'Grey's Anatomy' stars secure Season 13 contracts

LOS ANGELES, June 13 (UPI) -- Four more Grey's Anatomy stars are returning for Season 13.

Chandra Wilson, Justin Chambers, James Pickens, Jr., and Kevin McKidd, who play Miranda Bailey, Alex Karev, Richard Webber and Owen Hunt, have secured new contracts with the ABC medical drama.

The foursome join Ellen Pompeo, who signed a new deal for the season earlier this month. The 46-year-old actress portrays Meredith Grey and is reportedly on track to become one of the highest-paid actresses on television.

"The audience truly identifies with Ellen Pompeo," series creator Shonda Rimes said in the April 8 issue of The Hollywood Reporter. "We are following this woman's journey and the journey of all these people with her."

News of Wilson, Chambers, Pickens and McKidd's return follows Sara Ramirez's departure from the series. The 40-year-old actress played Callie Torres for 10 seasons and announced her exit after the Season 12 finale.

"I'm deeply grateful to have spent the last 10 years with my family at Grey's Anatomy and ABC, but for now I'm taking some welcome time off," she said at the time. "I send my love to Ellen [and] the rest of the cast and crew."

Grey's Anatomy was renewed for a 13th season in March. The medical drama is expected to return in the fall.