Unveiling the Heartbreaking Truths Behind the Cast of Chicago Med

In July 2022, Marlyne Barrett, known for her role as Maggie Lockwood in “Chicago Med,” discovered she had a malignant ovarian tumor. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with both uterine and ovarian cancer, leading to two years of rigorous treatment.

In a September 2024 interview with People, Barrett shared details of her treatment, which included 15 chemotherapy sessions, surgery, and another 15 chemotherapy sessions. Additionally, she underwent a procedure called paracentesis to drain excess fluid from her abdomen.

Addressing the pain she experienced during treatment, Barrett explained, “The mass caused spasms and then there was the pain from chemo.” She described chemotherapy sessions lasting up to 10 hours, leaving little time for recovery between treatments. Despite her challenges, Barrett continued working on “Chicago Med,” which aided her emotional healing, allowing her to focus less on her health struggles.

Brian Tee, who played Ethan Choi on “Chicago Med,” saw his character as a lead for the first eight seasons before being written out. Born Jae-bum Takata to a Japanese American father and South Korean mother, Tee faced challenges in the entertainment industry due to racism. He had originally considered the name Brian Takada, but changed it to “Tee” to navigate the prejudices he experienced.

Tee recounted in an interview with Today that while he had not faced discrimination during his upbringing, he encountered barriers in casting due to his Japanese heritage. He noted that his name and appearance sometimes limited the roles he was considered for.

To broaden his opportunities, Tee opted for the surname “Tee,” which he believed sounded Asian yet general enough to avoid categorization. He actively supports Asian Americans Advancing Justice, working towards racial empowerment and equality.

Nick Gehlfuss quickly gained popularity portraying Will Halstead on “Chicago Med,” remaining a key character for eight seasons. Before his success, however, Gehlfuss faced challenges as a struggling actor seeking opportunities.

Relocating from Cleveland to New York with only a master’s degree in fine arts, Gehlfuss experienced significant financial difficulties. He shared his struggles in a 2015 interview with The Detroit News, stating, “At one point, I said, ‘Should I be doing this? Am I built for this?'” His wife, Lilian Matsuda, supported him financially during this challenging period.

Eventually, Gehlfuss landed various acting roles, significantly changing his fortunes. Reflecting on his earlier difficulties, he remarked, “Experiencing those low points gives you insight from all perspectives. The unpredictability of an actor’s journey is something to embrace.”

Since the inception of “Chicago Med,” S. Epatha Merkerson has taken on the role of Nurse Sharon Goodwin, who is the Executive Director of Patient and Medical Services at the Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. In a significant narrative choice, the character’s type 2 diabetes came about after Merkerson sought to use her platform to create awareness regarding the disease.

Having been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes nearly twenty years ago, Merkerson discussed her journey in a 2022 interview with Clover Health. Prior to her diagnosis, she was not attentive to her health. Reflecting on her past, she noted, “I never exercised much … After quitting smoking in 1994, my habits didn’t change. I watched my body change on television, and by 50, I learned I had diabetes.”

Following her diagnosis, Merkerson modified her lifestyle by incorporating walking and healthier eating habits. She expressed, “I strive to do my best, which I believe is what’s most essential.”

Yaya DaCosta gained fame as a contestant on “America’s Next Top Model” in 2004, yet this exposure led to years of mental health battles. Frequently criticized by the judges, she endured harsh treatment that centered around her race and appearance.

Reflecting on her experience in a 2021 talk with MSR, she described her introduction to the public as toxic. “It was a distressing start. The narratives shaped by writers didn’t reflect my reality.” Similarly, in a chat with Wondermind, she pointed out the dissonance between what aired on television and her actual experiences, explaining it took considerable time to heal from the trauma.

Healing from such trauma required strength and resilience. DaCosta emphasized the importance of self-love and forgiveness—both for herself and those she felt wronged her, noting this was pivotal to her recovery.

In a 2023 op-ed for USA Today, Torrey DeVitto discussed abortion rights, recounting her own experience of having an abortion at 21. She shared that while she later faced a second pregnancy she wished to continue, it tragically ended in miscarriage.

DeVitto finally celebrated motherhood in November 2024 when she welcomed her child, Lyle-Josephine Alina LaPine, with her partner Jared LaPine. Although her journey to pregnancy was relatively swift with one cycle of IVF, the process was taxing. Discussing IVF on the “Broad Ideas” podcast, she detailed the routines of daily shots and frequent blood draws that left her feeling like a lab rat amidst uncertainty about the outcome. Ultimately, she was grateful for the healthy birth of her child.

If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.