SPOILER ALERT ⚠
Nick Gehlfuss is putting his lab coat away. The actor, who played Dr. Will Halstead on all eight seasons of "Chicago Med," announced his departure from the show on Wednesday night's Season 8 finale. Will reconnected with his ex-fiancée, Natalie (Torrey DeVitto, who made a surprise cameo in the episode after departing at the conclusion of Season 6), when he left the hospital following the numerous changes at Gaffney.
"It was a difficult choice, but in the end, I felt I had gotten as far as I could with Dr. Halstead. According to Gehlfuss, "I think that comes down to a creative aspect of you, or the energy or spirit you have that either you're built for a very long period with one person or not. "The variety in my line of work appeals to me, and eight years is a long period. It's two degrees from colleges! Now that I essentially hold a degree in television, I'm kidding.
For Gehlfuss, the process of filming the epilogue was quite emotional.
"All the feelings are overpowering; it's overwhelming. If it didn't mean as much, it wouldn't be that way. It's similar to love; if you genuinely care about someone, you'll go through highs and lows because that person means the world to you, he adds. I felt it was vital to let everyone know in advance that I would be departing so we wouldn't have to quit abruptly.
Mid-April, almost a month and a half after Gehlfuss informed the cast that it was time to depart, saw the filming of the season finale. He refers to Dick Wolf, the show's creator, as "the first person I was calling because he was the reason for all this." I felt strongly that he should hear it from me first. I believe that moment onward saw a trickling effect.
Despite the fact that Natalie and Will's reunion "feels appropriate," it wasn't always the intention for them to end up back together. He informed the creative team of his impending departure, and while they started talking about a potential Manstead conclusion, he waited for the producers to contact DeVitto.
It wasn't as if we hadn't seen each other since she left the show since I'd been in touch with her. However, it was wonderful to see her," adds Gehlfuss. We jumped immediately back into our job routine as if we hadn't taken a break. It was a lovely moment, and I wish it would give the fans some sense of closure. Because Will and Natalie's relationship has completely circled around. Will, in my opinion, looked for traces of Natalie in each relationship that ensued after their split. He never quite moved on from her.
Gehlfuss will carry some advice from Will with him because he has been a part of "Chicago Med" since the show's launch in 2015 and has been in all 163 episodes.
The meaning of the name William is protector or protection. As though they were his family, he guarded his patients. I will never forget the fervor with which he approached all of that and the way in which he was so dedicated to his profession and what he was called to do in this life."He would take chances for others. Now, there may be discussion over whether he occasionally let his personal matters interfere with his profession. Has that complicated matters? Yes. I will always keep in mind the lesson I learned—which Will Halstead might not have learned—to keep personal information out of my job. I'll never forget how strong he is as well. He just battled for whatever he believed to be required for himself or his patients.
Gehlfuss is now looking forward to getting to know a new character.
He quips, "I'd love to be a cowboy. "I'd really like to go outside. I enjoy being outside. In the end, I aim to create fresh, distinctive people. The opportunity to spend eight years getting to know one character was truly a treasure. TV naturally provides that opportunity, therefore I eagerly anticipate doing it once more.
In the One Chicago universe, the door is obviously always open in case Halstead decides to drop back in. Thankfully, he recalls, "When I chatted with Dick and the authors, we were all in accord on it. I'd want to put on the white lab coat once more whenever it makes sense for significant occasions.
Gehlfuss asks if he can address the fans directly as he doesn't use social media before we end our chat.
It's no secret that we wouldn't have employment without you. Our time is one of the most valuable gifts we can give to one another. I want to thank everyone for their time and assistance. I have been so touched by the number of people who have approached me to compliment One Chicago and my work. The strongest evidence of the agreement between the storyteller and the audience is that. Will Halstead is moving on, but One Chicago is staying put. Enjoy the upcoming seasons.
In the past year, there have been several cast changes in the One Chicago universe, with "Chicago Med" experiencing the greatest upheaval. Asjha Cooper, Guy Lockard, Sarah Rafferty, and another cast member from the first series, Brian Tee, all left the show early in the season.
In the autumn, NBC will air "Chicago Med" once more.
