That shocking “9-1-1” death hit star Kenneth Choi especially hard. The actor, who plays firefighter Howie “Chimney” Han in the ABC series, told Entertainment Weekly that he “fought” showrunner and executive producer Tim Minear over the death of Los Angeles fire captain Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) in the April 17 episode. “I was sobbing,” Choi, 53, told the outlet. “It was uncontrollable sobbing. I was laughing at myself saying, ‘I don’t know what is happening! I know this isn’t real! Why am I acting like this?’ But it was devastating to me.”
Choi’s grief then turned to disbelief as Minear revealed Bobby’s death. “As soon as he said the words, I just waited and waited, because Tim has a very wry sense of humor, and I was just waiting for him to say … ‘Just kidding,’ and those words never came. There was this long period of silence and I said, ‘Are you serious?'”
Choi added, “And then I just kind of went into those stages of grief. Denial, mostly.” He thought, “You’re kind of killing off our father figure.” Bobby succumbed to a lethal virus in the episode after Station 118 was called to a research facility, which had been set on fire by a reckless scientist named Moira (Bridget Regan). Bobby manages to save Chimney, who falls ill and starts coughing up blood while responding to the lab blaze. But after waiting for the rest of the team to safely evacuate and unmask, Bobby realizes that there was a hole in his breathing apparatus.
Choi continued: “(Minear) explained creatively why he thought it was the right choice, and I fought him on it. And I continued to fight him on it. I fought him on it up until we kind of did the funeral stuff, because I was thinking, ‘Maybe they’ll pull it back. Maybe they’ll change their minds.'”
When it comes to shocking television moments, 9-1-1 knows how to deliver. But nothing could prepare fans—or even the actors themselves—for the emotional blow that came with the sudden death of Howard “Chimney” Han, portrayed by Kenneth Choi. It wasn’t just a plot twist. It was a heartbreak. And now, Kenneth Choi is finally opening up about the emotional rollercoaster behind the scenes. Spoiler: he didn’t take it well.
Kenneth Choi’s Journey as Chimney: More Than Just a Character
How Chimney Became a Fan Favorite
From the very first season, Chimney wasn’t just a paramedic—he was the heart and soul of the 118. A blend of humor, courage, and vulnerability, Chimney gave us laughs, made us cry, and pulled us into his world.
A Character With Depth and Relatability
Kenneth Choi brought layers of humanity to Chimney that made viewers feel like they were watching a friend. Whether it was struggling with family trauma or fighting for love, Chimney’s journey was painfully real.
The Death That No One Saw Coming
A Plot Twist That Rocked the Fandom
In a recent episode, Chimney’s death hit the screen like a freight train. No slow fade-out. No warning. Just shock. And while fans were reeling, Kenneth Choi was, too.
Social Media Erupted With Reactions
From trending hashtags to thousands of heartbroken tweets, Chimney’s death stirred up a storm. Fans weren’t just upset—they were devastated.
“I Was in Denial” — Kenneth Choi Gets Real
The Actor’s Raw Reaction to the Script
When Choi first read the script revealing Chimney’s death, he admitted, “I was in denial. I didn’t want to believe it.” That’s not just acting—it’s grief.
“I Fought It”—Pushing Back Behind the Scenes
Kenneth Choi wasn’t just sad. He was angry. He pushed back. He questioned the decision, he argued for alternatives, and he fought to preserve a character he loved.
Behind the Scenes: What Led to Chimney’s Exit?
A Writer’s Perspective
The showrunners revealed that Chimney’s death was part of a larger narrative arc meant to shake the show to its core. They wanted realism, consequences, and a story that hits deep.
Real-Life Parallels and Emotional Resonance
Choi mentioned that “losing Chimney felt like losing a part of myself.” And maybe that’s why it hit fans so hard—because it didn’t feel like fiction.
Kenneth Choi’s Legacy on ‘9-1-1’
What He Leaves Behind
Though Chimney is gone, his impact remains. His storylines around trauma, recovery, and love gave voice to so many silent struggles.
A Lasting Tribute Through Fan Art and Tributes
Fans are creating art, writing letters, and even organizing digital memorials. Chimney lives on, not just in reruns, but in hearts.
Reactions from the Cast and Crew
Angela Bassett, Oliver Stark, and More Speak Out
His co-stars weren’t just acting sad—they were genuinely mourning the loss of working with Kenneth Choi. Bassett called him “the glue on set.”
Emotional Goodbyes on Set
The final shoot was filled with tears, hugs, and unspoken emotions. “We were saying goodbye to a friend, not just a character,” said co-star Ryan Guzman.
