Dean Miller's Departure From Station 19, Explained

As a spin-off of the popular medical drama Anatomy of GreyIt is not surprising that Station 19 has garnered an abundance of loyal fans since its inception in 2018. Aside from its exciting storylines and crossovers, fans have fallen in love with the characters in the series and have rooted for them since the beginning. One such fan-favorite character was Dean Miller, who impressed viewers with his kind heart and ambition.

Dean Miller has also been involved in a number of compelling story arcs, allowing him to push the plots forward through Anatomy of Grey universe. As such, fans were shocked to learn of his departure and some found his final episode too heartbreaking to watch. But why did this powerhouse leave Station 19?

Updated by Alex Roush on August 31, 2024: Okieriete Onaodowan's Dean Miller had a huge impact on Station 19, a fact demonstrated by his brief appearance in the series finale. Even after the show ended, Miller remained in the hearts of viewers, making them more curious about his legacy. This article has been updated to include additional information about Onaodowan's recent roles, improve the reader experience, and adapt to current CBR formatting guidelines.

Who is Dean Miller from Station 19?

Firefighter joins Station 19 after realizing his potential

Dean Miller is a veteran firefighter with Station 19, which serves as a subsection of the Seattle Fire Department. With his courageous personality and stoic attitude, Miller is not afraid to risk his livelihood to save others.Throughout his time on Station 19He has tackled a variety of complex cases, all with personal and professional impact. While he spends most of his time dousing roaring fires and saving lives, he is also a father to his young daughter, Pru Miller.

5 of the best Dean Miller episodes in Station 19

• Season 2, Episode 11, “Baby Boom”
• Season 3, Episode 8, “Born to Run”
• Season 5, Episode 5, “Things We Lost in the Fire”
• Season 1, Episode 3, “Containing the Flame”
• Season 4, Episode 11, “Here He Comes Back”

Miller's charm and good manners certainly made him a hit at the station, and he developed a series of warm friendships with his peers, such as Jack Gibson. Overall, Miller worked as a key driving force in Station 19giving each storyline a touch of soulfulness and humility, which comes in handy on a show known for being so tense.

Dean's relationship with Vic showed his passions as a family man

The firefighter was also a devoted single father

Despite Pru's mother, JJ, leaving Dean to raise her alone, Miller expresses a deep devotion to his family. This is also underscored by his relationship with Vic Highes, who he believed would always be a good stepmother to his daughter. In season 5, episode 5, “Things We Lost in the Fire,” Miller desperately tries to revive Vic after she is electrocuted. He stays with her until an emergency vehicle arrives and promises her priority access to Grey Sloane. Admittedly, it's clear throughout the series that his feelings are not reciprocated, especially since Vic sees him more as a brother. Yet, the fact that Dean is willing to risk his life for the one he loves, underlining his devotion to Hughes and his desire to welcome her into his life.

• Dean was the first character to be introduced in Station 19 intersection with Anatomy of Grey.
• Miller decided to name his daughter after the former captain of Station 19, Pruitt Herrera.
• He also founded Crisis One, a team that helps de-escalate crisis calls without having to call the police.

Fans see a similar interaction in Season 4, Episode 13, “I Guess I'm Floating.” Dean wakes up on a beach after trying to save Chief Gregory after he suffers a coronary episode and falls overboard on a cruise ship. Immediately, Vic runs to Dean and informs him that she was with Pru all night. Dean then tries to confess his love to her but doesn't have the energy to say the words, so Vic simply replies, “I love you too.“This touching interaction showcases Vic's devotion to Pru and how he will continue to protect and care for her, even when her father is not around. So while Vic may not have any romantic feelings for Miller, it is clear that the couple is working together to create an extended family for Pru's sake.

His need for freedom has caused many problems in his personal life

Miller developed a difficult relationship with his parents

Although Dean Miller appears to live a very relaxed bachelor lifestyle, his parents often interfere in his personal life and limit his freedoms. This is most evident in Season 2, Episode 5, “Do a Little Harm,” when Dean's parents offer him an expensive watch for his birthday and try to convince him to quit his job at the station and join the family business. Miller becomes very upset at this prospect and decides to stand up to his parents once and for all and refuse their offer. Although a role in the family business would be much less stressful for him and Pru, Dean decides to show a sense of defiance at this time and remain loyal to his colleagues at Station 19. Additionally, Dean deciding to stay at his job evokes the idea that he has found a new chosen family at his workplace and that the firefighters at Station 19 are more like a loyal tribe than a group of co-workers.

Miller's relationship with Dr. Miranda Bailey also highlights his lack of trust in his parents, especially when it comes to caring for his daughter. In season 5, episode 7, “A House Is Not a Home,” Pru wakes up at her grandparents' house and starts crying because she misses Bailey. Pru's reaction to his absence shows that she feels safe with Bailey and that Dean trusts her enough to support his son when he's gone. This relationship could also mean that Dean sees Bailey much more as a mother figure than a mentor, which is very similar to how his interns feel about Anatomy of GreyOverall, the strong bond between Miller and Bailey indicates that Dean is eager to move on from his broken relationship with his parents in the past and work to create a better life for himself.

Why did Dean Miller leave Station 19?

Miller fatally injured on the job

Unfortunately, Dean Miller died in Season 5, Episode 5, “Things We Lost in the Fire,” after being seriously injured in an explosion. Miller's death intersected with Anatomy of Grey, where medical staff tried to save him. But, After multiple attempts to revive him, he was tragically pronounced dead. His passing has caused great waves of grief within the Anatomy of Grey The universe and fans were devastated to no longer see Miller on their screens.

Dean Miller's most popular appearances in Anatomy of Grey

• Season 15, Episode 4, “Mommy Knows Everything”
• Season 16, Episode 9, “Let's All Go to the Bar”
• Season 16, Episode 12, “The Last Supper”
• Season 17, Episode 1, “All the Parties Tomorrow”
• Season 18, Episode 8, “Bottle Up and Explode!”

Viewers got one last look at Dean Miller in the Station 19 series finale “One Last Time.” As the Station 19 team battles a massive wildfire, they imagine their possible future as a way to maintain hope. Miller delivers some emotional words of encouragement in Vic Hughes' vision, as he takes charge of Miller's Crisis One initiative.

What other films has Okieriete Onaodowan appeared in?

The multifaceted actor is best known for his role in Hamilton

While Okieriete Onaodowan is well known for his role in Station 19His musical career might surprise even the most ardent fans. Onaodowan played both Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in the original run of Lin Manuel Miranda's hit Broadway musical, Hamilton, and has been in several other Broadway productions, including Doll's house AND Rocky. Onaodowan is also credited as the lead singer in the Disney film Wish.

Out of Station 19Onaodowan recently appeared on screen in the R-rated satirical comedy American fiction as a fictional character in the novel of the film's protagonist. American fiction highlights the reality of dealing with negative stereotypes as a black author and the importance of staying true to one's identity. The film was well received by viewers and won a 2024 Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

While fans can no longer watch Onaodowan in Station 19 OR Anatomy of Greyfranchising is still very strong. Anatomy of GreyThe longest-running medical drama in TV history, has been renewed for a 21st season, set to debut on September 26, 2024. Dean Miller's impact is undoubtedly still being felt at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital through the relationships he developed and the Crisis One program.