Rome Flynn shares new insight on his surprise Chicago Fire exit
Rome Flynn has opened up about his surprise Chicago Fire exit. The actor, who played Derrick Gibson for six episodes, was written out of the series for 12 – a decision he was “sad” to learn about.
Four months after confirming the news, Rome was recently asked again about his departure in an interview with Deadline. When asked if he left Chicago Fire to take on his latest role in Godfather of Harlem, the actor said: “They’re completely unrelated. I didn’t leave that show to do this show. It just happened to work out that way.
“It’s like you have your people but you’re not going to be with them forever. Sometimes you meet someone new and you connect. I loved my time there. I love the cast and crew and I miss them so much,” he continued.
“But we all have our own journeys and I’m grateful for that opportunity. Now, I’m excited and grateful for this opportunity because it gives me the chance to step into a life that I’ve never done before.”
In April, Rome first released a statement about his departure to Variety. “Like all the fans, I’m sad to see Gibson leave. He’s a character I really enjoyed playing,” the star said.
“I had a great time on ‘Chicago Fire’ and have great respect for the cast and crew, and look forward to working with Dick Wolf again when the time is right.”
Rome’s character Derrick may have been written out, as he left to seek help for his prescription drug addiction, but that doesn’t mean the door is closed forever.
Meanwhile, Rome has landed a new role as Frank Lucas in the fourth installment of Godfather of Harlem. Sharing a snap of the news in May, he wrote: “Opening my window again… so grateful. szn 4 otw.”
The hit drama stars Forest Whitaker as Bumpy Johnson, a crime boss who takes control of Harlem after returning to his neighborhood following an 11-year prison sentence in the 1960s.
The character of Rome is a real-life gangster who, according to MGM+, was “a country boy from North Carolina who ventured to Harlem and, after initial clashes with gangster Bumpy Johnson, eventually became Bumpy’s fierce protector and right-hand man.”
Speaking of the casting, creator Chris Brancato told Deadline: “When I saw Rome’s audition, I knew immediately that we had found our man – charming and ruthless, smart and suave. Rome is a great actor who can stand up to Forest Whitaker and our other great actors.”
