“Station 19” original cast member Okieriete Onaodowan exited the ABC drama Thursday, on a “Grey’s Anatomy” crossover episode that featured the death of his character, Dean Miller.
Onaodowan has been playing the role of Dean on “Station 19,” which is currently in its fifth season, since the “Grey’s Anatomy” spinoff show debuted in 2018.
Here’s the official description for the “Station 19” hour, titled “Things We Lost in the Fire”: When Theo and Vic hit a relationship milestone, Vic is forced to reckon with her feelings about commitment. Andy takes refuge at Dean’s home and helps care for Pruitt, while Dean considers a new potential career opportunity. Meanwhile, an explosion rips apart a neighborhood and changes the lives of our firefighters forever.
It turns out that Dean was killed from injuries he sustained in that disaster (which we find out in the “Grey’s Anatomy” hour of the crossover) a death that will most definitely change the lives of the remaining “Station” 19 OGs forever.
“It’s been a pleasure being Dean. I have Shonda Rhimes, Stacy McKee, Krista Vernoff, Paris Barclay and ABC to thank for allowing me to bring him to life,” Onaodowan said in a statement provided to TheWrap. “I am grateful I got to work with the most loving, kind and dedicated crew in network TV. And most importantly, thanks to the fans for showing Dean so much love. I hope he has inspired you to change your world for the better. Be the change!”
“Station 19” showrunner Krista Vernoff added in a statement: “I am a better artist and human for having had the opportunity to work with Okieriete Onaodowan. I am heartbroken by the loss of Dean Miller and that I no longer get to write for Oak. Oak has an expansive spirit and was ready for and craving new artistic horizons — and I truly can’t wait to see what he does next. It will be powerful, it will be deep, and it will be courageous because Oak is all of those things.”
“Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes tweeted following the episode Thursday: “What a pleasure it has been to go from watching you grace the Broadway stage to witnessing Dean in action on screen. Wishing you the very best!”
Onaodowan responded with a quote-tweet: “@shondarhimes Thank you for taking a chance on me, and giving me the opportunity. Thank you so much. You have changed my life.”