Isaiah Washington, known for his role in "Grey's Anatomy," is publicly mourning the death of his wife, Jenisa, who passed away on June 9, 2025. Washington shared the news in an Instagram post, stating that his wife of 29 years "collapsed suddenly on May 31, 2025 and passed away." He revealed that she succumbed to a massive hemorrhagic stroke and urged others to be vigilant about their health, particularly concerning severe headaches.
Washington explained that he waited to announce her death publicly because his wife had been a very private person. He noted that she had been gone for 16 months before he made the announcement. The couple shared three children: Isaiah, Tyme, and Iman.
Washington, who announced his retirement from acting in 2023, had previously faced significant professional setbacks. He was fired from "Grey's Anatomy" after an incident at the 2007 Golden Globes where he uttered an anti-gay slur. At the time, he described the fallout as losing "everything," including his agent and publicist.
Despite his declared retirement, recent social media activity suggests Washington may be considering a return to acting. This current announcement regarding his wife's passing comes after a period of professional hiatus and personal reflection.