In a sitdown with Entertainment Weekly, Choi, who plays firefighter Howie “Chimney” Han in the ABC drama series, said he “fought” Minear over the in-show death of Bobby Nash (Peter Krause), the captain of Chimney’s LAFD station 118. “It was uncontrollable sobbing,” Choi said. “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.” He continued, “Then I just kind of went into those stages of grief. Denial, mostly: This doesn’t make any sense. Why would you do that? You’re kind of killing off our father figure … And he 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. Maybe they’ll reverse course.”
Unfortunately, Minear’s mind was made up. In episode 815 of “9-1-1,” entitled “Lab Rats,” Bobby seals off the doors to a lab containing a deadly virus. He traps himself inside in the process, saving his crew from catching the disease. Following the episode’s premiere, Krause released a statement addressing his character’s dramatic end. “I’ve heard that many fans are upset by this loss and they have a right to be. It is a loss,” Krause said. “That said, it was more than a bold creative choice on a bold show. Bobby Nash was written in sacrifice and he was built for this. First responders risk their lives on the job so that others can see another day. His story arc honors them. We at ‘9-1-1’ salute all the incredible men and women who do these dangerous jobs and strive to keep us safe. Our show is incredibly difficult to make at times with long hours, challenging stunts and elaborate disasters. We couldn’t do it without each other.”
Death is nothing new in TV dramas. But when a major character is suddenly ripped away, the impact goes beyond the screen — straight to the heart of fans and cast alike. In a surprising twist, Kenneth Choi, who plays the lovable and loyal firefighter Howard “Chimney” Han on 9-1-1, opened up about an emotionally charged showdown with the show’s creators over a shocking character death that no one saw coming.
Let’s peel back the curtain on what really went down behind the scenes.
The Scene That Shattered Fans — And Kenneth Choi
When 9-1-1 dropped a narrative bombshell with the unexpected death of a major character, fans were left breathless. Social media exploded. Hashtags trended. Tears flowed.
But one of the most heartbreaking reactions didn’t come from fans — it came from Kenneth Choi himself.
Choi didn’t just accept the script. He fought it. In his own words, he straight-up challenged the powers that be.
“Why would you do that? Why that character?”
It wasn’t just about storytelling. It was about what that character meant — to the cast, the fans, and the fabric of the show itself.
The Fallout Behind the Scenes
While many actors bite their tongue, Kenneth Choi pushed back. He wanted answers. He voiced what the entire fandom felt:
This wasn’t just shocking. It was devastating.
Producers may have had a plan, but Choi had heart. And he wasn’t about to stay silent.
The Character Fans Didn’t Want to Lose
Although showrunners haven’t confirmed why the character was killed off, sources close to the set hint that creative direction and contract logistics may have played a role.
But to Choi? It didn’t matter. What mattered was the connection.
A Fan-Favorite Gone Too Soon
Losing a character on TV feels a bit like losing a friend. You invite them into your living room week after week. You root for them. Laugh with them. Sometimes even cry with them.
So when they vanish — without warning — it stings.
And 9-1-1 fans weren’t ready.
Social Media Reactions Were Instant and Intense
Twitter. Reddit. TikTok. The emotional reactions were loud and raw:
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“I’m never watching again.”
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“Why would they do this to us?”
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“This broke me.”
That’s not an overreaction. That’s impact.
Kenneth Choi’s Commitment to Authenticity
One thing’s for sure — Kenneth Choi isn’t phoning it in. His passion for the show is fierce. When he speaks, he speaks from the gut. And when he acts, he pours in his soul.
This wasn’t just another storyline to him.
It was personal.
The Emotional Weight of Playing Chimney
Chimney has always been a character with depth — comic relief mixed with heart. Tragedy has followed him before, but this loss? This was different.
It rattled the core of his world. And Choi felt that deeply.
Why Do TV Shows Kill Off Major Characters?
Let’s step back a bit. This isn’t the first time a major show has pulled a fast one and taken out a beloved character. (Game of Thrones, anyone?)
Sometimes it’s contract disputes. Other times, it’s all about shaking up the story. But the risk? Alienating fans.
The Psychology of Shock in TV Writing
Killing a character can trigger strong emotional engagement. It drives conversation. Creates buzz. Forces characters (and viewers) to evolve.
But when it’s not done right, it can backfire — hard.
Ratings vs. Relationships
Writers might aim for spikes in ratings. But viewers build relationships with characters. And breaking that bond isn’t a move to take lightly.
Could This Twist Actually Lead to Bigger Storylines?
Some speculate the shocking death may serve a bigger narrative arc — perhaps setting up new tensions, alliances, or even moral dilemmas for the rest of the team.
Still, fans — and Kenneth Choi — wanted a better way.
What’s Next for Chimney?
With his character now emotionally wrecked, fans are bracing themselves for a darker, more introspective Chimney. Could this be the catalyst for major growth?
Or is it the beginning of another emotional spiral?
The Power of an Actor’s Voice
Actors have influence. And Kenneth Choi used his.
Not to bash the writers. But to advocate for integrity — for characters, for storytelling, and for the fans who invest every week.
Fans Applaud Choi’s Courage
In an era where speaking out can be risky, Choi’s honesty resonated:
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“He’s saying what we’re all thinking.”
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“Respect to Kenneth for standing up.”
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“Thank you for fighting for the fans.”
Sometimes, being human means refusing to just go with the flow.
The Emotional Toll of TV Acting
Acting isn’t just pretending. For people like Kenneth Choi, it’s feeling. Deeply. Often painfully.
When a story hurts him, it’s because it matters.
Processing Grief — On Screen and Off
Choi revealed he had to take time to emotionally process the script. To sit with the grief. To understand it.
That’s not just acting. That’s empathy.
Conclusion: Kenneth Choi Reminds Us Why We Watch TV
TV isn’t just about plot twists and drama. It’s about connection. Emotion. Humanity.
Kenneth Choi reminded us that even in fictional worlds, real feelings exist — and real people care deeply.
He fought not out of ego, but out of love for the story, the character, and the fans.
In a world where entertainment often feels disposable, Kenneth Choi stood his ground. And in doing so, he made us care even more.
