In a rare glimpse into the life of a former television star, a recent photo of Sherry Stringfield, best known for her role as Dr. Susan Lewis on the hit medical drama ER, has emerged on social media. The actress, now 58, was a key member of the original cast that included George Clooney, Noah Wyle, Julianna Margulies, Eriq LaSalle, and Anthony Edwards. The image, reportedly from 2022, shows a silver-haired Stringfield alongside a young man believed to be her son, Milo Joseph, now 21.
Stringfield’s decision to leave ER at the height of its popularity in 1997 was a significant moment in television history. At the time, she was three years into a five-year contract but chose to prioritize her personal life over her burgeoning career. Her departure was driven by a desire to be closer to her then-boyfriend in New York City and the grueling demands of the show, which often required 18-hour workdays.
The Rise and Departure from ER
Sherry Stringfield’s portrayal of Dr. Susan Lewis began in 1994, when ER was rapidly becoming one of the most acclaimed shows on television. Despite its success, the intense schedule took a toll on her health, leading to bouts of pneumonia and viral meningitis. In a 1997 interview with Entertainment Weekly, she candidly described the pressures of the job:
“You get a cold, they won’t let you off for a cold, then you get the flu, then you’re running a fever, you’re still coming in, you’re taking a nap on the gurneys in between scenes, you push, push, push, and finally your body says no f—ing way.”
Her departure left producers confused and upset, but Stringfield maintained that the decision was necessary for her well-being. She later revealed that the birth of her daughter, Phoebe, in March 2001, prompted her to seek the structure of a job, leading to her return to ER six months after her child’s birth.
Return to the Small Screen
Stringfield’s return to ER in its eighth season was met with enthusiasm from both the show’s creators and its audience. Reflecting on her decision to return, she told the Chicago Tribune,
“Series television is either a nightmare or the best thing in the whole world. It really depends on, I think, where you are in your life.”
This time, with a family to anchor her, she found the experience more rewarding.
Her second stint on ER lasted until the end of season 11, after which her character was quietly written out. Despite her exit, Stringfield continued to work in television, taking on various roles, including a nine-episode arc in the CBS sci-fi series Under the Dome in 2014 and a final appearance in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders in 2017.
Life Beyond Acting
Beyond her professional achievements, Stringfield’s personal life has been a focal point of her journey. She shares two children, Phoebe, now 24, and Milo, with her ex-husband Larry Joseph, whom she was married to from October 1998 until January 2006. Her decision to prioritize family over fame underscores a narrative familiar to many in Hollywood, where the demands of stardom often clash with personal desires.
Stringfield’s story is a testament to the challenges and choices faced by actors in the entertainment industry. Her ability to step away from a successful career to focus on what mattered most to her offers a poignant reminder of the importance of balance and personal fulfillment.
The Legacy of ER and Stringfield’s Impact
As ER continues to be celebrated as a groundbreaking series, Stringfield’s contribution to its success remains significant. Her portrayal of Dr. Susan Lewis helped shape the show’s early years, and her departure and return added layers to the narrative both on and off-screen. Her journey reflects the broader challenges of maintaining a career in the fast-paced world of television while navigating personal commitments.
While Stringfield has largely stepped away from the spotlight, her legacy endures through her work and the impact she had on one of television’s most iconic series. As fans revisit ER, her story serves as a reminder of the human side of Hollywood, where personal choices often define professional paths.
