Milo Ventimiglia has officially mastered the art of breaking our hearts—again.
In the high-octane opening of Prime Video’s new action-thriller Countdown, the This Is Us and Gilmore Girls alum makes a surprise appearance as a Department of Homeland Security agent. His screen time may be short, but it’s unforgettable: chase scenes, hand-to-hand combat, and a gut-wrenching death all within the show’s first five minutes.
Ventimiglia’s cameo not only sets the emotional tone for the series, but also serves as the catalyst for the formation of a covert government task force at the heart of Countdown‘s storyline.
🔥 One Hero. Five Minutes. Maximum Impact.
“When I was writing the pilot, I knew I needed someone who would instantly connect with the audience,” says series creator Derek Haas, known for hits like Chicago Fire and FBI: International. “There’s no time for deep backstory. The moment had to land emotionally—and Milo brought that weight.”
Ventimiglia’s natural charisma, earned over two decades playing beloved characters like Jess Mariano (Gilmore Girls) and Jack Pearson (This Is Us), made him the ideal choice for this emotionally charged opening. “He didn’t need a monologue to make us care. Viewers already feel connected to him,” Haas explains.
🥊 Milo Goes Full Action Star
Though the actor’s appearance was brief, it came with a physical toll. “When I met Milo, I told him, ‘This is going to be real action. Running through L.A., combat scenes, the works,’” Haas recalls. “And he was all in. He said, ‘I’ve been waiting to be an action star.’ And he meant it.”
Ventimiglia committed fully to the sequence, which sees his character racing through downtown Los Angeles before being fatally shot just as he thinks the danger has passed. It’s a brutal twist—but one that Countdown needed to launch with intensity.
The performance earned praise from both the production team and early viewers. “He made the first five minutes feel like the climax of a movie,” Haas says. “That’s a rare gift.”
😢 Milo’s Death Scene Sparked Tears—Even at Home
As expected, fans weren’t the only ones devastated by Ventimiglia’s early exit. “My mom was so mad at me,” Haas laughs. “She said, ‘How could you do that to Milo?’”
It’s a fair question—after all, Ventimiglia is no stranger to tragic endings. From Jack Pearson’s emotional goodbye in This Is Us to this sudden DHS takedown in Countdown, the actor has become a specialist in gut-punch goodbyes.
🚨 A Launchpad, Not an Ending
While his time on Countdown is short-lived, the impact of Ventimiglia’s appearance lingers. His character’s death isn’t just a shocking opener—it sets the stakes and personalizes the mission for the task force that follows.
And as for Ventimiglia, the experience may only be the beginning of a new phase in his career. “He’s ready to be an action lead,” Haas says. “He’s got the physicality, the presence, and the emotional depth. Honestly, I’d watch him headline any thriller.”
