💔 Chicago Med Showrunner Breaks Silence on Marlyne Barrett’s Absence: “We’re Just Keeping Her Shoes Warm”
NBC’s Chicago Med returned for its Season 11 premiere tonight — but fans quickly noticed a major piece of the puzzle missing: Marlyne Barrett, who has portrayed the beloved ED Charge Nurse Maggie Lockwood since the series began in 2015.
In a new interview with Deadline, Chicago Med showrunner Allen MacDonald finally addressed Barrett’s sudden and quiet absence, revealing that the longtime cast member is on a “temporary leave” from the show for personal reasons. While fans had speculated about her status for weeks, MacDonald confirmed the departure — but also left the door open for a potential return.
“We hope to see her at some point this season, but that remains uncertain at the moment,” MacDonald shared. “When Marlyne told us she wanted to step away, we, of course, respected that. She had to do so for personal reasons.”
Barrett’s character, Maggie, has not been written off — but her absence is delicately acknowledged in the Season 11 premiere, titled “We All Fall Down.” In the episode, Maggie is mentioned only twice, both times in passing, as other characters carefully avoid diving too deep into her sudden departure from Gaffney Chicago Medical Center.
In one scene, Dr. Charles (Oliver Platt) casually asks Sharon Goodwin (S. Epatha Merkerson), “Have you talked to Maggie since she left?” Goodwin replies, “Not a peep.” The conversation then shifts to other storylines, subtly suggesting Maggie’s absence will remain in the background — at least for now.
Later, in a touching exchange between Goodwin and ED nurse Doris (Lorena Diaz), Goodwin praises her colleague’s efforts: “You know, Maggie has some big shoes to fill, and she’d be proud of you.” Doris humbly responds, “Just keeping them warm until she comes back.”
That one line says it all. While Maggie isn’t currently on screen, her presence is still felt — both in the hospital and in the hearts of longtime viewers.
“I think this will probably be a little frustrating for the audience,” MacDonald admitted. “But whatever story we do with her, we will want to save for and when she comes back. So at least in the short term, we’re saying that Maggie has temporarily stepped away.”
Barrett’s departure comes after a string of heavy storylines in Season 10 and her continued role as the emotional anchor of the ED. Though there’s no confirmed timeline for her return, producers remain hopeful — and fans are holding on to the idea that this is not goodbye, but just a pause.
New episodes of Chicago Med air Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. As Season 11 unfolds without one of its core cast members, the show must move forward — but Maggie Lockwood’s empty chair won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
