SEAL Team AJ Buckley on ‘Emptiness’ of Max Thieriot’s Departure: ‘It’s Hard for Everyone’
Paramount Network’s military drama SEAL Team came to a heartbreaking end after Clay Spenser (played by Max Thieriot) was killed. Ahead of the finale, actor AJ Buckley opened up about his initial reaction and the atmosphere on set following Clay’s death.
Throughout the season, many watched the friendship between Clay and Sonny Quinn (AJ Buckley) blossom into a full-fledged friendship.
Although they initially disagreed, the more time they spent together on the front lines, the more they discovered they had a lot in common.
The brotherhood also extended to the rest of Bravo Team as the men became comrades in their personal and professional lives.
While fans were devastated to see Stella Baxter (Alona Tal) react when she learned Clay had died, fans were even more moved to see Sonny learn that his best friend had died.
Reflecting on the news of Max’s passing, AJ shared: “Max told me when it happened.
“Max and I became really close throughout the show, he was one of my best friends.
“Our kids were born a few months apart in that first season and all that stuff, so we became really close and it was a really hard thing to hear.”
AJ explained: “But I knew it was an opportunity for him to ‘stretch up’ and go [co-creator and star in CBS’ Fire Country].
“I think it was hard for everyone, but not for me because it was one of the best parts about going to work.
“Max and I would drive to work together every day, so losing my partner, there’s definitely a void.”
Praising his co-star, the actor added: “He’s a great guy, both on screen and off, he’s the salt of the earth and probably one of the best guys I’ve ever met in the industry.
“So I’m going to miss him, man. I’m going to miss my friend,” AJ told TV Line.
Clay was killed while Bravo was on a mission in Jordan, so they were the last to hear the news.
However, after the successful outcome, the team was celebrating their victory when they received a shocking call.
As they were stunned and shocked, Sonny believed there had been a mistake and tried to call Clay.
After a wave of denials, Sonny went on a rampage, prompting emotional fans to take to social media to share their feelings.
Clay’s death was especially heartbreaking because he and Stella had agreed to move away with their newborn child.
It finally seemed hopeful for the soldier after living with trauma and PTSD from losing his leg in a life-saving surgery.
Clay left home to help after a distressing call from Ben and went to help his friend who was on the verge of suicide.
