Peter Krause talks new season of ‘9-1-1’
Peter Krause, the versatile actor behind some of TV’s most iconic roles, has graced audiences with his talents in Six Feet Under as the funeral director, Dirty Sexy Money as a high-powered lawyer, and Sports Night as a charismatic sports anchor. But now, he’s thrilling viewers once again in the hit drama 9-1-1—as a firefighter navigating life-or-death situations.
In a recent interview, Peter opened up about his role in 9-1-1, which has seen him tackle everything from earthquakes and tsunamis to, most recently, a B-NATO—a tornado of bees that terrorized Los Angeles. The show, known for its over-the-top, adrenaline-pumping emergencies, had Peter’s character, Bobby, using his firefighting expertise to navigate one of the most bizarre and dangerous situations imaginable. “It’s very meta,” Peter laughed, noting how his character is a consultant on a firefighting show within the show. “We’ve had everything from earthquakes to tsunamis, but a tornado of bees? That’s a first.”
As the firefighter Bobby Nash, Peter is always at the center of the action, with a personal connection to the community he serves. One episode even involved Bobby’s character helping an actor obsessed with learning everything about firefighting, adding an intriguing subplot where the lines between reality and performance blur. The show’s dynamic mix of high stakes and relatable characters ensures that no two episodes are alike, with each bringing something completely new.
Beyond the firehouse, Peter’s 9-1-1 storyline has also explored his real-life wife, Angela Bassett, who plays his partner, Athena. Together, they have tackled incredible challenges, including a romcom-style honeymoon turned ship disaster and an intense plane crash rescue. “Angela and I have had a blast working together,” Peter shared, recounting their thrilling experience on a honeymoon cruise where pirates hijacked the ship in pursuit of a bitcoin dongle. “It was crazy. Only 9-1-1 could pull off something like that,” he added with a smile.
Peter’s extensive acting career continues to resonate with fans. From the tender and tragic role of Nate Fisher in Six Feet Under to the witty and engaging Casey McCall in Sports Night, his ability to bring complex, multidimensional characters to life has earned him widespread praise. The love for his past roles is ever-present, with fans often calling him by his character names in real life. Recently, in an airport, a TSA agent greeted him as “Casey” from Sports Night, a moment that warmed Peter’s heart. “It’s always fun when people remember the characters you’ve played,” he mused.
As 9-1-1 continues to escalate in its emergencies, Peter shows no signs of slowing down. With helicopters, plane crashes, and even a heart-transplant rescue hanging off a building, his stunt-filled role has proven both physically demanding and rewarding. “It’s a high-stress job, but it’s also the most fun I’ve ever had,” he said. Fans are eager to see how his character, Bobby Nash, will handle the next wild adventure in the upcoming episodes.
Catch Peter Krause on 9-1-1, Thursdays at 8 p.m. Eastern/Pacific on ABC, or stream the latest episodes on Hulu.
