Kenneth Choi Fought Showrunners Over Bobby Nash’s Death in ‘9-1-1’: “It Was Devastating to Me”

Actor Kenneth Choi opens up about his emotional reaction and resistance to Peter Krause’s exit from 9-1-1, calling the character a “father figure” and expressing disbelief over the creative decision.

📍 Washington DC | April 21, 2025

In a heartfelt revelation, 9-1-1 actor Kenneth Choi has confessed that he fought tooth and nail against the decision to kill off Bobby Nash, the beloved LAFD Captain portrayed by Peter Krause, in the hit procedural drama.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly (via Variety), Choi, who plays firefighter Howie “Chimney” Han, described the moment he learned about Bobby’s fate as “uncontrollable sobbing” and likened the character’s death to losing a real-life mentor.

“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,” Choi shared.

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💔 “You’re Killing Off Our Father Figure”

The emotional toll of losing a character that had become the heart of Station 118 was clear as Choi admitted he remained in denial until the character’s funeral scenes were filmed.

“It didn’t make sense. Why would you do that? You’re kind of killing off our father figure,” he said, recalling his repeated appeals to showrunner Tim Minear to reverse the decision.

Choi fought the creative call “up until the funeral stuff,” still hoping the writers might change their minds.

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🎭 Krause’s Heroic Exit: Sacrifice for the Crew

In the episode titled “Lab Rats,” Bobby Nash seals himself inside a lab with a deadly virus to protect his crew, sacrificing his life in true first responder spirit.

After the episode aired, Peter Krause issued a statement thanking fans for their support and defending the narrative choice.

“Bobby Nash was written in sacrifice, and he was built for this,” Krause said.
“First responders risk their lives so others can see another day. His story arc honours them.”

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🙌 Farewell, Bobby Nash

Peter Krause exits 9-1-1 after an impressive 8-season run, with Bobby Nash being a central figure of strength, wisdom, and leadership. The death shocked fans and cast alike, but was written to reflect the selflessness of real-life fire responders.

Choi took to Instagram to bid a public goodbye, posting a picture with Krause and writing:

“Peter Krause, you are the classiest guy, the most talented of actors, and the loveliest human being. THANK YOU, PK. Love You, Pal.”

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📺 Legacy of 9-1-1

With elaborate stunts, emotional storylines, and high-stakes rescues, 9-1-1 has become one of network television’s standout dramas. The exit of Bobby Nash marks a significant shift in the show’s tone and trajectory heading into future seasons.

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Kenneth Choi, Peter Krause, Bobby Nash, 9-1-1 TV Series, 9-1-1 Bobby Death, Tim Minear, Firefighter Drama, TV Character Deaths, Entertainment Weekly, Variety, Hollywood News, Series Exit