More than a year after the death of his wife, Jenisa Garland, “Grey’s Anatomy” star Isaiah Washington announced the news of her passing.
The actor posted the news on Instagram over the weekend, writing, “Yes… the rumors are true. My beloved wife of 29 years suddenly fell ill on May 31, 2025 and passed away on June 9, 2025.”
Washington said his wife’s death “was a huge shock to me and our entire family.”
“He succumbed to a massive hemorrhagic stroke and never recovered,” he continued, before adding some cautionary advice to his fans. “Listen up, y’all…some headaches aren’t just headaches or migraines, they can be much worse and be a warning sign. Get a brain scan if you can and take these headaches seriously.”
Hemorrhagic stroke is less common than ischemic stroke, but more deadly, and occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures, according to the Mayo Clinic. Causes may include uncontrolled high blood pressure, trauma from a fall or accident, or overtreatment with blood thinners. Symptoms of stroke include sudden severe headache, confusion, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, facial drooping, sudden blurred vision, and more.
“It’s been 16 months since he was gone, but he left behind three incredibly amazing children to carry on his legacy. I don’t know if this is an appropriate assignment because Jenisa Washington was an extremely special assignment, but I think I have to be scolded by her on the other hand.”
On Monday, Washington paid tribute to comedian Reggie McFadden, crediting the “In Living Color” actor for introducing him to his wife more than 30 years ago. “RIP Reggie McFadden,” he wrote on Instagram. “Say hello to Jenisa Washington because you were the ones who introduced me to her in 1995.”
Washington appeared as Dr. Dr. on “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2005. He played Preston Burke, but in 2007 he was spotted on set by co-star Patrick Dempsey, aka Dr. He was removed from the medical drama after an argument with McDreamy; Meanwhile, Washington reportedly used a homophobic slur to refer to his (then-closed) castmate TR Knight, who played George O’Malley. Following reports of behind-the-scenes events, Knight publicly announced that he was gay.
Later that year at the Golden Globes, Washington denied the incident but repeated the same remark in the process. He eventually apologized and returned to “Grey’s” for a guest appearance in 2014.