Why did Rockmond Dunbar leave 911?

Rockmond Dunbar left 911 back in November 2021. There were a lot of questions over why this happened. Here are the real reasons why.

Back in November 2021, Rockmond Dunbar was suddenly written out of the first responder drama. He played the role of Michael Grant from the start of the series. Originally, Michael was Athena’s husband, but the series began with him asking for a divorce because he is gay.

At first, things were tense, but we got to see a great storyline of Athena and Michael continuing to co-parent their children. Michael and Bobby would even come to turn to each other for help as the ex and current husband of Athena Grant.

Michael was given a storyline that would see him choose to leave LA with his boyfriend-turned-fiance to help with relief efforts outside of America during Season 5. It was a shocking turn of events for everyone. Nobody saw it happening, with fans wondering whether the storyline would play out in that way. Well, it did, and we later found out that the exit would be permanent.

Why Rockmond Dunbar left 911 as Michael Grant

The exit was not something Dunbar wanted. During 2021, 20th Televsion introduced a COVID-vaccine mandate. There were religious and medical grounds that people could apply for to not have the vaccine and still work, which is what Dunbar did. He applied for an exemption on both grounds.

He didn’t get approved for either of them. There has since been a lawsuit filed over the decision to fire Dunbar over the decisions with the vaccines.

Michael was written out in a way that would allow him to return should everyone wish for it to happen. However, it doesn’t look like that’s going to be the case. It’s not the fault of the writers or the actors, but those above them.

What did you think of Michael’s exit from the series? Has the series worked without him? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

911 airs Mondays at 8/7c on FOX. Catch up on Hulu.