For seven seasons, Brian Tee carried the heart and soul of Chicago Med as Dr. Ethan Choi. A skilled trauma surgeon, a Navy veteran, and a man who fought through countless professional and personal challenges, Choi became one of the show’s defining characters. Fans grew attached to his quiet strength, his vulnerability, and his complicated love story with April Sexton. So when news broke that Tee was leaving the hit NBC medical drama, viewers were stunned. Why would an actor so deeply embedded in the One Chicago universe choose to walk away?
Now, in an emotional revelation, Brian Tee has confessed that his decision to depart wasn’t made overnight. In fact, he spent months wrestling with the choice, torn between his love for the show and his responsibilities at home. “It wasn’t easy,” he admitted. “I went back and forth in my head so many times. But at the end of the day, I knew my family needed me more than ever.”
Tee, who is married to actress Mirelly Taylor and is a devoted father, explained that the grueling schedule of a network drama left him with little time for what mattered most. Chicago Med films for long stretches, with demanding hours that can stretch well into nights and weekends. For years, Tee pushed through, balancing his work on the show with fleeting moments at home. But as his daughter grew older, the sacrifices weighed heavier. “I didn’t want to miss those little moments,” he said. “The firsts, the laughs, the time you can never get back. I realized if I kept going at this pace, I’d regret it.”
The confession resonated deeply with fans who had suspected his departure was about more than just professional choices. While Tee has long been passionate about his craft, he has also been outspoken about the importance of family. Stepping away from Chicago Med wasn’t a rejection of the series or its fans, but rather an embrace of the life waiting for him outside the spotlight.
——————————
Still, the decision didn’t come without heartbreak. Tee admitted he struggled for months, often wavering between staying and going. “It felt like leaving a second family,” he confessed. “The cast, the crew — we went through so much together. It wasn’t just a job. It was a community.” In the end, however, the pull of home outweighed the comfort of routine.
The timing of his exit was bittersweet. Writers crafted a graceful sendoff for Dr. Choi, giving fans closure while honoring the character’s journey. Choi’s reunion and eventual marriage to April was a full-circle moment, one that gave audiences a chance to celebrate rather than mourn. “It felt right,” Tee said of his character’s farewell. “Ethan got the happy ending he deserved, and so did I in a way. It was the perfect goodbye.”
Since leaving, Tee has spoken about the freedom to pursue other creative projects, but his main priority remains simple: being present at home. “Work will always be there,” he reflected. “But your family — that’s once in a lifetime. I didn’t want to look back years from now and wish I had been around more.”
Fans may still miss Ethan Choi’s steady presence in the ER, but Tee’s openness about his decision has made them more supportive than ever. Social media flooded with messages of understanding, many applauding his choice to put family first. “Respect to Brian Tee,” one fan wrote. “That’s what real strength looks like — knowing when to step away.”
In an industry that often glamorizes nonstop hustle, Tee’s honesty is a refreshing reminder of what truly matters. While his departure leaves a void on Chicago Med, it also underscores the humanity of the actors who bring these stories to life. For Brian Tee, the drama behind the cameras was never about ratings or scripts. It was about love, responsibility, and the courage to choose family over fame.
And though fans may still dream of a cameo or return someday, Tee seems content with his choice. “Never say never,” he teased with a smile. “But for now, I’m exactly where I need to be.”
