Which actor played Dr. Preston Burke?

Isaiah Washington played Dr. Preston Burke on Grey's Anatomy. Burke is a fictional cardiothoracic surgeon introduced in the show's first episode, “A Hard Day's Night,” and he quickly became one of Seattle Grace Hospital's most influential senior doctors.

Washington portrayed Burke from 2005 to 2007. The character's most important storyline involved his relationship with Cristina Yang, played by Sandra Oh. Their romance, professional rivalry, and failed wedding shaped much of the show's first three seasons. Burke eventually left Seattle after the wedding collapse, while Washington later returned for a guest appearance during the show's tenth season.

Viewers sometimes confuse Washington with James Pickens Jr., who played Richard Webber, or Patrick Dempsey, who played neurosurgeon Derek Shepherd. Washington's performance as Burke also earned outside recognition: he won NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series in both 2006 and 2007. Burke's departure was a major turning point for the original surgical ensemble.