Spoiler Alert for “Chicago Med” and Beyond! The world of One Chicago is known for its intense, fast-paced drama and a constantly evolving cast, with characters and actors frequently entering and exiting the various series. While some major characters face shocking ends dictated by the storyline, like Elias Koteas’ Alvin Olinsky on “Chicago P.D.” or Yuri Sardarov’s Otis on “Chicago Fire,” other times, actors simply decide to move on from the demanding filming schedule. We’ve seen this before, with figures like Scott Eastwood departing the franchise even before his character truly took off after the “Chicago P.D.” backdoor pilot.

Yet, even with this constant “revolving door,” some actors become “lifers,” so intrinsically linked to their roles that it’s hard to imagine their respective shows without them. So, when one of these cornerstone performers steps away, it’s a monumental event that demands an explanation. This is precisely what happened with Nick Gehlfuss, who captivated audiences as Dr. Will Halstead on “Chicago Med” for an impressive eight seasons before making his departure in 2023.

In an exclusive interview with Variety that same year, Gehlfuss candidly clarified his reasons for leaving, stating it was simply time for him to move on from the character he had embodied for so long. He explained, “It was a difficult decision, but ultimately, I felt I’d taken Dr. Halstead as far as I can go with him.” Gehlfuss reflected on the creative drive that pushes actors, noting that some are built for very long runs with a single character, while others, like himself, are drawn to the variety the profession offers. “I am attracted to the profession for the variety in it, and eight years is a long time. It’s two college degrees!” he quipped, humorously adding, “I’m joking now that I basically have a doctorate in television.”

Since his emotional farewell to “Chicago Med” and the broader One Chicago franchise, Nick Gehlfuss has been noticeably absent from both the big and small screens. However, this lack of on-screen appearances doesn’t mean he’s been idle. On the contrary, he’s been actively pursuing that “creative variety” he spoke of, by returning to his roots and taking to the stage – specifically, in Chicago, the very city where he spent so many years bringing Dr. Halstead to life.

Even during his demanding “Chicago Med” tenure, Gehlfuss was a frequent visitor to Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf Theater Company, harboring a long-held dream of performing on its prestigious stage. In early 2025, that dream became a reality when he starred as the male lead, Eddie, in the company’s adaptation of Sam Shepard’s intense play, “Fool for Love.”

Gehlfuss shared his excitement with Playbill, expressing, “I’m over the moon, on cloud nine and beyond, about playing Eddie at Steppenwolf, a rockin’ theatre known for its honest storytelling.” He revealed his long-standing connection to the play, noting, “I studied ‘Fool for Love’ in college. It’s a tour de force that demands an athlete’s mindset, because Shepard intended it to be performed relentlessly and without a break.” Delving into the complexity of his character, Gehlfuss described Eddie as a tormented soul: “Eddie’s carrying the sins of his father, living the life of tragedies he doesn’t fully understand. He’s a drunk and a womanizer, with complicated relationships with his family. The dude could use a good therapist.”

Despite his past status as “Chicago TV royalty,” a title that doesn’t typically guarantee leniency from demanding theater critics, Gehlfuss didn’t need any special treatment. His powerful and energetic portrayal of Eddie in “Fool for Love” earned rave reviews, cementing his successful return to live performance. Now that the “stage bug” has clearly bitten the former “Chicago Med” star, the question remains: where will audiences see the versatile Nick Gehlfuss next? His pivot from the intense world of television medical drama to the visceral immediacy of live theater signals an exciting new chapter for the talented actor, promising a diverse array of future performances for his dedicated fanbase.