Gina Torres Survives Cancer in ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’ Finale Twist, Shares ‘Suits’ Insight

by

[This story contains major spoilers from the series finale of 9-1-1: Lone Star, “Homecoming.”]

Gina Torres has built a successful acting career by playing strong, self-reliant women. However, when her former collaborator Tim Minear proposed the lead role opposite Rob Lowe in ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’ during the early stages of the pandemic, she was taken aback by her luck. This wasn’t just an opportunity to play a wife and mother for the first time in her three-decade long career, but also to portray a woman who returns to work as a paramedic captain during the pandemic to help her family financially.

Torres states to The Hollywood Reporter that her character, Tommy Vega, serves as an exceptional demonstration of women’s capabilities and their impact on the world. She often hears statements like “You can’t have everything. There are always compromises,” but she emphasizes that this is not exclusive to women. Everyone faces such challenges.

Over the course of four seasons on the Fox series “9-1-1: Lone Star” set in Austin, the character Tommy has faced nearly every personal crisis imaginable. She’s grappled with feelings of guilt about not being constantly present for her twin daughters. Tragically, her husband, Charles (Derek Webster), passed away suddenly due to a brain aneurysm. In the midst of her sorrow, Tommy had a short-lived romantic involvement with her brother-in-law, Julius (Nathan Owens), which helped her consider the possibility of love again. Later, she became engaged to Trevor (D.B. Woodside), an appealing single father and church pastor — but ultimately ended the relationship after realizing she couldn’t stomach the idea of keeping him away from his young daughter, who resides part-time in Kansas.

In the closing episodes of “Lone Star,” Tommy confronts the most significant challenge yet: a breast cancer diagnosis that seemed fatal in the second last episode. As she readies herself for death, Tommy learns about an incoming asteroid threatening the city. With her remaining strength, she chooses to help those injured by the asteroid’s impact. Meanwhile, Owen Strand and his firefighters, led by Lowe, prevent an explosion at a nuclear reactor following the asteroid strike. In a future scene, it is unveiled that Tommy miraculously survived her supposedly terminal cancer because her tumors had been misdiagnosed as progressing when in reality they were pseudo-progressing. (Can you believe it?)

After concluding the final season in July, Torres mentions that she has spent considerable time contemplating her future steps. Although she hasn’t shared any fresh insights yet, her hints suggest that her next venture will heavily involve producing – a talent she honed during her work on Pearson, the brief spinoff of Suits.

In the following, Torres discusses her experiences in depicting Tommy’s cancer ordeal, what she is most proud of when it comes to embodying a working mother’s universal struggles on “Lone Star”, the lasting impact of Jessica Pearson as “Suits LA” prepares for its debut (“I feel an undue sense of responsibility for the influx of new lawyers in the world”), and her views on the constant struggle for genuine representation on screen.

***

As a gamer, I’ve taken on roles of various characters, even those battling cancer. At first, I was hesitant to embrace this last chapter for Tommy, feeling she had endured enough hardship. But once I understood the direction the writers were taking in the latter half of this final season, I pondered how to portray Tommy’s cancer journey authentically.

In handling Bella Crawford’s character on Hannibal, I aimed to portray her with the utmost sincerity, honesty, and resilience. Given the sensitive nature of the role and its connection to real-life experiences, I felt a strong responsibility to ensure that our depiction was authentic and resonated with those who might be going through similar struggles. Early on, Rashad Raisani and I collaborated with Stand Up to Cancer to ensure that our storylines and portrayal were grounded in reality. Despite the challenges and emotional intensity involved, I was committed to doing justice to this character. And yes, there were many tears (laughs), but I was glad for the opportunity to bring her story to life.

Did a small part of you ponder whether Tommy could make it past his grim diagnosis? A majority of the audience, before watching the last episode, were under the impression that Tommy passed away all by himself on the couch.

From the start, I inquired about our plan from Rashad, and he was unequivocal. He stated, “We’re going to push things right up to the limit, but rest assured, there will be a positive outcome at the end of this journey.” I responded, “Very well, then let’s proceed.

Rashad shared with me that one of the factors leading to splitting up Tommy and Trevor this season was his belief that Charles was truly the one Tommy loved deeply, and she didn’t get a chance to bid farewell before he passed in season two. I was curious about how you chose to reintroduce Charles as a spirit, offering comfort to Tommy at the end of her life.

As a gamer immersed in the game’s universe once more, it was fantastic to team up with Derek again! The characters, our relationship, and the world we built together were just amazing, so reprising our on-screen couple felt terrific, even with its unusual dynamics. For me, though, or beyond the character I play, it was a real treat for the audience to see things come full circle like that. When I saw online reactions to his appearance in the penultimate episode, there was this palpable sense of shock and awe, as if they collectively sighed with relief. They knew he would be a safe haven for my character, which is exactly what they wanted for her. It was heartwarming that Tim and Rashad managed to make it happen in the storyline.

What method did you use to understand how to portray Tommy during what seemed like the last phases of her life, alongside the spirit of Charles?

If someone has observed a person going through a difficult transition while extremely ill, there’s often a distinct sequence of events. First comes struggle and dread, followed by resignation as they accept the impending reality, and eventually, fear gives way to an acceptance that seems peaceful. I aimed to express respect for this entire process.

When you started working with Lone Star during season two, you told me that Tommy Vega was the most well-developed female character you had ever portrayed. With some time having passed since you played Tommy, what are your thoughts on the enduring impact of this character? What achievements in that role are you particularly proud of?

It’s a rather small distance from Tommy. (Chuckles) I adore Tommy. I cherished portraying Tommy Vega. I believe she’s an extraordinary woman. She’s an exceptional symbol of what women can achieve and the impact they can make in the world. Time and again, you’re told, “You can’t have it all. You’re not supposed to have it all,” and that’s a fact for everyone, not just women. It may seem like the burden is heaviest on our shoulders because there are multiple roles to juggle – motherhood, relationships, work. Maintaining harmony among these aspects is a challenge that cannot be easily balanced.

What I really appreciate about the portrayal of Tommy and this character is the sincerity we infused into it. Life can be unpredictable, and often other things become more important – like a meteor (smiles) But, as parents, you always make time for your children, putting them to bed, giving them a goodnight kiss on the forehead, hopefully sharing a warm meal with them. After that, one might find oneself in a romantic situation, say with a preacher (smiles). You learn to embrace life’s challenges, and I truly enjoyed being able to reflect that authenticity with Tommy Vega.

In a recent episode of the Suits watch podcast featuring your past co-stars Patrick J. Adams and Sarah Rafferty, you expressed, “I’ve had an incredibly rewarding career portraying lethal, empowered female characters with a touch of humor and dignity, all while embracing and showcasing my femininity.” This idea that strong female characters must forfeit aspects of their beauty or femininity has been commonly conveyed. However, your characters have challenged this notion. Could you elaborate on the message behind your statement?

Or, more concisely:

In a Suits watch podcast episode with co-stars Patrick J. Adams and Sarah Rafferty, you mentioned that you’ve had a fulfilling career playing strong, beautiful female characters while maintaining their femininity. This stereotype that strength in women means sacrificing beauty or femininity has been prevalent, but your characters have defied this idea. Can you explain further what you meant?

To put it simply, I am a woman, and I take great pride in that. I cherish being a woman, and I wouldn’t want to be anything else. The body I have is one I am comfortable with, and I reflect this comfort in all my characters. My gender doesn’t hold me back from achieving or being anything – not intelligence, not capability, not even being a boss. Why should I compromise any of that when acting? The common notion, as you pointed out, has been that women can only thrive in male-dominated environments if they conform. I reject this idea. Instead, I believe it’s more impactful and intriguing to stand tall without compromising my femininity in a male-dominated setting. There’s no need to bend to masculine expectations.

As a devoted admirer, I’m curious if, at this point in your artistic journey, you find yourself having the freedom to choose the narratives that resonate most deeply with you, or if you continue to challenge the stereotype of self-sufficient, solo characters that have become synonymous with your impressive portfolio?

In connection with our previous discussion, it’s fascinating how diverse the experiences of being a woman can be worldwide, isn’t it? I am deeply committed to delving into as many of these unique expressions as I can. I’ve frequently expressed my admiration for portraying women who aren’t always certain, who don’t have all the answers, and who might sometimes yield to their instincts instead. I believe this is a powerful aspect, one that I aspire to embody in my future roles. There’s definitely humor in such complexity, so we’ll see. I am incredibly thankful for everything that has led me here.

Absolutely, I’m taking on a wider range of tasks now. However, if an exceptional character presents itself in the future, I’m eager to bring her to life! I aim to portray her with authenticity, continually developing her depth and complexity. After all, no one is flawless, and we all stumble and learn along the way. This aspect excites me as well.

In 2019, Suits concluded after nine seasons, but the series gained immense cultural relevance when it began streaming on Netflix in 2023. What are your thoughts on this unexpected revival of the show?

To be honest, I can’t fully grasp it, but one thing is certain – airports have become increasingly challenging these days. This could be a sign of the show’s great success. It seems to touch upon an ambition we all share, an aspiration for self-improvement and a better future. To always appear impeccably stylish, quick-witted, and good-looking is unrealistic, but why not aim for it?

Why not strive for it? I often feel like I’m contributing too many lawyers to the world, but perhaps I can offset that by encouraging more first responders. We’ll have to wait and see!

In a recent episode of the Suits Watch podcast, I mentioned that Diahann Carroll, a legendary actress who passed away, served as my inspiration when portraying Jessica Pearson. She once advised Aaron Spelling on Dynasty to “Write for a powerful white man. I will take care of the rest.” This sentiment resonated with me, as I knew Jessica’s role on the show – she was the tough, no-nonsense boss supporting Harvey (Gabriel Macht) and Mike’s (Patrick Adams) stories. However, I acknowledged that Jessica was the least developed lead character in the series. So, how did I uncover new dimensions of Jessica for my performance?

Acting involves finding depth in characters, whether it’s for a play, TV series, or movie. When I started in theater, I had to perform the same eight shows each week, which helped me discover nuances and subtleties in my roles. This skill carries over into other forms of acting. Even though the lines change and scenes evolve, you still need to delve deeper into the character to show their growth throughout the series. An actor’s challenge is to keep their performance fresh, engaging, and consistent with the character’s development.

Given that we didn’t learn much about Jessica’s background until Pearson, did you as an actor manage to create some backstory details for the character while working on Suits to help you grasp her origins better?

During a sincere discussion with creator Aaron Korsh, I specifically addressed Jessica’s character. I clearly understood my role on the show and never sought additional plot points or screen time. However, what I did ask for was quite particular as we progressed into season three. I expressed, “I don’t necessarily need to be in every scene, but when I am present, I should be the most intellectually astute individual.” Additionally, I requested, “I also need people with whom I can engage in conversation.

Primarily, my connection on the show was with Harvey, although many found it captivating, there were limits to how far we could explore it. Being his boss, being superior, I required colleagues. That’s why we brought in Jeff Malone (played by D.B. Woodside), and even introduced a sister character. However, the show was isolating. Every other character had companions – Harvey had me, Donna, Mike, and of course, Mike had Rachel. Louis had his unseen secretary and Sheila. But Jessica was alone. It seemed fitting for her to find someone. Yet, she never truly found a comforting refuge. Her relationship with Jeff was often contentious, and it all took a turn for the worse. These were the two requests I made for the show’s development.

Have we almost reached the six-year mark since the debut of “Pearson,” a series you not only starred in but also contributed significantly to its development and executive production? Looking back, do you feel like your initial goals with Jessica have been met, given that the spinoff ran for just one season?

Absolutely. It’s a project I took the lead on and played a significant role in shaping. I take immense pride in it and what we managed to achieve. I must say, it’s the series I envisioned creating. If only we had more time, we could have shared more stories, delved a bit further into that world. As I often mentioned, while Suits focused on the top 5%, Pearson was meant to represent everyone else. And I truly believe we succeeded in doing so, in a unique and captivating manner.

Given your strong association with two popular TV shows, could there be a chance you might make an appearance on either Suits LA, the upcoming Suits spinoff, or any new installments within the 9-1-1 universe, which includes both the original series and its future spinoffs currently in development? [Writer’s note: The original 9-1-1 is airing its eighth season.]

Frankly, I’m clueless about “Suits: LA” and the “9-1-1” universe. I haven’t had any conversations regarding either of them. However, I genuinely wish them all the best and hope they have an amazing journey ahead. May their upcoming experiences be truly enjoyable! As for what might be happening in their creative minds, well, that remains a mystery to me!

It’s worth mentioning that you provided a voiceover for the original 9-1-1 series this season, even though it was during a flashback. While I was watching that episode, I found myself wondering, “Isn’t that Gina’s voice?

Indeed, well done! It seems you were engrossed in your personal affairs. I believe you were preparing a meal at home when Tim reached out to you. He was in the editing suite, and he asked if you could handle one more call. You requested a brief delay of five minutes. (Laughs) He sent you the text with the details, and you handled it successfully.

You’ve always been open about your identity as an Afro-Latina, and you’ve deliberately incorporated this aspect into your last two main TV characters, Jessica Pearson and Tommy Vega. The entertainment industry is making efforts towards cultural authenticity, but it appears that progress might be slowing down. There seems to be a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding race and ethnicity, even though Hollywood often categorizes people based on these factors.

You’ve made your Afro-Latina identity a key part of your last two major TV roles, Jessica Pearson and Tommy Vega. The industry is trying to be more inclusive, but it looks like progress might be slowing down. There’s still a lack of understanding about race and ethnicity in Hollywood, even though they often put people into boxes based on these categories.

Yeah, that hasn’t exactly stopped, has it?

No, it hasn’t.

That’s something that persists [after] all this time.

In our numerous discussions on potential actions and ideal steps, I’m curious, what aspects of the broader dialogue on diversity and inclusion might we still be overlooking?

As a passionate admirer of diverse perspectives in storytelling, I’d like to introduce a thought-provoking quote from Diahann. This idea isn’t about the form your writing takes, but rather the essence behind it. Often, creators find themselves struggling with the notion that they don’t know how to write for a specific character because their language might not match or feel familiar.

I believe there are two strategies to navigate this situation: 1) Seek out writers whose experiences and backgrounds mirror the world you’re creating, providing authenticity and depth in your narrative. 2) More crucially, if you cast actors who embody the characters you’ve written, they will breathe life into their roles with their unique experiences. By fostering collaboration, you allow a magical synergy to emerge between the words on the page and the lived realities of those performing them.

In a diplomatic manner, I’d like to express that people frequently become overwhelmed by an insurmountable pile of diversity, fearing they might lose what’s familiar. Yet, let me clarify that this fear is essentially unfounded. Instead, embracing this diversity will enrich your knowledge and appreciation of the world and its inhabitants. You won’t be losing anything but gaining a deeper insight into our shared desires. So, instead of focusing on the ‘how’, just dive in. This is the real world we inhabit, not a simulation.

Six decades ago, skepticism surrounded the idea – actually, you don’t need to travel back 60 years; just go back [40 years] to a time when many doubted that a prosperous Black couple could own a brownstone and star in a show like “The Cosby Show.” Such an image seemed as fantastical as dragons or unicorns. Yet, they were real, and this depiction had a profound impact not only on the Black community but also on the nation at large. It was heartening to witness such a well-adjusted Black family living their ordinary lives. Shows like “A Different World” and many others that followed served a similar purpose. So I remain optimistic.

***

Right now, you can stream every episode of 9-1-1: Lone Star on Fox Now and Hulu. Similarly, all episodes of Suits are available for streaming on Netflix and Peacock.

Read More

2025-02-04 05:26