Inside Jake Borelli’s Net Worth as He Says Goodbye to His ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Character

In 2024, Grey’s Anatomy continued its reign as the longest-running medical drama in television history by announcing it would return for Season 21. The series has now spawned generations of fans and made us fall in love with countless characters, many of whom left it too soon.

Amid Grey’s’ renewal, rumors swirled of budget cuts that possibly affected its cast.

One fictional doctor turning in their scrub cap during the monumental season will be Jake Borelli, who joined the series as Dr. Levi Schmitt in Season 15.

Jake’s exit shocked viewers who watched Schmitt’s journey from the beginning. Since his departure, fans have wondered why he left the show and what he will do next. Unfortunately, we don’t have all the answers, but we can tell you what we know about Jake’s net worth. You’re welcome!

According to TVOvermind, Jake’s net worth stands at $8 Million. Most of his earnings come from his time on Grey’s Anatomy, though he’s worked on several projects in between, including a movie called The Thing About Harry. Jake starred in the 2020 film alongside his Grey’s co-star, Niko Terho.

Jake was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio in 1991. Growing up in the Midwest, he found his love for acting early and booked roles in community theater.

Eventually, he transitioned into TV and commercial acting, appearing on episodes of True Jackson VP, Parenthood, and iCarly in the 2010s.

In 2017, Jake’s big break came when he booked a recurring role on Grey’s as Levi, a.k.a “Glasses” on the show. He began his time on the show as Jo Wilson’s (Camilla Luddington) clumsy one-night stand. However, his character soon gained more depth because Grey’s.

In Season 15, Levi comes out as gay and embarks on a relationship with Dr. Nico Kim (Alex Landi). Levi, who had been openly gay to his family and friends, said he consulted with his father before publicly coming out. He said his dad told him to tell his “truth” to the masses, which he did in a 2018 Instagram post.

“As a gay guy myself, tonight's episode was so special to me,” Jake said of Levi coming out. “This is exactly the kind of story I craved as a young gay kid growing up in Ohio, and it blows my mind that I'm able to bring life to Dr. Levi Schmitt as he begins to grapple with his own sexuality this season on Grey’s Anatomy.”

“His vulnerability and courage inspire me every day, and I hope he can do the same for you,” he added. “To all of you who feel like little Levis out there, know that I do too, that you are seen, and that we're all in this together. And to everyone who has supported me over the years, I can't thank you enough, and I love you more than all the stars.”

Jake’s time on Grey’s Anatomy was necessary for many fans — especially those within the LGBTQ+ community — to see on a show with its legacy. So, many are confused as to why his time on the show ended after a consistent seven-year run.

Jake himself hasn’t shared why he left the show. Deadline shared the news of his exit on May 13, 2024, which coincided with his birthday, the only news he acknowledged publicly.

“Well, Happy Birthday to me…” Jake shared while blowing out a bouquet of chocolate-covered strawberries.

Although Jake keeps mum about his exit, Deadline said he will still be a part of Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 in a limited capacity. He is reportedly negotiating to return to the show for a few episodes to wrap up his character’s story.

During Grey’s Anatomy Season 20, Schmitt wanted to move on from his role as Chief Resident. His character also spiraled in Season 18 after he lost a patient in surgery. However, Jake’s exit reportedly has less to do with his character and more with Grey’s budget upon renewal.

The renewal of the historically expensive show reportedly caused budget cuts that affected the entire cast. Several established stars are reportedly facing a reduction in their scenes in guaranteed episodes. Grey’s will also reportedly have fewer episodes in Season 21.

Following the news of Jake’s departure, Deadline gave us even more reasons to cry when they reported Midori Francis, who plays surgical intern Mika Yasuda, was let go from the series one year after becoming a series regular. Like Jake, Midori is reportedly “in negotiations” to wrap up Yasuda’s story in Season 21.

We’ll miss you, Schmitt!

Stream Grey’s Anatomy on Hulu and Netflix.