Peter Krause pens an emotional farewell after Bobby Nash’s heroic death on ABC’s 911, calling it “an honor” to portray the fire captain.
911 has never shied away from high-stakes drama, but Thursday’s episode delivered a gut punch no one saw coming. For the first time in the show’s eight-season run, the ABC hit killed off one of its core characters: Captain Bobby Nash, portrayed by series star Peter Krause.
In the April 17 episode titled “Lab Rats,” Bobby makes the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life to save his team from a deadly virus. In a tearful final scene, he shares a goodbye with his wife, LAPD Sgt. Athena Grant-Nash (played by Angela Bassett), before succumbing to the illness.
Krause, who has played Bobby since the show’s premiere in 2017, released a moving statement following the episode, thanking fans and colleagues while defending the creative decision behind Bobby’s exit.
“I’ve heard that many fans are upset by this loss and they have a right to be. It is a loss,” Krause acknowledged. “That said, it was more than a bold creative choice on a bold show. Bobby Nash was written in sacrifice and he was built for this. First responders risk their lives on the job so that others can see another day. His story arc honors them.”
Krause went on to thank creators Dana Walden, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear for entrusting him with such a layered role. “It has been my honor to portray Captain Bobby Nash,” he wrote.
Reflecting on Bobby’s journey, Krause highlighted how the character faced grief, addiction, and redemption. “Through him, we began tackling topics such as grief, guilt, anger and addiction while exploring his relationship with a higher power, forgiveness and grace,” he said. “We watched him join and embrace both his new family at the firehouse and his new family with Athena Grant where he found love and acceptance.”
He also offered heartfelt appreciation to the show’s technical advisor, Chief Mike Bowman, as well as the real-life firefighters who inspired his portrayal.
“Your kind and complimentary words have meant the world to me,” he wrote.
Krause saved some of his most emotional words for his co-stars. “I will miss my 911 family. Our incredible crew whose professional excellence is second to none. All the writers who keep pulling rabbits out of hats. All the directors tasked with the same. All the incredible guest cast over the years as well as Jennifer Love Hewitt and the cast in the call center.”
He gave a special shoutout to Angela Bassett, calling her “my partner,” and saying, “Her strength and her sweetness, and us holding hands. We parted ways too soon.”
He closed with a loving goodbye to his on-screen firehouse team: Aisha Hinds, Kenneth Choi, Oliver Stark, Ryan Guzman, and Anirudh Pisharody.
“This is a tough goodbye,” he said. “Stay unruly, but be professional and get the job done. Misfit heroes need each other. That’s how we do it at our firehouse. Pass it along to the next new guy.”
Calling the experience “one wild adventure,” Krause ended with a simple but powerful message: “I thank you all, with all my heart.”
