Los Angeles, California – Like many fans of the popular 9-1-1 series, actor Kenneth Choi was deeply moved by Thursday’s episode. In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Choi, who plays the character Chimney on the show, shared his emotional reaction to the heartbreaking scene where fire captain Bobby Nash sacrifices himself for the sake of his team.
Choi recounted how he found himself sobbing uncontrollably while watching the episode, even though he had filmed the scene himself. The actor described experiencing a mix of emotions, from sorrow to laughter at his own intense reaction. The episode depicted Bobby’s selfless act of sacrificing himself so that Chimney could receive the only available dose of a crucial cure.
As Choi delved into the behind-the-scenes details of the episode, he shared his initial shock and denial upon learning that Bobby’s character would be killed off. Showrunner Tim Minear’s decision to write off Bobby’s character was initially met with resistance from Choi, who struggled to come to terms with the loss of a beloved colleague and mentor on set.
The actor also discussed the impact of Bobby’s death on his character, Chimney, pointing out the complex emotions and guilt that will haunt Chimney in the aftermath of the tragic event. He hinted at the turmoil that the remaining members of the 118, the show’s central firefighter team, will face as they cope with the void left by their captain’s absence.
Choi emphasized the close bond he shares with Peter Krause, the actor who portrayed Bobby Nash, and praised Krause’s professionalism and grace in handling the emotional storyline. Despite finding closure in his personal conversations with Krause, Choi acknowledged the lasting impact of filming scenes of mourning and processing the loss of a beloved character.
Looking ahead, Choi hinted at the challenges that his character Chimney and the rest of the 118 will face as they navigate the aftermath of Bobby’s death. He anticipated a period of grief, anger, and sadness for the team as they come to terms with the loss of their leader and father figure.
The final three episodes of season 8 of 9-1-1 are set to air in two weeks on ABC, promising a compelling continuation of the storyline that has left fans reeling.