy after almost eight seasons, fans were left with endless questions as to how Schmitt would be written out and whether he could get back together with his long lost love.