Key Facts
Mekhi Phifer, who played Dr. Greg Pratt on NBC's long-running medical drama ER, has opened up about his decision to leave the series in Season 15. His character died in a dramatic explosion, a choice Phifer says he was fully on board with.
Why Phifer Decided to Leave
Phifer told Vulture that he knew about his character's death well in advance. '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 pursue other opportunities, as ER no longer felt fresh to him after several seasons.
By the time Phifer joined the show, ER had already accumulated numerous Emmys and Golden Globes. However, the recognition had faded. 'Even though the show hadn't lost any of its quality, it just wasn't getting recognized anymore,' he noted.
Post-ER Career
After leaving ER, Phifer appeared in 24 episodes of the Fox crime drama Lie to Me, starred in the final season of Torchwood, and more recently played a major role in ABC's High Potential.
Impact of the Writers' Strike
The departures of both Phifer and Maura Tierney (Dr. Abby Lockhart) were influenced by the 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike. Season 14 was originally intended to be the final season, but the strike shortened its episode count. Showrunner John Wells felt there wasn't enough time for a satisfying conclusion, so the show returned for a 15th season. Major plans, including the return of original cast members George Clooney and Julianna Margulies, were pushed to the final season.
Tierney implied that both her and Phifer's exits would have occurred in the Season 14 finale if not for the strike. Her character left two episodes after Pratt's death, taking a job at another hospital.
Phifer's Thoughts on His Character's Death
Phifer was pleased with the dramatic exit. 'If there was a way to leave, I'd rather go out with a memorable bang. That's way better than Pratt being like, "Okay guys, I'm taking a job at Northwestern!"'
Tierney also expressed satisfaction with her character's departure, describing it as 'a really sweet sort of ending' and 'more kind of like real life.'
What Readers Should Know
- Mekhi Phifer's character Dr. Greg Pratt died in a ambulance explosion in the Season 15 premiere.
- Phifer chose to leave to explore new projects and felt the show had lost its award-winning edge.
- The 2007-2008 writers' strike delayed the show's planned finale, affecting character departures.
FAQ
Why did Mekhi Phifer leave ER?
Phifer wanted to explore new projects and felt the show had lost its freshness. He also preferred a dramatic exit for his character.
How did Dr. Greg Pratt die on ER?
Pratt died in the Season 15 premiere after being caught 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 departures, including Phifer's and Maura Tierney's, into Season 15.