Rockmond Dunbar, and original cast member of Fox’s hit drama series, “9-1-1,” has exited the show over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Disney TV Studios’ 20th Television, who produces the show, now requires all actors to be vaccinated.
Sadly, Rockmond’s character, Michael Grant, was written off of the show after 20th Television denied his request for religious and medical accommodations.
Fox confirmed his departure from the show via social media.
The 48-year-old actor, with over three decades in the industry, is standing steadfast in what he believes is best for himself and his family.
Rockmond released the following statement:
I applied for religious and medical accommodations pursuant to the law and unfortunately was denied by my employer.
My sincerely held beliefs and private medical history are very intimate and personal aspects of my life that I do not publicly discuss and have no desire to start now.
I’ve been an actor in this business for 30 years, but my greatest roles are as a husband and father to our 4 small children.
As a man that walks in faith, I look forward to what the future holds. I have enjoyed the last 5 seasons with this wonderful cast and crew and will cherish the time I’ve been blessed to spend with this series and wish everyone involved nothing but the best.
20th Television also released the statement below:
We take the health and safety of all of our employees very seriously, and have implemented a mandatory vaccination confirmation process for those working in Zone A on our productions.
In order to ensure a safer workplace for all, Zone A personnel who do not confirm their vaccination status and do not meet the criteria for exemption will not be eligible to work.
Rockmond Dunbar is an amazing actor and an ICC Friend.
We wish him the very best.
Source: Variety
