Chicago Fire star Jon Seda exits NBC franchise after seven years as Colin Donnell and Norma Kuhling leave Chicago Med
NBC's hit Chicago franchise will have some big changes heading into next season, with three stars from Chicago Fire and Chicago Med leaving their respective shows.
Jon Seda, who has starred as Antonio Dawson on Chicago Fire for its entire seven-season run, and also appeared on Chicago Med and Chicago P.D., is leaving the franchise, according to Deadline.
The report also reveals that Chicago Med stars Colin Donnell, who has played Connor Rhodes for all four seasons, and Norma Kuhling, who portrayed Ava Bekker for the last two seasons, are also parting ways with the franchise.
Moving on: Jon Seda, who has played Antonio Dawson on Chicago Fire for all seven seasons, is leaving the show
It is said that the door is still open for all three characters to return in a guest-starring capacity, meaning they won't be killed off.
Sources claim that their departures were due to, 'creative reasons related to the characters’ story evolution.'
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Seda has actually been a mainstay on all three of NBC's Chicago shows, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D., along with the short-lived Chicago Justice.
Chicago star: Seda has actually been a mainstay on all three of NBC's Chicago shows, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D., along with the short-lived Chicago Justice
Seda started his run in the Chicago-verse on the first series, Chicago Fire, as a recurring character, with him and Jason Beghe's Hank Voight becoming the leads on the spin-off Chicago P.D.
After four seasons on Chicago P.D., he left to join the short-lived spin-off Chicago Justice, but returned to Chicago P.D. in Season 5 after Justice was canceled.
Seda is said to be very well-liked by the Chicago franchise producers and it's possible he could end up in another show from Chicago producer Dick Wolf in the future, but his departure is believed to have happened because his character had 'played out.'
Seda confirmed his departure on Twitter, issuing a statement to his fans on the social media platform.
'It’s been an honor portraying Det. Antonio Dawson in the #OneChicago world. To my cast #Family, I’ll always treasure the time and stories we shared. To all you #chihards out there, THANK YOU for being the best of fans! We’ll Always have CHICAGO.'
Surgeon: Donnell has played cardiothoracic surgeon Connor Rhodes since the series started in 2015, and he guest starred in four episodes apiece of Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.
Donnell has played cardiothoracic surgeon Connor Rhodes since the series started in 2015, and he guest starred in four episodes apiece of Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.
Donnell confirmed his departure by tweeting the Deadline article along with a brief message to his fans.
'Sorry to say that this is true,' Donnell began. 'I love my family dearly. And a special thank you to all the fans that have made these last four seasons so amazing.'
'It’s been an honor to be a part of such a great trio of shows and in the @WolfEnt family. I know that there’s great things coming for Season 5 and I can’t wait to see what they are along with all you fans. xoxo C'
Message: Donnell confirmed his departure by tweeting the Deadline article along with a brief message to his fans
Kuhling made her debut as Ava Bekker in the Season 2 finale of Chicago Med, and was promoted to series regular at the start of Season 3.
Back in February, NBC renewed all three shows, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med, for the 2019-2020 TV season.
In making the announcement, the network revealed that their Wednesday night lineup of Chicago shows was 'undefeated' in the ratings, winning all 15 Wednesday nights when they were airing original episodes.
Bekker: Kuhling made her debut as Ava Bekker in the Season 2 finale of Chicago Med, and was promoted to series regular at the start of Season 3
