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.
When a TV show delivers a jaw-dropping character death, fans aren’t the only ones left reeling. Sometimes, the actors themselves struggle to accept the loss—especially when the character is a beloved member of the on-screen family. That’s exactly what happened to Kenneth Choi, the star behind firefighter Howie “Chimney” Han on the hit drama 9-1-1.
Recently, Choi opened up about the emotional rollercoaster he went through when confronted with a devastating storyline on the show. His raw honesty shocked fans and gave everyone a deeper look at the intense bond the cast shares both on and off camera.
In this article, we dive into Choi’s real reaction, the creative decisions behind the surprise death, and how the moment reshaped the series.
Kenneth Choi’s Emotional Reveal Leaves Fans Speechless
When Kenneth Choi admitted he was in “denial” and even “fought” the idea of a major death on 9-1-1, the revelation hit fans like a tidal wave. For years, viewers have connected to the characters on the show, rooting for their victories and mourning their losses. So when Choi shared how personally he took the news, it validated everything the audience had felt.
But what exactly happened behind the scenes? Why was this storyline so difficult? And how did it change Choi as an actor?
Let’s take a closer look.
The Shocking Death That Changed the Show’s Course
Every season of 9-1-1 brings jaw-dropping emergencies, emotional plot twists, and character arcs that hit deep. But some moments leave permanent scars—on the characters, the actors, and the audience.
A Death No One Saw Coming
The death in question wasn’t just another plot device. It was the kind of twist that creates ripple effects for seasons. Writers knew it would be controversial. Fans didn’t expect it. And the actors? Many of them weren’t emotionally prepared.
How the Writers Broke the News
Most cast members learn big twists in script readings. But this time, whispers of a major loss spread quietly before the official reveal. Choi, like others, hoped the rumors weren’t true. When he finally read the script, the reality hit harder than a falling building—no pun intended.
Kenneth Choi Was in “Denial” From the Start
Choi didn’t sugarcoat it. He didn’t pretend he was “fine.” Instead, he told the truth: he hated the idea at first.
The Bond That Made Letting Go So Hard
Actors don’t just show up and read lines. They form relationships, routines, and emotional ties. Choi had built years of chemistry with the actor whose character was set to die.
Losing that dynamic felt, as he described, “like losing a limb.”
“I Fought Against It” — Choi’s Honest Reaction
According to Choi, his first instinct was refusal. He pushed back, hoping for rewrites. He bargained for alternatives. He questioned every angle of the storyline.
Was it necessary? Was it too extreme? Was the show making a mistake?
His emotional resistance showed how deeply he cared about the character and the ensemble.
The Reality Behind His Denial
Denial is a natural reaction to loss, even fictional loss. In Choi’s case, it stemmed from both personal and professional attachment.
When Fiction Feels Real
Some fans might wonder: It’s just a show—why so emotional?
But storytelling isn’t superficial. When you’ve spent years embodying a character and working closely with the same team, their fate becomes intertwined with your daily life.
The Pressure of Fan Expectations
Choi wasn’t just grieving the character. He worried about the fans’ reaction. Would they hate the death? Would they blame the show? Would they blame the surviving characters?
That pressure weighed heavily on him.
Behind-the-Scenes Emotions Ran High
While the death was impactful on screen, the atmosphere behind the scenes carried an even heavier emotional tone.
Cast Grieving A Castmate
The actors had become a tight-knit family. Losing a cast member felt like losing a core piece of their daily life.
Crew Members Affected Too
From makeup artists to camera operators, everyone had their own relationship with the actor. The ripple effect was real.
The Creative Reason the Show Stood Firm
Despite pushback—even from beloved cast members—the writers stayed committed to the storyline.
A Death That Drives the Narrative
The goal wasn’t shock for shock’s sake. This death served as a catalyst for character growth, future arcs, and emotional resonance.
Realism in Crisis
9-1-1 has always emphasized realism. First responders face life-and-death situations daily. Sometimes, the show must reflect the harshness of reality.
Kenneth Choi’s Pivotal Performance After the Loss
Once he accepted the storyline, Choi used his genuine grief to fuel some of his most powerful scenes on the show.
Raw Emotions, Real Tears
Fans noticed it. Critics commented on it. His performance carried a new depth.
A Turning Point for Chimney’s Character
Chimney evolved significantly after the loss. The tragedy shaped his empathy, resilience, and leadership.
Fans Reacted Strongly—and Choi Noticed
The audience response was immediate.
Outrage, Sadness, and Tears
Social media exploded. Fans expressed heartbreak, disbelief, and anger. Some even demanded the writers undo the death.
Choi’s Gratitude for the Support
In interviews, Choi has said he felt comforted knowing fans were grieving alongside him.
How the Show Recovered and Moved Forward
The aftermath changed storylines, relationships, and character dynamics.
Building New Arcs
Writers paved the way for new emotional journeys, allowing remaining characters to grow.
Honoring the Legacy
The show continued referencing the character, keeping their memory alive in meaningful ways.
Why Kenneth Choi’s Vulnerability Matters
Choi’s honesty offers a refreshing glimpse into the emotional depth of acting.
Authenticity Builds Trust
Fans appreciate transparency. Choi’s vulnerability strengthened his connection with viewers.
Shedding Light on Actor Challenges
It’s easy to forget that actors feel real emotions when playing out fictional tragedies.
Conclusion — A Death That Reshaped ‘9-1-1’ and Kenneth Choi Forever
Kenneth Choi’s admission of denial and resistance to a shocking 9-1-1 death reveals just how deeply the cast invests in the show’s storytelling. His emotional journey—from shock to acceptance to powerful on-screen performance—highlights the profound human element behind television drama.
The character’s death may have stunned viewers, but it also gave the series new emotional depth. And for Choi, it became a turning point that reshaped both his role and his connection to fans.
