‘Will Trent’ Star Sonja Sohn Breaks Her Silence on Being Killed Off the Show
What To Know
- Sonja Sohn posted videos about her character Amanda Wagner’s death on Will Trent.
- She hinted that leaving the show was not her choice and teased what fans can expect next from her.
Sonja Sohn‘s character on Will Trent, Amanda Wagner, was killed off during the April 14 episode, and the actress posted two lengthy videos to discuss the situation with her fans. Sohn was admittedly “surprised by the response to Amanda’s death” and gushed over how overwhelmed she was by her fans’ support.
Her second video got more into the nitty gritty, though, with Sohn hinting that leaving the show was not her choice. “When they give you the pink slip . . .you love up on your fans,” she captioned the post.
The video began with Sohn admitting, “Once you get the pink slip, it’s just a job. I got a job like you got a job. It’s just a job. Actors are really low people on the totem pole when it comes down to the big structure. When you get a pink slip, you don’t ask about it. You just say goodbye.”
Sohn also promised that fans will have plenty of opportunities to continue keeping in touch with her via social media. “You’re gonna learn about the first time I almost got written off a show on The Wire,” she teased. “That’s part of the first chapter of my memoir. I got three chapters left to write.”
She went on to discuss what it’s like for actors to have to “say goodbye to” their characters “whether we want to or not,” adding, “[I get to talk about] the ins and outs of that and what comes with the business and all that. It’s not always time to talk about the details because one of the things I was taught through this experience of being Amanda and of being in this situation is she’s a much more thoughtful, reserved character than I am. When I engage with characters, we give each other aspects of ourselves.”
Sohn said she’s going to be “a little more reserved in [her] expressions” for now, but reassured her followers that she has “so much more” to share in the future. “The best years are yet to come,” she concluded. “Here’s to Will Trent. Here’s to Amanda. My god. What a character. What an honor and a privilege. So just hold tight. We’re gonna be alright. There’s plenty of Sonja Sohn coming up.”
In addition to speaking directly to her fans in the footage, she also captioned the post, “I cannot adequately express the overwhelming gratitude i feel for the @willtrentabc fans who have poured their hearts out on my page. i did my best to to respond to each one of you but the comments kept growing & i had some life on deck to live. Please know i am receiving & grateful for your precious attention and support. I promise to honor that by giving you something you can sink your teeth into & celebrate with me in the not so distant future.”
Will Trent, Tuesdays, 8/7c, ABC
Conversation87 Comments
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J
I thought she was a great character. So individualistic. I really liked how she dressed to the beat of a different drummer. 🙂 I will miss her. Shame on the producers, showrunner, etc.
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J
agreed how stupid doing this when they didn’t need to
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N
Why do all these shows lately kill off major characters?? Why was this necessary...wasn't she just shot last season and recovered. She was sassy and soft at the same time much needed on this show with this cast of characters.
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K
Because today's writers suck, and do not have the vision of yesterday yrs. 1960 thru the 80s are still most watched reruns and still relevant today.
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C
I'm just so upset that they did that to Sonja & her character Amanda Wagner...I cried so much.. Amanda is a great character & so strong & a class act..She is so much a part of the show that they shouldn't of did that...The writers were so wrong to kill her off , they could of did something else... I'm not going to like watching the show after this , but I'll still watch cause love the show..Also writer's why have Angie marry & get pregnant by that Dr & not her soul mate Will , so upset with that as well...Good luck to Sonja & I will miss you on the show as well as so many more!!
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B
So sad. Really liked her character.
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J
When you’re a secondary character in a series, you’re expendable. Sad, but true. And an actor knows this. She was a great character, and will be missed.
Personally, I’m getting bored with the Angie pregnancy storyline. Scott Foley is expendable IMO.
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J
They need to get back to the Will/Angie relationship. That’s what made the series interesting.
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R
I agree! I really thought they would be the couple on the show!
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O
I would have stopped watching if that relationship continued. The trauma-bonding storyline was getting boring and repetitive.
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D
Me too. No chemistry between them as a couple just as friends. I would not watch anymore if they coupled them up again.
It was awkward to even watch
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J
Good GAWD, no. That relationship was toxic from start to finish. They should have just gone with the novel's storyline for Angie. Should have got rid of Angie & kept Amanda. At least Amanda was a really unique and enjoyable character to watch. Disappointed they killed her off.
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I
Maybe when Angie finds out it’s wills baby,
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E
She was not a 'secondary' character to Will!
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D
I don’t know if I want to keep watching anymore without her. She was the best.
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D
I think her character should not be killed off. She was the wrangler for the other characters and she did it with her special style. This is very disappointing 😞!
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M
Agree! She remains alive in the books.
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J
I just find it stupid to go through getting shot in the chest and survice that just to get killed a few episodes later.
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B
I was extremely surprised at the twists and turns in the last 3 minutes of the episode. I absolutely loved the character of Amanda Wagner. Sonja Sign made the character so interesting, complex, and loyal to those she both loved and respected. Her death will absolutely drive some great storylines, but I do believe there were other ways without killing Amanda. I expect Antonio will also be killed off, but I hope I'm wrong. I was wondering what happened with Faith's son going undercover just moments before they showed Amanda's lifeless body. I hope the writers don't drop the ball on the crew getting justice for Amanda like they did with Faith's son.
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J
I have always liked Will Trent but definitely getting bored with Will and the personal story lines.
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V
I loved her character because she was like a Mom to Will, and I loved the dancing episode where she danced great! I didn't like the lesbian scenes because it took away something from her character, diminished her in some way.
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J
Naaahhhh 🙄
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J
oh boy
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B
I think it's ashamed how they keep killing off good one, Vance on NCIS and now Amanda, I will miss her.
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T
Don't forget Bobby Nash on 911. That show has finally jumped the shark
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P
Yes, stopped watching that one. Of all characters to kill off, they chose the wrong one.
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G
So why even bother to respond
I think her response to the firing was classy and hope she finds a gig soon.
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D
Because I have a right to speak my mind even if you disagree
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P
I wasn't sure if she was dead, as Will was calling for help. She was an interesting character. The entire cast worked well together. Her recent same sex relationship seemed to come out of nowhere and was then resolved somewhat abruptly. I guess to wrap things up for her exit.
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D
Yeah, I guess they just felt the need to make a statement , abruptly make a social statement before they killed her off. The whole thing is not good.
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H
If you’ve read the book series the show is nothing in comparison. I’m wondering how they’re going to keep up with the story line. In the book Amanda is a major character and important to Wills life along with Faiths mother. I feel like they would have had more success actually following the book. It was packed with drama and excitement none of this happy ending BS and minimal drama. I don’t for-see this last many season after this. The ratings definitely will go down.
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C
Oh how imma miss Amanda but the Best is Yet To Come!! I loved your character🩷
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B
Sonja Sohn did a wonderful job with her character, Amanda Wagner. She was so unique and I loved to c what she was wearing from week to week🤩Its sad that they kill off a character who contributed so much to making the show special. I look fwd to her next chapter.
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P
She was a great character. They had to kill her off twice.
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A
This show messing up like 911 did killing off Capt Nash…what a shame
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L
I cried I was so sad mad that they killed off such a great actress and character. Not sure if I will keep watching
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C
Big mistake in releasing Sonja from the show. The show was Will and Amanda. You finally gave Angie a life of her own. You making Will unstable and not moving on from his childhood. Get the show back on track. Heck! Write Amanda's death as a dream. Too many shows are killing off main characters who aff a lot to the show, a lot that keep viewers watching.
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A
Im pissed, she played a powerful and caring character ,Find a way to bring her back
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S
I think this was a Hugh mistake!!! No one can replace her character.
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K
No urgency, at least for me, in rushing home to catch the show now, or at least until Amanda returns.
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H
I think it was so wrong to kill her off especially after she was almost killed off previously. I hope that dried up old white man will not be taking her spot! And when, when will Angi have that baby, damn. That has to be the longest TV pregnancy ever!
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S
First, The Chi, now Will Trent?! What is going on?! Sonja Sohn is one of the best to do it! I'm really going to miss her on this amazing show! Continued success to her!
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C
I loved her character on Will Trent. Big Mistake! SHe was key to the story!
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R
I just couldn't believe it. It was the most emotional show I've seen in along time. I'm going to miss her character, I'm going to miss her.
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P
I felt that the death of Amanda Wagner was a great loss for the show. I was so sad to see her killed off. I thought of her as a major character. I think that was a BIG mistake. She will surely be missed . I love the show Will Trent. How will the show continue without her now that there is a big hole without her? We shall see.
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T
I don’t know that I will continue watching. Amanda was Atlanta to me. She was style. She was upfront. She was necessary. She was what a good boss represents; she was a force. I’m devastated. What a disservice - while Faith , Will, and Faith mother are like family and Angie my best friend , Amanda ( Sohn) had my heart; ❤️ even purchased the same glasses ( RayBan). I begin experimenting more with fabrics, colors, and style. I am really protective about my television characters - And I honestly don’t know that I can continue watching. In closing , just today introduced a family member who lives in ATL to the show because of the shows location and Amanda’s character. While Will is the main character his supporting staff had me in a choke hold. You rock Sohn; be well. Outstanding body of work.
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N
I am extremely upset with this move. Amanda was a great character. I will give the next season a shot, but I don't think I can watch it with out her. I think this was a big mistake and can hurt the shows ratings.
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P
So very sad to see Amanda gone from the show. I thought she was be of the best characters. Loved her advice and the complete support of those she loved. I kept thinking she would rise from the dead I wish she hadn’t been killed off
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K
Killing off Amanda was just wrong! For one thing, read the books! She is an important character to who Will is and becomes! What are they thinking? Obviously they're not! Dumb move!
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I
So disappointed the "powers that be" decided they needed to fridge the black, bi, woman in order to provide character development for others on the show.
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T
I knew the race card wasn't far behind
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G
Terrible decision in my opinion. She was my favorite character. Every scene she was in, she dominated.
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L
Amanda was a very important character on Will Trent. Makes me sad to see her written out of the show.
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S
Shocked!! Beyond shocked sad business could NOT believe it???? JUST wrong _ NEED í SAY More
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A
Maybe her spirit will come back and help them solve cases!
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M
Terrible. I love her. What are they thinking. It's like killing Amanda Rollins off stuff all over again. Idiots
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G
I think the show will go down hill with out her. She make the whole show come together.
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K
I'm out. I'm not going to watch this show any more. I don't like that they killed off Amanda, That's what started it for me. I have come to really not like all the flashbacks, It's like the show is not happy enough being a good procedural. They have to continuously throw all this extra stuff at us, all the freakin' time. And now I find out they killed off Scott Foley's character. I'm done. I think Angie and Will's relationship is toxic, yet it seems like they are going to lean into that. Nope, I'm done.
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C
Sonja was the next star to Ramon. Just as important of a character. Very bad idea to let her go. Whoever came up with idea should actually go
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K
You know, maybe it's just me but her character was a great part of the show. Lately it seems like every Black female actress in a major show, that is strong, intelligent, in charge she is somehow written off. Whether she's killed off, divorced off(Grey's Anatomy), or a show like "Found" gets taken off the air. I get so tired of it. And I know some folks say that still Black actors on the show but it's different when it is a Black female in charge and I noticed this with a lot of different programs. I don't know if I'll continue to watch Will Trent or not, because it is a good show but it was really good with "Amanda". It's extremely disappointing but I guess it's expected. Hoping and praying for other wonderful acting opportunities for Sonja Sohn! You guys really messed up on this one.
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V
Oh Mandy, I will miss you. so many could have left, but as you said a job is a job. Love how u loved will. Hope ur next placement will b something to grace u and ur spirit. Thanks Sonya.
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J
What a disappointment. Amanda & her relationship with Will was the heart of the show. Should have gotten rid of Angie - that whole storyline is TIRED, or they should have gone the route of the books with Ormwood & just killed him off. Amanda & Will were the best parts of the whole show (next to Betty). Other shows that decided they needed to mix things up with a main character death (looking at you Alert) died after one season. Really enjoy Trent but this is such a dumb decision.
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T
I had to rewind to make sure I wasn't going crazy.I'm like this has to be some kind of staged and or setup.Because I know they did not just kill amanda off of Will Trent
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M
I’m so disappointed in the show to remove such a strong character. She was the foundation for several of your main characters! You should listen to your viewers! To me this will make Will Trent half of what it could have been. I don’t think I will continue to watch it. So disappointed
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J
Rescue 911 killed Bobby the Captain, I've not seen an episode since. @willtrentabc killed Amanda I'm done damnit!!
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B
I missed last week because I had to work. Planted myself in front of the TV early to make sure I saw the show from the tippy top, to be met with this news. How on earth could they do this to her???? It seems lately, death on today's shows is the recipe. I am so disenchanted with where we are now, all I can do is SMH!
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L
Act without having to “whisper every word”, her character became one of the most annoying moments because of that.
She has much to offer in any endeavor.
Good luck
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A
I think the decision to kill off the Amanda character was based on ageism. Sonja is one of the oldest actors on the show, after all. Such a shame - the character was quirky and flawed and she with great clothing style and Sonja played her beautifully. I’m very disappointed.
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H
They messed up the whole platform of the show. All the people connected from youth. They should not have removed Amanda.
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S
And who is gonna give us the fashion that you bring to set in every scene???? Your character will be missed😢😢😢
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F
I enjoyed watching a mature, strong woman leading the department; she was believable. I hope they bring her back. Like it was a dream, like Dallas, IYKYK
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J
I think her dying had more to do with Sonja Sohn than Amanda Wagner. Maybe about wanting more money or other behind the scenes conflict. You don't just kill off a major beloved character in the 4th season. Also I hope this isn't a spoiler for you guys. But for those who say they are getting tired of the Angie pregnancy storyline...don't you think it's going to turn out to be Will's baby?
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M
She was one of the best charactersmon the show; not sure how m much longer I will watch it.
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W
The show Will Trent will just not be the same without Amanda. I may stop watching.
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D
I Aam very disappointed with her death, She was so important in Wills life. He didn't deserve to loose her. She was the mom of this amazing show. Why are you killing important people in the shows. I stop watching 911 after they killed the Captain.
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T
It’s so predictable that Amanda was killed off. I think producers and writers stink these days, and it’s normal for them to ruin a good thing.
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S
Sad to see her go. Don't understand, Amanda was a great and dynamic character
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C
loved Sonja Sohn played by Amanda..The show won't be the same for me soi will nt be watching anymore.
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E
Sorry this happened to you. 77 year old Vietnam vet. I enjoyed your work.
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D
It’s about $$$$$
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B
I will miss her and really liked her character. I will probably not continue to watch Will Trent unfortunately.
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B
I think it sucks. I liked her character and was one reason I watched the show. I'm going back to CBS to watch NCIS.
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G
I agree, she was a great character. To kill her off was wrong. She was a part of Will's life. They wanted to kill someone off they could have taken Mitchell. I say that because she's screaming at Will right now. Hahaha
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N
Insider, why would you post this on Tuesday morning when the show hasn't "aired" yet???
That's really messed up!!!!
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G
This episode aired last Tuesday.
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N
Yeah but I was hoping she wasn't dead. I was looking forward to see what tonite brings. This is the second time she was wounded and she survived the first one.
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B
Thanks for sending a spoiler right to my phone. You have now ruined the show for me.