In a surprising turn of events for fans of the hit show 9-1-1, Lou Ferrigno Jr. has confirmed that he is exiting the series, leaving viewers buzzing with questions. Following the dramatic breakup between his character, Tommy, and Buck, portrayed by Oliver Stark, Ferrigno Jr. expressed a mix of gratitude and anticipation for what lies ahead.

In an exclusive interview with Decider, Ferrigno Jr. shared his sentiments regarding his departure after three seasons as Tommy. The recent episode, "Confessions," from Season 8, depicted their tumultuous relationship, which ended after Buck discovered Tommy's engagement to Buck's ex-girlfriend, Abby Clark. The emotional fallout led to a heartbreaking decision for Tommy to end things, realizing that their relationship wasn't progressing toward a future together.

Ferrigno Jr. reflected on the significance of portraying an LGBTQ+ character on-screen. “This experience has been one of the true pleasures in my life,” he acknowledged. Throughout his career, he’s typically embodied strong, authoritative characters, but Tommy provided him the unique opportunity to showcase vulnerability and depth. “Tim Minear, the creator, truly believed in my capacity to portray this role,” he remarked.

Despite this bittersweet farewell, it seems Tommy's exit may not have been entirely in Ferrigno Jr.'s control. Expressing hope for a longer tenure on the show, he acknowledged that the writing team had their reasons for the character's departure. “If ultimately preserving emotional health means stepping away, I can’t fault him for that,” he said, hinting at dissatisfaction with how his character was written off.

What does Ferrigno Jr. have in store next? He's set to return to CBS's S.W.A.T., where he plays the recurring role of Donovan Rocker, a character he describes as dramatically different from Tommy. “It’s refreshing to dive back into that role and embrace a different side of my acting,” he noted enthusiastically.

As for the future of 9-1-1, he hinted that he is privy to the unfolding romantic storyline surrounding Buck, suggesting that fans may be in for some twists involving Buck and his best friend, Eddie Diaz. When pressed for details, he playfully teased, “I’d have to kill you if I disclosed that!”

While Lou Ferrigno Jr.'s departure from 9-1-1 marks the end of a chapter, his words of appreciation for the cast and crew reveal a heartfelt connection to the series. “I would love to return if the opportunity arises, but I need to navigate my journey right now,” he concluded.

9-1-1 fans will surely miss Ferrigno Jr.'s presence, but the excitement doesn't stop here—don't miss the unfolding drama as 9-1-1 continues to captivate audiences! Available for streaming now on Hulu!