Peter Krause, the fan-favorite actor best known for playing Captain Bobby Nash on the smash television drama 9-1-1, just posted his touching goodbye letter. He wrote it after the character’s demise in the second half of the “Contagion” two-parter. After nine years of embodying this complex character, Krause expressed profound gratitude to his colleagues and reflected on the journey that the show has taken, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced by first responders.
9-1-1 entertains millions of viewers each week with its heart-pounding scenarios and high-stakes drama. It daringly explores heavy subjects such as grief, guilt, fury, and substance use. The series is a tribute to the heroic firefighter, police officer, and emergency medical personnel who daily put their lives on the line to protect communities. Krause noted, “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.”
The tribute series honors all first responders. It shines a light on the extraordinary collaboration of the many professionals from several departments. Krause thanked the entire team, stating, “I will miss my 9-1-1 family.” He praised their unsurpassed professional teamwork, saluted the playwrights for their artistic genius and thanked their directors who face the same difficulties.
Even in the humorous moments of his portrayal of Bobby Nash, Krause invited the audience into the character’s search for higher power, forgiveness, and grace. He thanked new show creators Dana Walden, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear for their help. I want to thank Dana Walden, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear for their faith. They trusted me to play this incredibly complicated character for nine incredible years. It has been my privilege to play the role of Captain Bobby Nash,” he wrote in his resignation letter.
Krause’s warm and wise eulogies don’t stop with his character, offering glimpses into his bond with co-stars, especially Angela Bassett. And so he declared, “I will miss my partner, Angela Bassett. Her grace and grit were a balm to my spirit, particularly when I held her hand. We had separated too early. With love. It’s the real-life camaraderie between the cast that has formed a deep-seated familial bond, one that has been profoundly meaningful to Krause.
Tim Minear, co-creator of 9-1-1, dropped some pretty fascinating nuggets. He recounted how the team had begun talking about Bobby Nash’s fate weeks before they made the decision public. Peter and I really worked on it together for two to three weeks to a month. After our discussions, I really wanted to spread the word on this,” Minear told us. He recalled how nervous everyone was about the decision and how difficult it was to convince the cast of the impending storyline.
Krause acknowledged the emotional toll on the fans of the beloved series. I have spoken to enough disappointed, passionate fans who are angry about this defeat to know they are justified in their anger. It is a loss. All that said, it was more than just an audacious creative risk on an audacious show,” he insisted.
The show goes to great lengths, and often, to consult with technical advisor Chief Mike Bowman and actual firefighters. This pledge sets a precedent for how to portray first responders in a respectful and realistic manner. Krause expressed gratitude for this partnership: “Humbled by working in step with our technical advisor, Chief Mike Bowman, and real firefighters, I wish to thank you all for helping me bring a sense of dignity and realism to the character in our larger-than-life emergency landscape.”
As 9-1-1 continues its journey without Bobby Nash, Krause looks back on their mutually beneficial journey. It’s been one helluva ride. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
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