The following article contains references to child sexual abuse and suicide.
Prior to becoming a hit medical drama TV series, “ER” was a movie script.
The original concept was the brainchild of Michael Crichton, the novelist who penned “Jurassic Park.”
Eventually, director Steven Speilberg got involved, and the makings of a television show emerged.
County General Hospital, a fictitious medical facility in Chicago, was the heart of the show.
Anall-star cast, including Anthony Edwards, Eriq La Salle, Sherry Stringfield, was brought in.
“ER” premiered in 1994 and became a primetime sensation.
Along with gripping storylines and medical realism, “ER” supplied us with an ever-changing cast of characters.
In fact, some of our favorite “ER” alums have faced unimaginable woes.
In 2005, Clooney hit his head while filming an action movie, causing severe internal damage.
“I tore my dura, which is the wrap around my spine that holds in the spinal fluid.
But it’s not my back; it’s my brain,” he toldThe Guardian.
“I basically bruised my brain.”
Fortunately, he had surgery and made a full recovery.
In 2018, a motorcycle crash left Clooney with a pelvic injury and severe bruising.
Onlookers recognized him and stopped to record videos of the incident.
With her chirpy voice and bouncy hair, Marquez was a standout in the series.
By all accounts, Marquez was a rising star.
Over the years, the TV star became increasingly isolated and unwell.
On August 30, 2018, police officers conducted a welfare check at Marquez’s home in South Pasadena.
The situation escalated, prompting Marquez to brandish a BB gun at the officers.
In response, the officers opened fire, fatally shooting Marquez in her home.
Marquez’s death shook the local community and sparked a public outcry against the police department.
Ultimately, the family received a$450,000 settlementin 2021.
Her character, Kerry Weaver, appeared in 249 episodes and gave viewers a treasure trove of storylines.
Before starring in “ER,” Innes was engaged to a fellow up-and-coming actor, David Scot Bell.
While the pair were planning their future together, Bell’s life was senselessly cut short.
A brief argument ensued, and Bell walked away.
When the young actor returned to his car, another argument broke out.
This time, Beach drew a gun and shot Bell in the face, killing him.
In 1982, Beach was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
“I had a boyfriend who was killed when I was 21,” Innes told theSun Sentinel.
“He was shot.”
The TV star called Bell’s death “the worst time of [her] life.”
In 1988, Innes went on to marry actor (and fellow “ER” alum) David Brisbin.
Jeanie’s struggles were seemingly neverending, from her HIV diagnosis to the fate of her adopted son.
Much like her “ER” character, Reuben has seen plenty of heartache in her life.
In 1988, Reuben lost her brother, David, to suicide.
Prior to his death, Reuben and David shared a unique bond as the youngest of five siblings.
In hermemoir, Reuben described the impact of David’s death.
“I had never before seen her face look the way it did that night.
I don’t have the words to describe it.
There was insurmountable sorrow emanating from her body.”
In 2010, tragedy struck again with the death of Rueben’s older brother, Dennis.
In her overwhelming grief, Reuben began journaling.
The actor found comfort in reflecting on her early life and revisiting memories of her brothers.
In 2019, she published the book “My Brothers' Keeper: Two Brothers.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
“With their sick form of control, abusers exploit a child’s natural desire to bond.”
Edwards credits therapy for helping him process the experience and giving him the strength to speak out.
He also hopes that his story will comfort and empower other survivors.
“They have kept it to themselves, just like me.
They say, ‘I’m not ready to talk about it yet, but I will.'”
“ER” took us inside Corday’s romantic exploits, including her iconic relationship with Dr. Mark Greene.
But offscreen, Kingston’s love life was quite tumultuous.
Prior to joining the show, she was newly divorced from fellow actor Ralph Fiennes.
In an interview with theStandard, Kingston admitted that the painful divorce drove her to consider suicide.
Ultimately, she left her home in England and moved to Los Angeles for a fresh start.
There, she nabbed her “ER” role and started rebuilding her life.
Unfortunately for Fiennes, things didn’t work out with his new flame.
When asked about her ex-husband’s relationship status back in 2012, Kingston proved to be completely unbothered.
“I feel no connection to him or to her now.
It’s been so long, I can’t quite believe I was ever married to him.”
Fortunately, this tragedy has a happy ending.
The couple eventually split, and Kingston would go on to marry producer Jonathan Stamp in 2015.
She played Lucy Knight, a plucky young intern with an aptitude for caregiving.
As it turns out, Martin left “ER” partly due to tragic real-life circumstances.
A week before Martin started on “ER,” her sister, Heather, died from lupus.
I never allowed myself to really enjoy it and go there” (viaVox).
With encouragement from her husband, Martin pulled it together for two iconic seasons on “ER.”
However, her sister’s death took an enormous toll, and she ultimately decided to leave the show.
Martin also revealed that her “ER” co-stars only learned about her departure after reading the script.
Alex Kingston (Dr. Corday) sobbed while she and Martin filmed their final scene together.
I didn’t even say goodbye to people.
It was really hard for me."
Dr. Pratt’s exit was a sobfest for the ages but for Phifer himself, the future looked bright.
In 2014, Phifer declared bankruptcy.
With only $67,000 in assets, things weren’t looking good for the television star.
In addition to his financial struggles, Phifer floundered in his career.
“Divergent” was well-received but failed to garner the same fanfare as its competitor.
Over time, Dr. Rasgotra hit her stride and became one of the most valued doctors at County General.
Like her character, Nagra knows a thing or two about being underestimated in her field.
The actor scored her big break in 2002 when she starred in “Bend It Like Beckham.”
However, like many budding actors, Nagra’s early career was riddled with rejection.
And as an Indian actor, she has also faced prejudice.
In 2021, Nagra opened up toBBCabout dealing with tokenism and racial bias in the industry.
In one instance, a show refused to hire her because they already had an Indian cast member.
Nagra recalled: “I went, ‘Yeah but I’m completely different to that person.’
I don’t think that conversation is happening.”
Unfortunately, Nagra has also dealt with stereotyping and cultural insensitivity.
Which I don’t."
Fans were stunned to learn about Dr. Banfield’s tragic backstory involving the death of her son from leukemia.
Much like her “ER” character, Bassett has endured some devastating losses of her own.
In June 2014, Bassetts’s mother, Betty Jane, died after navigating multiple health issues.
In 2020, Bassett opened up about filming the emotionally charged movie while processing her real-life grief.
“Here we are years later, decades later, in a scene portraying grief.
“We are all going through this grief.
He was a regular on the show, appearing in all 15 seasons.
When he wasn’t pushing around gurneys at County General, the television star had a thriving hip-hop career.
However, in 2009, Deezer D whose real name is Dearon Thompson had a serious health scare.
That year, Thompson underwent heart surgery, and his health seemingly improved.
However, in January 2021, the “ER” star died from a suspected heart attack.
On social media, fans and co-stars paid tribute to the beloved actor.
“I lost a dear friend yesterday,” co-star Noah Wyle revealed onInstagram.
“Deezer D, known to millions of ER fans as nurse Malik McGrath, died yesterday morning.
I will miss him terribly.”
Ming Na Wen, who played Dr. Chen on the show, also mourned Thompson.
Shetweeted, “What horrible news!
I am so saddened to hear of Deezer D’s passing.
He always greeted everyone w/ the biggest smile.
I loved all the fun times w/ him on ER.”
