In a recent exclusive interview, Station 19 star Danielle Savre opened up about her mixed emotions surrounding the departure of Dean Miller, played by Okieriete Onaodowan. Many fans were taken aback by the character’s shocking death in Season 5, Episode 5, and Savre shared her thoughts on the impact of this loss on the series.
How Did Dean Miller Die?
Dean Miller’s death occurred during a dramatic rescue operation involving a gas explosion. After a ruptured gas line caused a massive explosion, Miller heroically attempted to save his colleague, Vic Hughes, who was in immediate danger. Despite his best efforts and 33 minutes of CPR administered by his fellow firefighters, Miller tragically succumbed to his injuries shortly after reaching Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
Savre’s Emotional Farewell
Savre expressed her conflicting feelings about Miller’s exit. While she supports Onaodowan’s desire to explore new creative avenues, she can’t help but feel the void left by his character. “His character was such a voice of reason for everybody,” she reflected, emphasizing how Dean served as a confidant and advisor to his colleagues throughout the series.
With both Miller and Miguel Sandoval’s character, Pruitt Herrera, now gone, Savre worries about the impact on the show’s dynamic. “To see him go felt like, oh, our voice of reason is gone,” she lamented.
Despite the sadness of losing an original cast member, Savre also celebrated Onaodowan’s new opportunities. “I’m happy and excited for him to see what his career holds,” she said, acknowledging the growth and change that comes with such transitions.
Dean Miller’s Legacy
Even though Dean Miller is no longer part of the Station 19 family, Savre believes his legacy will continue through the Crisis One Intervention team he established. His contributions and the lessons he imparted will live on, reminding the characters—and the audience—of the values he represented.
What’s Next for Okieriete Onaodowan?
Savre hinted that Onaodowan is already pursuing new projects. She mentioned that he is set to appear in Season 4 of Amazon Prime Video’s Jack Ryan as Adebayo “Ade” Osoji, a political thriller that has garnered significant attention since its premiere in 2018.
As Station 19 continues to air on ABC, with episodes available the next day on Hulu, fans can expect to see how the show navigates the loss of Dean Miller while honoring his memory