Fans of Station 19 were stunned by the departure of Dean Miller, portrayed by Okieriete “Oak” Onaodowan, in Season 5 Episode 5. The episode featured a dramatic crossover with Grey’s Anatomy and ended with Dean’s tragic death. This has led many to wonder: Was Dean Miller’s exit from the series a creative decision by the showrunners, or was it Okieriete Onaodowan’s choice?
How Did Dean Miller Die?
In Station 19 Season 5 Episode 5, titled “Things We Lost in the Fire,” the storyline culminates in a catastrophic explosion:
- The Incident: The episode portrays a massive explosion caused by a ruptured gas line. Dean Miller heroically performs CPR on Victoria Hughes (Barrett Doss) after she is shocked by a severed electrical line. Although he saves her life, Dean later faces another explosion while trying to evacuate a house with potentially dangerous gas build-up.
- The Tragic Outcome: Despite intense efforts by Ben Warren (Jason George) and Jack Gibson (Grey Damon) to revive him, Dean Miller is pronounced dead upon arrival at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, as shown in the Grey’s Anatomy portion of the crossover.
Was It Okieriete Onaodowan’s Decision to Leave?
According to interviews with both Okieriete Onaodowan and showrunner Krista Vernoff, the decision to write Dean Miller out of the series was indeed driven by the actor’s desire to pursue new opportunities:
- Onaodowan’s Statement: Onaodowan expressed gratitude for his time on Station 19 and for the support from Shonda Rhimes, Stacy McKee, Krista Vernoff, Paris Barclay, and ABC. He acknowledged the positive impact the show had on his career and thanked his fans for their support.
- Vernoff’s Insight: Krista Vernoff shared that the decision to exit was Oak’s. She described Onaodowan as having a “spirit” that was eager for new artistic challenges. Vernoff’s comments reflect that Oak sought to explore new creative horizons, which influenced the storyline’s direction.
What’s Next for Okieriete Onaodowan?
After leaving Station 19, Onaodowan has embarked on new projects that align with his aspirations:
- Directorial Debut: Onaodowan directed a play titled The Very Best People by John Lavelle, a work that addresses themes of white supremacy. This move represents his shift towards directing and exploring new creative endeavors.
- Other Projects: Oak’s departure from Station 19 opens up further opportunities in his career, showcasing his versatility and desire to engage in impactful and innovative projects.
Conclusion
Okieriete Onaodowan’s departure from Station 19 was a result of his personal decision to seek new creative challenges, rather than a decision made solely by the showrunners. His exit was handled with emotional depth in the series, honoring the character of Dean Miller while paving the way for Onaodowan’s new artistic pursuits.
