Anupam Kher Speaks Out on ‘New Amsterdam’ Exit Amid Wife’s Health Battle
Two weeks after Dr. Vijay Kapoor was written out of New Amsterdam, the actor who portrayed him, Anupam Kher, is speaking out about his exit.
“This past year has been difficult for so many people around the world, not least for Dr. Kapoor. It was an incredibly special time for me to be part of this show and one I will never forget,” Kher said in a statement he shared on his social media accounts. “The New Amsterdam family will always hold a special place in my heart. I am grateful to the audience for their love, support, and good wishes, particularly for my wife, Kirron, at this time. I hope you all will continue to join me on my journey and future projects.”
Kher’s departure from the NBC drama comes as his wife is undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
New Amsterdam began its third season with the hospital in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, and Kher’s Kapoor was one of the staff that fell ill as a result. Due to the damage to his heart, medical director Dr. Max Goodwin (Ryan Eggold) called Dr. Floyd Reynolds (Jocko Sims) back from San Francisco.
Everyone thought that Kapoor would be returning to work in Episode 7, “The Legend of Howie Cournemeyer,” with Dr. Iggy Frome (Tyler Labine) leading the charge for his welcome back party. However, instead, Iggy learned that his friend wouldn’t be coming back at all. Rather, he resigned. Iggy did not take hearing that from Kapoor himself very well and left a series of angry messages on his answering machine.
Virginia Sherwood/NBC
Ella (Dierdre Friel), who gave birth to Kapoor’s grandchild as he was battling COVID, has been staying with him and snuck away to call Iggy back after hearing his messages. “You deserve to know what’s going on,” she said. “Vijay’s doctor told him he’s never going to work again about a month ago. He didn’t want to believe it. He kept saying the guy was crazy, he didn’t know what he was talking about.”
“But a couple of days after, he got ready and decided to come into the hospital early and surprise everybody,” she continued. “He couldn’t make it out the front door. He won’t talk to me about it. He won’t talk to anyone.”
Kher was part of the NBC drama’s cast since the beginning of the series, in 2018.
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New Amsterdam, Tuesdays, 10/9c, NBC
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O
I loved the friendship between Kapoor and Iggy and his relationship with his granddaughter's mom. I'll miss his character, but I think it's quite admirable that he's leaving to support his wife.
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C
I really like his Character, I'm sorry to see him go.
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O
I loved Dr. Kapoor! So sorry that he will not be returning to the show, he will be missed.
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B
Aside from Max, Vijay was my favorite character and thats really just 1A and 1B cuz I can't even put him second. This actor is truly gifted and can convey such emotion and message just through the gesture on his face. You will be sorely missed Mr Kher!
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P
Aww what a shame, I loved his character, I hope his wife has a speedy recovery
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T
Sorry to hear.
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G
I cried and going to miss his character. Im happy he's putting family first.
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G
Need to bring Dr. Kapoor back in next season!
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O
He’s definitely dead 😭
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B
He will be greatly missed. There was just something about his demeanor that seemed so comforting. Gave you the feeling that there wasn’t much difference between him and the character he played. It’s important that he be with his wife at this time. That form of cancer can be a rough one. I had a friend who had it. Wishing him the best.
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G
His character was one that was needed at New Amsterdam and I enjoyed listening to his sage advice. It's true that life is too fast and we all need to slow down a bit. Maybe this virus will be a means for many to do just that.
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G
He is doing the right thing , staying at his real life wife’s side during her illness. 🙏 for both of them.
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B
Bring Dr. Kapoor back!!!
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O
Bring Dr Kapoor back . It shows diversity and facts about the range of doctors.
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Love his character. Bring him back!!!
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