Key Facts
Mekhi Phifer, who played Dr. Greg Pratt on the hit medical drama ER, has opened up about his decision to leave the show in a dramatic fashion. His character died in the Season 15 premiere after an ambulance explosion. Phifer revealed he was involved in the decision and preferred a memorable exit over a quiet departure.
Details of Phifer's Departure
In an interview, Phifer stated, 'I definitely knew in advance. It's not like I'm flipping through the script one day and I'm like, "What the hell — Pratt dies!?" We decided this was the way I should go.' He wanted to leave to pursue other opportunities, as ER no longer felt fresh to him. He noted that by the time he joined, the show had already won numerous awards and was no longer receiving the same recognition despite maintaining quality.
Impact of the Writers' Strike
The 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike played a significant role in the timing of Phifer's exit. Season 14 was originally planned as the final season, but the strike shortened its episode count. Showrunner John Wells felt there wasn't enough time to conclude the series satisfactorily, so major storylines—including the return of original cast members George Clooney and Julianna Margulies—were pushed to Season 15. Both Phifer and co-star Maura Tierney (Dr. Abby Lockhart) likely would have left in the Season 14 finale had the strike not occurred.
What Viewers Should Know
- Phifer's character died in a heroic explosion, which he called 'a memorable bang' rather than a mundane exit.
- After ER, Phifer appeared in 24 episodes of Fox's Lie to Me, starred in the final season of Torchwood, and later played a major role in ABC's High Potential.
- Maura Tierney's character left two episodes later, taking a job at another hospital—a 'sweet' and realistic ending, as she described.
FAQ
Why did Mekhi Phifer leave ER?
Phifer wanted to explore new projects and felt the show had lost its freshness. He chose a memorable death for his character Dr. Greg Pratt.
How did Dr. Greg Pratt die on ER?
In the Season 15 premiere, Pratt died from injuries sustained in an ambulance explosion rigged by the Turkish mob.
Did the writers' strike affect Mekhi Phifer's departure?
Yes, the 2007-2008 strike shortened Season 14, pushing planned exits, including Phifer's, into Season 15.
What did Mekhi Phifer do after ER?
He appeared in 'Lie to Me,' 'Torchwood,' and later starred in ABC's 'High Potential.'