Former Chicago Med star Yaya DaCosta opens up about her character April Sexton’s exit and the possibility of a potential return to the franchise. As the third installment of the One Chicago franchise, Chicago Med debuted in November 2015 and has so far run for ten seasons. DaCosta played the role of April from season 1 until her initial exit in season 6, before returning to the show in a guest capacity in season 8.
In an interview with TV Insider, DaCosta opened up about her time on Chicago Med and her character’s exit, stating that she felt touched that the character was so memorable to people despite leaving years ago. She then went on to discuss the fact that she doesn’t foresee her character returning to the show, explaining how her season 8 return felt like a definitive ending for April. Check out DaCosta’s comments below:
It has been years, and I still get that so often. It warms my heart so much to know that even in an ensemble cast where every character was significant that people still felt the impact of April Sexton and still feel her absence even though the show continues. It moves me. I don’t foresee her returning to the show.
I think when I left the first time, there wasn’t any effort put into nicely tying up the storyline. So, when Dr. [Ethan] Choi left, it was a great opportunity for me to come back for a few episodes, get married to him, and go off into the sunset on our mission. I really love that ending. I think it did feel like an ending.
What This Means For April’s Chicago Med Legacy
The Character Remains As Popular As Ever
April may have left Chicago Med initially at the end of May 2021, and then departed for the final time in December 2022, but she remains a strong fan favorite. If it is true that DaCosta will not make a return to the series, then April will still have an enduring legacy on the show. She is one of the show’s most iconic stars, and was a focal point for some of Chicago Med‘s best episodes, proving to be a compelling and interesting character during her run on the show.
Following her marriage to Ethan, there is little reason for the character to make a return to One Chicago.
April’s status as an enduring fan favorite is due in large part to the fact she was on the show from the start, but also has plenty to do with her crossover episodes. DaCosta reprised her role in three episodes of Chicago P.D. and 12 episodes of Chicago Fire, solidifying her place within the One Chicago world. The actor clearly has a strong attachment to her character, but clearly feels like April’s story has been told. Following her marriage to Ethan, there is little reason for the character to make a return to One Chicago.
Our Take On A Future One Chicago Return For April
Nothing Should Be Ruled Out, But Her Journey Has Finished
Chicago Med has a lot of iconic characters who could return to the franchise. However, in April’s case, this is probably not necessary, as she is one of the characters whose experiences, and eventual return and marriage to Ethan, book-ended her story. It feels as though her journey has reached its natural conclusion, and she doesn’t need to return. It seems DaCosta feels similarly. However, the nature of procedurals is that they always invite the opportunity for returning characters, and, if Chicago Med season 11 happens, April could make a surprise return to the show.
Source: TV Insider
Chicago Med
- Release Date
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November 17, 2015
- Showrunner
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Michael Brandt
- Directors
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Michael Waxman, Michael Pressman, Charles S. Carroll, Milena Govich, Anna Dokoza, Bethany Rooney, Fred Berner, Tess Malone, Mykelti Williamson, SJ Main Muñoz, Donald Petrie, Martha Mitchell, Vincent Misiano, Timothy Busfield, Jonathan Brown, John Polson, Stephen Cragg, Anthony Nardolillo, Michael Berry, David Rodriguez, Afia Nathaniel, Oz Scott, Valerie Weiss, Gonzalo Amat
- Writers
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Joseph Sousa, Lily Dahl, Natalie Drayer, Darin Goldberg, Shelley Meals, Melissa R. Byer, Treena Hancock, Mary Leah Sutton, Simran Baidwan, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Jason Cho, Will Pascoe, Liz Brixius
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Marlyne Barrett
Maggie Lockwood
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S. Epatha Merkerson
Sharon Goodwin
