'Gutted' Sophia Bush Exits West End Role After Medical Issue
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Sophia Bush has had to cut her time in London short.
The Chicago PD alum was starring in the West End production of 2:22: A Ghost Story, a play she was scheduled to appear in until its September closing date, but following a rash of illnesses in the company last month, Bush has struggled to recover.
In a new message to fans posted to Instagram late last night, the actress has shared that, under the advice of her medical team, she's headed home to receive care from her own doctors.
She posted a series of photos and videos, from rehearsal to curtain call, on the social media platform, offering an emotional explanation for her intermittent absences over the last several weeks and her difficult decision to exit the production that took up not only the max allotted caption length, but an additional comment, as well.
"I can only describe the calling I felt to join the 2:22 A Ghost Story company as a spiritual one," she began. "The pull toward this story & this cast was perhaps was the most intense I’ve felt in my career & the reward of being up on the boards every night was greater than I could have anticipated."
As a result, she described herself as "gutted" to have to leave.
"Last month several members of our company were hit with a virus & in the following weeks everyone recovered except for me. After weeks of being intermittently pulled off stage & visiting multiple doctors, specialists, & an all nighter in the ER, I’ve been advised by my medical team in London & America to stop performing in order to get this under control & to do so in the country where I reside under the care of my own doctors," she recounted. "I’m crushed to not be able to finish my run, to have to leave my incredible cast mates & company & to miss the nights on stage with our audiences."
Bush went on to recall all of the messages from fans she's received, calling it a "pleasure." She continued, "It’s devastating to say goodbye to an experience that’s been so incredibly fulfilling, both artistically & personally. Being a part of this company put me back in my body and in my soul. I was reminded, on a cellular level, of why I do this job & how much I love acting. I crossed an ocean to come home to myself."
She then thanked the other members of cast for their support, calling them "fast family."
"I will never be able to express enough gratitude for your care. From ensuring I made it through shows once things got dicey with everything from medicine to flat sodas hidden backstage — even packing my feverish body in ice packs from head to toe on more than one night — you made it less terrifying to be struggling thousands of miles from my home & my family…"
Finally, she thanked the fans, noting that their support made the journey "a wild, joyous, invigorating rush, night after night." She continued, "I loved making you scream, and making you laugh, and hearing your stories at the stage door. It means the world to me that so many of you traveled to see the show."
For the remainder of the run, Frankie Bridge will be stepping into the role, which Bush says she knows will be "incredible," encouraging anyone who may have bought tickets to see her to still go and support the rest of the cast.
"I’m sad. Happy. Immensely grateful. There is no greater creative experience than the stage. I miss it madly. I love it deeply. I cannot wait for the next one ♥️," she wrapped it up.
Fellow One Tree Hill alum Hilarie Burton was there with a few kind words, writing, "Love you so much sister. Proud of you for going over there. Proud of you for coming home. Here for you always. Xoxox."
Louisa Lytton, a member of the upcoming 2:22 tour cast, complimented her work prior to leaving, writing, "You were outstanding, x."
"Congratulations on the journey and your run. Get well soon:). ❤️❤️," Uzo Aduba said.
Fans also sent their well wishes, with some encouraging her to come back to the stage stateside when she's ready.
"I’m so glad you got this experience, even if it was cut short!! it was so beautiful to see you in your element on stage and I’m SO GLAD I took the spontaneous last minute trip from NYC to see you!! Broadway is waiting for you when you’re ready to come back to the stage 😉😉 feel better!! 🤍 ," wrote one.
"I’m so sorry to hear this Sophia. I will be in London and was looking forward to seeing the show and you. But health comes first, always. Get home and heal. Sending love. X," said another.
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