Liv Tyler Exits 9-1-1: Lone Star Ahead Of Season 2

Actress Liv Tyler is leaving drama series 9-1-1: Lone Star ahead of season 2. The show, which is a spin-off of 9-1-1, premiered earlier this year and centered around the firefighters, paramedics, and police in Austin, Texas. Due to mostly positive critical reviews, it received a season 2 renewal in April.

On 9-1-1: Lone Star, Tyler starred as Michelle Blake, who shines opposite of male lead Owen Strand (Rob Lowe). Michelle Blake is introduced as a paramedic captain who has final authority on EMS-related calls. However, season 1 of 9-1-1: Lone Star also highlights Michelle Blake’s inner demons; despite being a strong leader, she is haunted by her quest to find Iris, her missing sister.

Despite a strong showing in season 1, TV Line reports that Liv Tyler is officially leaving season 2 of 9-1-1: Lone Star. Showrunners have confirmed that her character will not be recast, with Tim Minear stating that the series is “forever indebted to [Tyler] for her…powerful portrayal of Michelle Blake.” That being said, despite Tyler’s exit, showrunners are still hoping that she’ll make an eventual return, which factors into the decision not to recast Michelle Blake. Instead, Michelle’s character will be replaced by new captain Tommy Vega, who will be played by Suits actress Gina Torres.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic factored in heavily into Tyler’s exit from 9-1-1: Lone Star. In particular, Tyler, who is based in the United Kingdom, who have needed to make the commute across the pond to Los Angeles to film season 2; with severe travel restrictions in place due to the pandemic, such a feat would have been nearly impossible. Also, 9-1-1: Lone Star is far from the only show or movie that’s been impacted by the pandemic, with a multitude of productions curtailing filming in March and many theaters across the United States still closed. As a result, the COVID-19 pandemic has truly made its mark on the entertainment industry, as more challenges likely lie ahead.

While Tyler was praised for her role in 9-1-1: Lone Star, her career extends far beyond the show, and she is particularly well-known for her role as Arewen in The Lord of the Rings. While Tyler’s exit from the 9-1-1 spin-off will undoubtedly be a difficult hurdle to bounce back from, it’s comforting knowing that this isn’t the last time we’ll see the actress. Besides, with 9-1-1: Lone Star presenting the opportunity for a potential cameo from Tyler in the future, we may see Michelle Blake make another appearance in Austin.

Source: TV Line

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