Grey's Anatomy has had some pretty impressive crossover episodes over the last few years. However, its collaboration with Station 19 turned out to be the highlight because of a special character: Dean Miller, played by Okieriete Onaodowan. Miller was an enthusiastic and dedicated first responder who loved his job.
Whether danger came in the form of fires, explosions, or natural disasters, Miller never backed down from a challenge. Onaodowan played the character on the show for five seasons. This is why his exit from Station 19 was incredibly gut-wrenching to the viewers, due to his character's death.
In season 5, episode 5 of Station 19, titled "Things We Lost in the Fire," Miller was underway with the rest of the crew to assist in a cathartic gas pipeline explosion. In the middle of a chaotic rescue operation, one of the houses Miller was working in exploded. As a result of the blast, Miller was seen thrown a few feet away, covered in debris, and unresponsive.
How did Dean Miller die in Grey's Anatomy?
After the dust settles, his peers appear crestfallen as they notice Miller lying unresponsive a few meters from the blast. The story continued on Grey's Anatomy in an episode from Season 17, titled "Bottle Up and Explode!"
The scene began with his friend Ben (played by Jason George) attempting to perform CPR in an ambulance en route to Seattle Grace. Despite desperate efforts to resuscitate him, Miller sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Miller was pronounced dead on arrival after doctors heard the high-pitched sound of a flatline, thus concluding his journey on both shows. The remainder of the episode featured characters from both of the shows grieving his loss. Ben was seen in utter emotional turmoil as he grappled with losing his friend.
Others from Grey's Anatomy were also seen getting emotional, especially since he had made previous appearances in Season 15. Miller had a brief yet memorable storyline during his time on Grey's Anatomy.
Why did actor Okieriete Onaodowan leave Station 19?
Onaodowan was originally part of Station 19 long before he made a few appearances on Grey's Anatomy. Although there was much more about Miller's storyline that could've been explored, Onaodowan decided to reportedly move on from Station 19.
In a statement to Variety, Onaodowan expressed his gratitude to the executives of both shows. He thanked Shonda Rhimes, Stacy McKee, Krista Vernoff, and Paris Barclay for allowing him to play Miller. He also mentioned his fellow co-stars, crew members, and fans of Station 19 for all the support and love. Lastly, he said,
"I hope he (Dean Miller) has inspired you to change your world for the better. Be the change!"
Miller certainly had an impact on Station 19 and Grey's Anatomy universe. His charismatic smile, bravery, and passion for changing the world are just a few of the many traits fans fondly remember to date.
What is Okieriete Onaodowan doing now?
Before his television debut, Onaodowan was a talented and skilled Broadway actor with many accolades to his name.
Shortly after his exit from Station 19, Onaodowan returned to the world of Broadway. Thus far, he has appeared in A Doll's House as Nils Krogstad and recently played Buddy Bolden in Encores!
Whether or not he'll make his return to the acting world remains to be seen. Meanwhile, relive Dean Miller's character from Station 19 on Hulu.
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