ABC’s hit first responder drama 9-1-1 completely rattled fans when Season 8, Episode 15 killed off a major original character for the first time in the show’s history. And the cast is taking the loss hard, too.
Following the devastating death of Captain Bobby Nash, Deadline released a heartfelt letter of thanks from actor Peter Krause, in which he reflected on his “wild adventure” and shared his love for viewers and colleagues.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, 9-1-1 co-creator and showrunner Tim Minear confirmed the “creative” decision to kill off Bobby was his own, and cast members were “shocked” when they found out.
“Peter and I had been talking about it for probably three weeks to a month before I let anyone else know. I had to clear it with the network and the studio. I had to pitch them out the whole story. Everyone was very nervous. And once I got everybody on board, I talked to [co-creator] Ryan Murphy about it, and once everybody was on board and Peter was on board, then I had to start calling the cast one by one. Each of those calls was a little bit different, and none of them were quick because practically nobody believed me. They all thought I was punking them. Aisha Hinds — it probably took me 15 minutes to convince her that I was not joking,” Minear said.
In the aftermath of the show-altering episode Krause’s colleagues are racing to show their love for him online alongside fans. From fellow 118 actors including Oliver Stark, Kenneth Choi, Aisha Hinds, Ryan Guzman, and Anirudh Pisharody to call center star Jennifer Love Hewitt, guest stars, and more, the admiration of Krause and his character Bobby’s contributions to the series was plentiful.
While fans are still awaiting a personal statement outside of interviews from Angela Bassett, who plays Bobby’s wife Athena, here’s a look at some of the touching tributes 9-1-1 stars have shared about their fearless leader thus far.
Oliver Stark posted several photos of Krause alongside the caption, “My Dear Friend Peter, we miss you at work with us everyday. You were, and still will be, our leader always.”
Kenneth Choi followed suit and posted his own carousel to feed, writing, “Peter Krause, you are the classiest guy, the most talented of actors, and the loveliest human being. THANK YOU, PK. Love You Pal. ❤️”
Anirudh Pisharody added, “The greatest mentor, and even greater friend, Peter.
Bobby Nash, our Cap. Forever. 💔”
Meanwhile Aisha Hinds and Jennifer Love Hewitt showed love for Krause in Instagram stories. The two shared the same striking still of Bobby and Athena’s hands from Episode 8×15, with Hinds writing, “Love you Pete…” and Hewitt writing, “I have no words. I couldn’t say goodbye because you are the best. I love you Peter. Thanks for always being a light and for your hugs that could change a day for the better everytime.”
Though Ryan Guzman’s character Eddie was in Texas for the 118’s deadly emergency and has yet to find out that Cap died on-screen, Guzman shared this tribute to Krause’s character to his Instagram Stories. And Gavin McHugh, who plays Eddie’s son Christopher, posted a throwback photo as well.
Other 9-1-1 stars, including Tracie Thoms and guest star Gavin Stenhouse piled on the love and heartbreak. And as the days (and remaining Season 8 episodes) pass, we imagine even more tributes to Krause and his show-defining character will come from 9-1-1 cast, creatives, and certainly fans.
In two weeks, 9-1-1 will return with Cap’s funeral and show the aftermath of his death along with the toll it takes on those he left behind. For more on Krause’s final 9-1-1 episode, be sure to check out Decider’s Season 8, Episode 15 recap. And you can read Krause’s full letter to fans and colleagues here and get a deeper sense of fan reactions as well.
Stay tuned for more 9-1-1 updates, and be sure to mark your calendars for what’s sure to be a memorable Episode 8×16 on Thursday, May 1.
New episodes of 9-1-1 premiere Thursdays on ABC with next-day streaming on Hulu.
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