"He's Still Around": 9-1-1 Actor Addresses Character Absence-minhan

9-1-1 actor Troy Winbush has discussed his character Nathaniel Greene's absence from the show, and whether he might be returning to the series in the future. Winbush had a three-episode arc on the hit ABC procedural between 2018 and 2023, playing the role of Nathaniel, the biological father of Hen and Karen Wilson's son Denny. Winbush's last appearance on the show came in 9-1-1 season 6, episode 13, titled "Mixed Feelings," but the door was left open for Nathaniel (and Winbush) to make a return to the series in the future.

In an interview with ScreenRant, Winbush talked about how the character is still around, and that he was open to making a comeback to the show. He discusses how he had a great time, and it was a fun show to work on but refuses to confirm one way or another whether he will return. Instead, he gives a noncommittal answer, stating, "Who knows what the future may hold..." Read Winbush's comments below:

ScreenRant: Your character hasn't appeared on 9-1-1 in a while. Do you know what happened and if he still sees Denny?

Troy Winbush: You know what? Time will tell. A great bunch of guys, I got out of Chicago right before winter hit, the last episode I did. He's still around, so who knows? It was really fun doing that show. It was really fun doing that show and to be amongst a group of guys who are welcoming, who were welcoming. The time that I spent there was actually fun. Who knows what the future may hold with that?"

What This Means For Nathaniel's 9-1-1 Future

He Has Ties To Chicago So He Could Return Again

Nathaniel has only just begun to explore his relationship with Denny. Though this has caused understandable friction with Karen and Hen, as well as the incarcerated Eva, it's still possible for him to reconnect on-screen with his biological kid. Denny seems to respond positively to spending time with his father, and Nathaniel certainly has plenty of making up to do. It is important for the two to keep in touch, and there is every chance they have been doing that off-screen in the time since Nathaniel was last on the show.

Winbush first appeared In the show in 9-1-1 season 2, episode 5 "Awful People," after which Nathaniel did not appear again until a two-episode arc in season 6. Given that there was a three to four-year gap between his appearances, there is every chance Winbush could return future seasons of the show. 9-1-1 season 8 has been preoccupied with a lot of major events, such as Bobby's death, and there clearly hasn't been room for a Nathaniel storyline, but one should not be ruled out in the future.

Our Take On The Chances Of A Nathaniel Return

With Denny's Growth It Feels Like It Will Happen At Some Point

Denny is an important character in 9-1-1, particularly because of his ties to Hen. As he gets older it will make sense for him to spend more time with his father. It would not be surprising to see Nathaniel come back into his life at some point down the line, and this could even happen in 9-1-1 season 9.

Of course, it might be the case that it fits the narrative for Nathaniel to be killed off-screen, leaving Denny to find his way as a young man with just his mothers for guidance. But there's a good chance 9-1-1 will have use for Nathaniel in later seasons, and a return should not be ruled out.

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