Running for over 400 episodes and two decades (and counting), Grey’s Anatomy has seen its fair share of characters come and go, and Dr. Nico Kim was one of the major ones in recent years. One of the best medical dramas of all time, Grey’s Anatomy has always thrived off the relationships and drama between its characters, often introducing new ones who would go on to play a significant role in the series. This was certainly true for Dr. Nico Kim, who was the first openly gay male surgeon in Grey’s Anatomy history.
Dr. Nico Kim was played by American actor and model Alex Landi, in his first major role after appearing in small parts in a couple of shows and several short films. Landi is of Korean-Italian descent, which makes his character even more important in terms of representation on Grey’s Anatomy. Nico’s time on the show largely revolved around his tumultuous relationship with Dr. Levi Schmitt, played by actor Jake Borelli. Eventually, their story ended once Dr. Kim left the hospital.
Nico Left Grey’s Anatomy After Breaking Up With Levi & Accepting A Job With The Seattle Mariners
He Needed A New Start
Throughout his time on Grey’s Anatomy, Dr. Nico Kim was in an on-again, off-again relationship with Levi, and it could often be mentally straining for both of them. It was obvious that something needed to change, and for Nico, that meant taking a job with the Seattle Mariners and leaving Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in season 18. He also broke up with Levi in the process, which came as a shock to a lot of viewers who rooted for the couple.
While the break-up was ultimately necessary for both Nico and Levi to heal and become better versions of themselves, Nico’s departure from the series raises questions about whether Alex Landi left the show for personal reasons or if the writers just decided that it was the best course of action for both characters. That answer is still unknown, though, as it seems Landi left on good terms overall, even returning to play the character in Station 19. In season 21, Levi also left the show, closing off their story for good.
Nico Returned In A Grey’s Anatomy Season 20 Episode
An Awkward Reunion And A Big Reveal
Despite leaving Grey’s Anatomy towards the end of season 18, Alex Landi returned as Nico Kim in season 20, episode 3, “Walk on the Ocean.” It wasn’t a massive role in the episode, but it did bring Nico and Levi face-to-face once more following their breakup two seasons earlier. In the episode, it is revealed that Nico is expecting a child with his partner, Jason, whom he introduces to Levi. They were at the hospital for their surrogate, Erin, to be tested for gestational diabetes.
While the moment between Nico and Levi was a bit awkward, to say the least, it was nice to have a bit more closure on the situation. It’s clear that Nico is doing well in life and is in the midst of a life-changing journey with his new partner and the surrogate for their child. In fact, this all happened in the span of nine months, and Landi spoke with Shondaland about Nico not only having a new partner but also deciding to have a baby with them in the short timeframe, saying:
It definitely hit fast-forward. But I think maybe Nico was just kind of ready to sort of hit the accelerator. Maybe there was just too much stop-and-go for the past [few] years, and I don’t know — sometimes, I guess, when you meet somebody, it kind of just happens that way. I think sometimes you don’t really control that as much as you think you do. It seems like it’s going well, so poor Levi.
Where Else You’ve Seen Nico Actor Alex Landi
He Has Had Several Recurring Television Roles
While Alex Landi’s role as Dr. Nico Kim is his most significant one to date, he has also appeared in a variety of other shows. He has had recurring roles in season 2 of Insatiable, CW’s Walker, Connecting, and the South Korean romantic comedy series, Mr. Plankton.
His most significant series outside of Grey’s Anatomy was in season 3 of Station 19, where he reprised his role of Dr. Nico Kim. Following his most recent role in Mr. Plankton, Alex Landi currently has no projects lined up, but that is sure to change at some point, given how he has made a name for himself through a variety of shows.