What To Know
- Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut, who plays Dr. Naomi Howard, is leaving Chicago Med after three seasons.
- The actress confirmed her exit on TikTok, expressing disappointment about not coming back.
- Her departure follows recent exits of other One Chicago actors.
Chicago Med star Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut is exiting the show after three seasons.
On TikTok, Sharpe Chestnut, 34 — who played Dr. Naomi Howard in the NBC medical series — confirmed that she is leaving. Sharpe Chestnut joined in Season 9, but will not return for Season 12 this fall.
A fan commented on one of her videos, “I haven’t seen you in you ages hope you’re doing well:) can I ask will you be returning to Chicago Med?” To that, Sharpe Chestnut replied, “Thank you! Hope you’re well too:) And no.”
In the comments, fans reacted to the news, with one TikTok user writing, “So bummed to hear this—Naomi absolutely deserved better than that. Can’t wait to see what you do next.”
Another shared, “I’m actually sad rn. I really enjoyed your character on Med! I wish you all the best for future projects, hope to see you in something soon!”
Additionally, Sharpe Chestnut replied, “Me too, would’ve loved to come back!”
@ashleisharpechestnut📍Montgomery, Alabama♬ BINNIES ORIGINAL AUDIO – 𝓛𝓲𝓪𐙚
In Season 11, Chicago Med fans were concerned that Dr. Naomi had been written off the show when other storylines took precedence. Executive producer Allen MacDonald set the record straight in October 2025, after she finally appeared in Season 11.
“I understand the misunderstanding of that. We love Ashlei Sharpe Chesnut; she’s phenomenal. We never intended to write her out,” MacDonald told Deadline. “We always knew she was going to be back this season. But with everything that happened with Dr. Hayes and her leaving the hospital, I don’t blame the audience for thinking she was gone.”
Other One Chicago actors making exits include Joe Miñoso, Dermot Mulroney, and showrunner Andrea Newman of Chicago Fire.
Chicago Med Season 12 premieres on Wednesday, October 7, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.