Is Will Leaving Chicago Med? Why is Will Leaving Chicago Med?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jun 12, 2023
About Chicago Med
Chicago Med is an American medical drama television series that is part of Dick Wolf's Chicago franchise. Created by Dick Wolf and Matt Olmstead, the series first premiered on NBC on November 17, 2015. It revolves around the lives of doctors and nurses in the emergency department of the fictional Gaffney Chicago Medical Center.
The show has seen several renewals, with NBC announcing on February 27, 2020, that it would be renewed for a sixth, seventh, and eighth season. The sixth season premiered on November 11, 2020, followed by the seventh season on September 22, 2021. The eighth season debuted on September 21, 2022. In April 2023, the series received a renewal for a ninth season, ensuring its continuation.
Set in the city of Chicago, the series focuses on the challenges and triumphs faced by the medical staff at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. It often features crossovers with characters from other shows in the Chicago franchise, namely Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.
Is Will Really Leaving Chicago Med?
Yes, Nick Gehlfuss, the actor who portrays Dr. Will Halstead on Chicago Med, has confirmed his departure from the series after eight seasons. In an interview with Variety, Gehlfuss discussed his decision to leave, citing creative reasons and the desire for new challenges. He expressed that he felt he had taken the character of Dr. Halstead as far as he could and that after eight years, it was time for a change. Gehlfuss humorously compared his time on the show to earning two college degrees, joking that he now had a doctorate in television.
The Season 8 finale of Chicago Med was an emotional episode for Gehlfuss and the fans. After bidding farewell to his colleagues at Gaffney, Dr. Halstead reunited with his ex-fiancée, Dr. Natalie Manning, portrayed by Torrey DeVitto. Gehlfuss shared that the reunion felt appropriate and brought closure to the relationship between Will and Natalie. He explained that Will had been seeking elements of Natalie in every subsequent relationship and had never truly gotten over her.
While Gehlfuss is leaving the show, he expressed openness to returning in the future for important moments if it makes sense for the character and the storyline. He conveyed his gratitude to the fans for their support and emphasized the ongoing nature of the One Chicago universe, assuring viewers that One Chicago is not leaving and encouraging them to enjoy the upcoming seasons. while it is confirmed that Nick Gehlfuss is leaving Chicago Med and his character, Dr. Will Halstead, the door remains open for potential returns in the future.
Why is Will Leaving Chicago Med?
Dr. Will Halstead's departure from Chicago Med was a personal decision made by actor Nick Gehlfuss. He explained that he felt he had taken the character as far as he could creatively and that after eight years, it was time for a new challenge. Gehlfuss expressed his attraction to the profession of acting due to the variety it offers, and he humorously compared his eight years on the show to earning two college degrees, jokingly referring to himself as having a doctorate in television.
The decision to leave the series was an emotional one for Gehlfuss. He described it as overwhelming due to the deep emotional connection he had with the character and the show. Drawing a parallel to love, he explained that when something means so much to you, there are both high and low moments associated with it.
In the Season 8 finale, Dr. Halstead received a heartwarming farewell from his colleagues at Chicago Med. Afterwards, he traveled to Seattle where he reunited with his former flame, Dr. Natalie Manning, played by Torrey DeVitto. This reunion with Natalie, whom Halstead had a beloved will-they-won't-they storyline with, was seen by Gehlfuss as the perfect way to conclude Halstead's story.
Gehlfuss clarified that he had kept in touch with DeVitto, so it didn't feel like they hadn't seen each other since she left the show. He described the reunion as falling right back into their work rhythm as if no time had passed. Gehlfuss believes this moment brought closure to the fans, as the relationship between Will and Natalie had come full circle. He added that Will had been seeking elements of Natalie in every relationship that followed their breakup and never truly got over her. Gehlfuss's decision to leave Chicago Med was driven by his creative desires and the need for new experiences.
Will Role in Chicago Med
Dr. William "Will" Halstead, portrayed by Nick Gehlfuss, is a former Attending Physician in Emergency Medicine at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. He is the older brother of Jay Halstead, a former main character on Chicago P.D. Will was born on December 29, 1978, and raised in Canaryville, Chicago, in a blue-collar Irish Catholic family. Alongside his brother Jay, he attended Catholic school and faced bullying from other kids, including the Tucker brothers, who nicknamed him "Ginger Spice."
Will's home life was challenging, with his father constantly pushing him and expressing disappointment in his choices. Despite this, Will decided to pursue higher education and attended college, majoring in biology. He worked his way through college and medical school in New York without any support from his father. During this time, Jay served as a U.S. Army Ranger deployed in Afghanistan.
Their mother fell ill with an unknown type of cancer, becoming severely ill while Jay was away. Unfortunately, Will was not present when she passed away, causing resentment from Jay and leaving Will burdened with guilt. Before moving to New York, Will worked as a doctor in Sudan, although the specifics of his role are unclear. He then worked as a plastic surgeon in New York City for several years before being fired for reasons that are not specified.
Will initially came to stay with Jay in Chicago temporarily while he searched for a new place to live and a source of income. However, his plans changed when he had his first day at Chicago Med during the backdoor pilot episode, "I Am the Apocalypse," which also featured Chicago Fire. Initially intending to quit after his first shift, Will decided to keep his job and permanently move to Chicago.
Who Plays Will in Chicago Med?
Nicholas Gehlfuss is an American actor renowned for his role as Robbie Pratt in the fourth season of the Showtime family comedy-drama Shameless in 2014. The following year, he gained prominence for his portrayal of Dr. Will Halstead in the NBC medical drama Chicago Med. In 2014, Gehlfuss had a recurring role as Robbie Pratt in Shameless, a popular family comedy-drama on Showtime.
He made his mark in 2015 with a guest appearance as Dr. Thomas Galen in the short-lived NBC horror drama Constantine, specifically in the penultimate episode titled "Angels and Ministers of Grace." Later that same year, Gehlfuss secured the role of Dr. Will Halstead in the NBC medical drama Chicago Med. The character of Halstead was first introduced in the police procedural drama Chicago P.D. before becoming a central figure in the backdoor pilot of Chicago Med, which originated from the drama series Chicago Fire.
Gehlfuss was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in Little Italy and Chesterland, Ohio. He obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Marietta College and later completed his Master of Fine Arts at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He has two younger siblings named Vincent and Jillian. On May 13, 2016, Gehlfuss tied the knot with Lilian Matsuda, who works in hotel marketing.
Is Will Really Leaving Chicago Med - FAQs
Yes, Nick Gehlfuss has announced his departure from Chicago Med.
Will Halstead decided to leave Chicago Med because he felt he had taken the character as far as he could creatively and wanted to explore other opportunities.
While Will Halstead's departure from Chicago Med is currently permanent, there is a possibility for him to return in the future if it makes sense for important moments in the story.
The showrunners and writers of Chicago Med have expressed their openness to having Will Halstead return in the future for significant moments. However, there are no specific plans announced at the moment.
Will Halstead's departure will have an impact on the storyline and other characters in Chicago Med. It will create new dynamics and opportunities for character development as the show continues to explore the lives of the doctors and nurses at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center.