For television fans, few actors have inspired as much loyalty as Colin Donnell.

Whether playing a brilliant surgeon, a heroic best friend, or a complex investigator, Donnell has spent more than a decade building a reputation as one of TV’s most dependable leading men. Yet many viewers believe his biggest success stories are still ahead of him.

The Exit That Broke Chicago Med Fans

Donnell’s most famous television role remains Dr. Connor Rhodes on Chicago Med.

Introduced in the series premiere, Connor Rhodes quickly became one of the hospital’s most popular doctors. His intelligence, confidence, and emotionally complicated personal life helped make him a fan favorite.

That is why his departure in Season 5 stunned audiences.

After years of major storylines, Connor left Chicago following a devastating series of personal tragedies. The exit remains one of the most emotional departures in the history of the Chicago franchise, and fans continue to call for the character’s return years later.

The Arrow Role That Made Him a Fan Favorite

Before Chicago Med, Donnell gained widespread recognition as Tommy Merlyn in Arrow.

Although Tommy’s time on the show was relatively short, the character became one of the most beloved figures in the Arrowverse.

His friendship with Oliver Queen and his tragic fate left a lasting impact on the franchise. Even after his death, Tommy continued appearing through flashbacks, alternate realities, and special crossover events.

A Career Beyond Television

Many fans are surprised to learn that Donnell originally built his career on stage.

Before becoming a television star, he appeared in major Broadway productions, earning praise for his singing and acting abilities. His theatre background helped establish the versatility that later became one of his greatest strengths on screen.

Over the years, he has successfully moved between drama, comedy, medical series, crime procedurals, and musical performances.

Recent Projects Keep Him Busy

Following his departure from Chicago Med, Donnell continued appearing in a variety of television projects, including guest roles and recurring appearances in crime dramas and mystery series.

Industry observers have frequently noted that he remains one of those actors who can seamlessly transition between leading-man roles and ensemble casts.

As a result, casting announcements involving Donnell often attract immediate attention from fans of both the Chicago franchise and the Arrowverse.

Why Fans Still Want a Connor Rhodes Return

The biggest question surrounding Donnell remains remarkably simple:

Will Connor Rhodes ever return to Chicago Med?

The character was never killed off, leaving the possibility open.

Every time the series experiences a major cast change, speculation returns. Social media discussions frequently feature fans imagining how Connor might fit into the current hospital environment or reunite with former colleagues.

As of 2026, no official return has been announced.

But hope remains very much alive.

A Career Defined by Memorable Characters

What makes Colin Donnell stand out is not simply the number of roles he has played.

It is how deeply audiences connect with those characters.

From Tommy Merlyn’s heartbreaking loyalty to Connor Rhodes’ complicated brilliance, Donnell has repeatedly portrayed people who leave lasting impressions long after they exit a series.

That ability has earned him something many actors spend their careers chasing:

Fans who never stop asking for one more chapter.

And in television, that may be the strongest sign of a lasting legacy.