18 Facts About Preston Burke

Preston Burke made his final appearance in Season 3, leaving Seattle following the aftermath of his failed wedding to Cristina.

Preston Burke is the former chief cardiothoracic surgery at Seattle Grace Hospital.

Preston Burke completed his pre-medical studies at Tulane University, where he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi, and graduated first in his class from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

However, on the day of the wedding, Preston Burke realized that he had been trying to change Cristina into someone she was not.

Cristina, returning to their apartment, found that Preston Burke had taken only his personal belongings, leaving her heartbroken.

Later, it is revealed that Preston Burke won the prestigious Harper Avery Award in 2008.

Cristina was deeply hurt when Preston Burke did not mention her in his award-winning research, despite her critical role in helping him recover from his injury.

In Season 10, Preston Burke reappears in Zurich, Switzerland where he runs a cardiothoracic research hospital.

Preston Burke invites Cristina to speak about her research, though she is initially angry and shocked to see him.

Preston Burke reveals his true reason for bringing her to Zurich: he offers her the chance to take over his hospital.

Preston Burke explains that he is moving with his Italian wife, Edra, and their two daughters, Simone and Vivianna, to Milan.

Preston Burke brought a sense of honor to what Burke does.

The character of Preston Burke was originally envisioned as a Caucasian man, with actor Paul Adelstein, who later starred in Grey's Anatomy's spin-off Private Practice, slated for the role.

Preston Burke has pulled shifts at hospitals where he follows the surgeons around for 48 hours.

Preston Burke claimed that racism within the media played a role in his firing, which he discussed in interviews, including an appearance on CNN's talk show Larry King Live, where he presented his side of the controversy.

Washington's portrayal of Preston Burke was highly regarded, and after his departure from the show, Preston Burke remained a key figure in the series through his past relationship with Cristina Yang.

Preston Burke appreciated how the episode showcased their evolution from the beginning of the second season to its conclusion, reflecting on the complexity and depth of their relationship.

Preston Burke won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series twice, in 2006 and 2007.