Why did Rockmond Dunbar leave 911?
Just like that, 911 has lost another OG character. Rockmond Dunbar has left the series, but the big question for many is why?
During the most recent episode of 911 Season 5, we watched as another OG character left the series. We’ve said goodbye to Michael Grant, who decided to leave LA for Haiti to be with his partner, David. David decided to go to Haiti to help with relief efforts there, and after an explosion in the hospital that could have killed David, Michael decided he couldn’t be without him.
It was a bittersweet moment. It was also a shocking one. We never expected Michael to be written out of the show, especially considering he has two children with Athena. However, this exit is definitely happening, and we won’t see any more of Michael Grant.
So, what happened? Why has Rockmond Dunbar left the show? The answers were given the day after the episode.
Rockmond Dunbar exits 911 due to the vaccine mandate
The exit comes due to the vaccine mandate. Many networks and production studios have place vaccine mandates for staff employed on TV shows and in movies. We’ve seen a few actor leave shows because they refuse to get vaccinated or refuse to show proof that they’re vaccinated.
There are some exceptions based on religious and medical grounds. However, there are restrictions to those exceptions. Dunbar did look into them and tried to use them to avoid leaving the series, but the production studio refused to allow them.
According to Deadline, Dunbar views medical history as a private thing. 20th Television, which produces 911, made it clear that the vaccine mandate is in place for all Zone A employees. Either people get vaccinated or they meet the eligible criteria for exemptions.
The exit has been left open-ended. There is always a chance that Michael could return. The writers chose to do this should the vaccination mandate change and Dunbar agree to return to the show.
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What did you think of Michael’s exit? What will you miss the most about him? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
911 airs Mondays at 8/7c on FOX.