An unwelcome blast from Goodwin’s past gave her and her family a mighty headache on Chicago Med’s latest.
Season 11 of Chicago Med has been in no shortage of drama as Gaffney director Sharon Goodwin (S. Epatha Merkerson) navigates an era of change both in and out of the Windy City hospital.
Goodwin’s family has needed her this season, leading viewers to meet several Chicago Med newcomers, such as her eldest son, David. It was previously revealed that David was born from a previous relationship before Goodwin’s marriage to her longtime partner, the late Bert Goodwin. David’s biological father had abandoned a pregnant Goodwin, but Goodwin’s circumstances didn’t stop Bert from being charmed, so he raised the child as his own from the day David was born.
After getting a delightful surprise in Season 11’s “Things Left Unsaid,” Chihards were shocked after Goodwin’s ex-boyfriend returned for a tense showdown. Scott Lawrence guest stars as the deadbeat who ditched Goodwin when she needed him most. Here’s what happened.
Why you recognize Chicago Med guest star Scott Lawrence
Many may recognize Lawrence for his recent roles in series like The Lincoln Lawyer, Unbelievable, and Mr. Mercedes. He has also recurred as the infamous Darth Vader in several animated Star Wars projects. Some of Lawrence’s most notable feature film projects include Timecop, Cloverfield, and James Cameron’s Avatar. Lawrence previously guest starred in an episode of Law & Order, as well as an episode of Law & Order: LA.
Chicago Med Season 11
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Fresh off an extended fall hiatus, new Chicago Med episodes begin airing January 7, 2026 every Wednesday at 8/7c. New episodes are available to stream on Peacock Thursdays at 6 a.m. ET.
Keep up with your favorite doctors Sharon Goodwin (S. Epatha Merkerson), Daniel Charles (Oliver Platt), Dean Archer (Steven Weber), Hannah Asher (Jessy Schram), Mitch Ripley (Luke Mitchell), Caitlin Lenox (Sara Ramos), and John Frost (Darren Barnett) as they navigate the highs and lows of Gaffney Chicago Medical Center.
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Scott Lawrence played Goodwin’s slimy ex on Chicago Med
During Med’s latest, Goodwin’s eldest returned to Chicago for a quick visit and some great news for his mother: David and his wife Connie had a baby on the way! Goodwin was ecstatic, but soon deflated after learning genetic testing was a complicated situation for David, as they didn’t have his biological father’s medical history. Much to Goodwin’s dismay, David wanted to reach out to his father in hopes of retrieving that information.
Goodwin only had an address; it had been more than four decades since she’d seen him, but she understood the value of David and Connie having a comprehensive medical history. After David set out on the task, he returned to his mother, grappling with the encounter. Goodwin’s ex-boyfriend had told David to never contact him again, because as far as he was concerned, David wasn’t his son.
Goodwin apologized, assuring David that they were both for the better without him. But the headache didn’t stop there after Goodwin’s ex visited her at Gaffney unannounced.
“Spencer Cook,” Goodwin said, sternly addressing him. Turns out, Spencer’s wife and son were home when David visited. There it was; Spencer’s new family was unaware of his child from 46 years ago, explaining his horrific treatment of David. Goodwin explained that all David had wanted was compassion, but he got nothing from his biological father.
“No surprise to me, but he had to see that for himself,” Goodwin shrugged, adding that David was a beautiful soul, and it was a shame Spencer would never see that.
“Let today be the last day I see either one of you,” Spencer barked. “I already have a family.”
Goodwin smirked, reminding Spencer that he said he didn’t want one. But after Spencer told Goodwin he just didn’t want a family with her, Goodwin was finished.
“Both David and I thank you for that,” Goodwin snapped. “Close the door on your way out.”
Later that night, the Goodwin family celebrated Connie and David’s exciting news. After marveling at an ultrasound photo of her granddaughter, Sharon pondered how Spencer Cook could walk away from such beauty. That’s when David revealed he was naming his daughter after his mother, as Sharon was the name of the strongest person he knew. Sharon was over the moon.