What next for Nick Gehlfuss? 'Chicago Med’ star says he would 'love to be a cowboy’ after quitting show
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Another important actor of ‘Chicago Med’ has quit the show. Nick Gehlfuss’ last episode was on Wednesday night, May 24, the Season 8 finale. The 38-year-old actor had reportedly been part of the series since Season 1 in 2015. His character, Dr Will Halstead, reconciled with his ex-fiancee, Natalie, played by Torrey DeVitto, who exited the drama in Season 6.
Gehlfuss opened up about his big step with Variety. He said, “It was a difficult decision, but ultimately, I felt I’d taken Dr. Halstead as far as I can go with him. I think that comes down to a creative part of you, or the energy or spirit you have that you’re either built for a very long time with one person or not. I am attracted to the profession for the variety in it, and eight years is a long time. It’s two college degrees! I’m joking now that I basically have a doctorate in television.”
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‘It wouldn’t be that way if it didn’t mean so much’
Gehlfuss continued, “It’s overwhelming, because of all the emotions. It wouldn’t be that way if it didn’t mean so much. It’s like with love, if you truly love somebody then you’re going to have very high moments and very low moments because it’s just so important to you. It was important to me to give everyone advance notice of me leaving so that we didn’t finish cold turkey.”
The ‘Shameless’ actor told the publication that he first informed Dick Wolf, the creator of ‘Chicago Med’, of his plan. He said, “It was very important to me that he heard it from me first. And then I guess it was a trickle effect from that point,” before moving toward his character and Natalie getting together.
‘It was a beautiful moment’
Gehlfuss said, “We fell right back into our work rhythm as if we didn’t have any time off. It was a beautiful moment, and one that I hope brings some closure to the fans. Because this relationship has come full circle for Will and Natalie. I think Will was seeking elements of Natalie in every relationship that followed their breakup. He never really got over her.”
However, Gehlfuss said he was not leaving the show empty-handed. He noted, “I will never forget to remind myself that the lesson I learned that Will Halstead may not have learned, which is to leave your personal stuff out of your work! I’ll never forget how he’s also a fighter. He just fought for whatever he felt was necessary for himself or his patients.”
‘I'd love to get outdoors’
Discussing his future plans, ‘The Newsroom’ actor stated, “I’d love to be a cowboy. I’d love to get outdoors. I love being outside. Ultimately, I want to develop new, different characters. It was a real gift to be able to explore one character for eight years. TV allows that possibility of course, and so I look forward to doing so again.” He also mentioned his possible guest appearances in the ‘One Chicago’ world as he said, “We were all in agreement on that, thankfully, as I talked with Dick and the writers. Whenever it makes sense again for important moments, I’d love to don the white lab coat once again.”
At the end of his interview, Gehlfuss addressed his fans as well as he concluded, “It’s no secret, without you, we would not have jobs. One of the most important things we can give to one another is our time. So thank you all for your time and your support. I have been so flattered by the amount of people that have come up to me to say something positive about One Chicago and my work. That is the best confirmation of the contract between the audience and the storyteller. While Will Halstead is leaving, One Chicago is not. Enjoy the seasons to come!”