Why did Sophia Bush leave Chicago P.D.? Explained

Sophia Bush in Chicago P.D. (Image via Instagram @nbcchiagopd)
Sophia Bush in Chicago P.D. (Image via Instagram @nbcchiagopd)

Sophia Bush played the character of Detective Erin Lindsay in Chicago P.D., but she left the show in season 4 because she decided to prioritize her mental and physical health.

Sophia Anna Bush is an American actress and political activist born on July 8, 1982. She played Brooke Davis in the drama series One Tree Hill on the WB/CW from 2003 to 2012. She also played the role of Erin Lindsay in the NBC police procedural drama series Chicago P.D. from season 1 to season 4.

Sophia Bush was introduced in Chicago Fire and went on to be cast in Chicago P.D. She also appeared in the franchise's other shows, including Chicago Med and Chicago Justice.

Apart from Chicago P.D, Bush has appeared in numerous films, including The Hitcher (2007), John Tucker Must Die (2006), and The Narrows (2008).


Why did Sophia Bush leave Chicago P.D.? Reason explained

Sophia’s character in Chicago P.D soon became one of the most important aspects of the show due to her tough-as-nails demeanor and compassion. This same factor after the end of season 4 went on to become the reason for her exit from Chicago P.D.

Detective Erin Lindsay left the show during the season 4 finale, with her character being written out as having relocated to New York City to take a position with the FBI.

In due course, Bush disclosed the true reasons behind her resignation from the program, confirming that several factors unrelated to her character development contributed to her decision to depart.

As per US Magazine, A year after Bush departed from the show, she appeared on actor Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast and stated that she was unhappy, and continuing with the show would mean her death at some point. She also stated that she was a subject of abusive behavior and gave an instance of aggression in a room full of men who did nothing to defend her, per Screenrant.

Bush stated that the working conditions for the cast and crew were poor, with them filming at temperatures below the freezing points. However, she blamed it on the work culture’s fault. People would not raise their voices and address the problem to the boss to avoid unnecessary ruckus at the set whilst also putting their jobs at stake.

“I quit because, what I’ve learned is I’ve been so programmed to be a good girl and to be a work horse and be a tug boat that I have always prioritized tugging the ship for the crew, for the show, for the group, ahead of my own health … My body was, like, falling apart, because I was really, really unhappy.”

Where is Sophia Bush now?

While Sophia Bush took a little break from the spotlight following her departure from the show, she continued to appear in guest roles on television shows like This Is Us, Jane the Virgin, Easy, and Drunk History.

In addition to her regular role on the series Love, Victor, according to IMDb, Bush has also acted in a few films, including False Positive, Hard Luck Love Song, Marshall, and Surveillance. She also has a role in the television series, Good Sam.

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