Chicago Med season 10 episode 10, "Together One Last Time," left fans with a lot to process in an episode that was full of impactful moments for our favorite doctors, but the episode also ended with a bit of a somber note that has sparked conversation among Chicago Med fans.
“In memory of Michael Waxman,” read the dedication card that ended the episode. It was a moment designed to honor a beloved member of the One Chicago family, one whose name might not have immediately been recognizable, as Waxman worked behind the scenes on the show rather than appearing as a member of the cast.
So what was Waxman’s connection to the One Chicago franchise?
Waxman was a key part of Chicago Med’s early years, serving as an executive producer from 2015 to 2019 and directing 18 episodes across the first six seasons. In addition to serving as a producer across the show’s first four seasons, Waxman also directed 18 episodes across the first six seasons of the show.
Waxman sadly passed away this April as confirmed via an emotional tribute from former Chicago Med star Colin Donnell, who memorialized Waxman in a touching tribute on Instagram on April 8.
"If you enjoy Chicago Med it’s because from Day One, Michael Waxman pushed to make the show the best it could be and worked tirelessly to keep improving episode after episode, season after season. He loved his job. And as much as he loved making movies and television, it was a distant second to being on his ranch in Texas, surrounded by his family. Getting to spend four seasons alongside him and learning everything I could was a privilege I could have only hoped to repeat. Rest in Peace Boss," Donnell wrote.
Donnell's former Chicago Med co-star S. Epatha Merkerson was quick to join Donnell in remembering Waxman, writing, “We were so privileged to have him in our lives. Rest in peace…”
Fellow One Chicago alum Yuri Sardarov (Otis) also sent his love Waxman's way, commenting, "Michael was truly the man. RIP to a real one."
In addition to his work on Chicago Med, Waxman worked on several other incredible shows and movies, including Nashville, Friday Night Lights, Miami Vice, Collateral and Metro. As evident by Donnell's message, Waxman was instrumental in helping to lay the foundation that allowed Chicago Med to grow into the show we all know and love today.
While he might not have been a part of the cast, the impact he had on Chicago Med and the One Chicago franchise is immeasurable, and we're grateful for the direction Waxman helped provide in creating the show we know and love.
On behalf of the entire One Chicago Center community, our thoughts are with Waxman's loved ones and the entire One Chicago franchise, whose lives were clearly changed for the better in knowing and working alongside Waxman during his time in the One Chicago universe!