Tru Valentino is speaking out for the first time since his surprising exit from ABC series The Rookie.
The actor, 35, shared a heartfelt message on his Instagram Stories on Friday, Aug. 9, about his time playing Officer Aaron Thorsen from seasons 4 through 6 on the police drama series.
“I will always cherish my time on The Rookie but couldn’t be more excited for what the future has in store,” Valentino wrote. “I adore the friends and relationships made while being there.”
“It was such an amazing opportunity and feel so lucky to have had the last 3 seasons,” he added, before thanking “the best fans in the world.”
“You never know who may pop back up in the Mid-Wilshire precinct,” he concluded, already teasing the potential return of his character. “Until then, 7 Adam 19, this is Officer Thorsen, over and out!”
Officer Thorsen was the TikTok-famous son of a well-known rapper who changed his career to become a police officer.
The actor did not elaborate on why he was exiting from the show.
TVLinewas the first to report that Valentino was leaving The Rookie, which premiered in 2018. On Thursday, Aug. 8, the outlet reported that he would not be returning for the series’ upcoming seventh season.
Valentino made his debut on the show as a recurring character in a season 4 episode titled “Five Minutes,” and was later promoted to series regular for The Rookie’s the fifth and sixth seasons.
Starring Nathan Fillion as the titular rookie officer John Nolan, the drama follows Nolan as he navigates his career as the oldest rookie to join the Los Angeles Police Department.
Valentino more recently lent his voice to several animated series, including Spidey and His Amazing Friends and The Croods: Family Tree, and also recently starred in the Roku original comedy movie The Real Bros of Simi Valley: The Movie.
In April 2024, ahead of the season 6 finale, ABC announced that the procedural drama would be renewed for a seventh season. Deadlinefirst announced the news, and Fillion later shared a statement about the show’s upcoming season on Instagram.
“It’s a good feeling to have work,” he wrote at the time. “It’s even better to be able to take pride in that work. If you are among those who are enjoying The Rookie, we owe you our thanks.”
“Thank you, for having excellent taste in entertainment,” Fillion continued. “Season 7, here we come. (And let’s not forget ABC! Thanks for being so supportive!).”
A release date for The Rookie season 7 has yet to be announced.
