After nine seasons as the beloved tech expert Aram Mojtabai on The Blacklist, actor Amir Arison decided to leave the NBC series in 2022. His exit was not due to any behind-the-scenes drama but was a personal and positive career move to fulfill a lifelong dream. Arison departed after the Season 9 finale to prepare for his Broadway debut, starring as Amir in the stage adaptation of The Kite Runner.
The Reason for Aram’s Exit: A Childhood Dream Calls
Amir Arison’s decision to leave The Blacklist was driven by a unique opportunity in theater. After nearly a decade on the show, he was offered the lead role in The Kite Runner on Broadway.
“I could not pass up the opportunity, however, to fulfill a childhood dream of being on Broadway playing ‘Amir’ in The Kite Runner,” Arison said in a statement.
Interestingly, this move came as a surprise even to Arison. Before this offer, he had stepped back from theater work, finding it emotionally draining. However, the specific role in The Kite Runner reignited his passion. He described a pivotal moment during his audition where he discovered a deep connection to the character, which cemented his decision to take on the new challenge.
The timing aligned with his career goals. The Blacklist had just been renewed for Season 10, and Arison felt that after nine years, he needed a new artistic challenge. The producers and network fully supported his decision to pursue this dream.
How Aram’s Story Ended on the Show
The writers gave the character Aram Mojtabai a peaceful and hopeful send-off in the Season 9 finale, titled “Marvin Gerard: Conclusion, Part 2”.
The exit was woven into the story naturally. During a gathering at Elizabeth Keen’s gravesite on the third anniversary of her death, Aram told the task force he needed to take time away. He expressed that the emotional toll of the job, coupled with his own personal reflections, led him to this choice.
“My plan is no plan. I found a cool place in Brooklyn. I’m gonna go up there and just you know ride my bike, do New York, eat lots of pizza, look at the people, maybe a Broadway show,” Aram told his friends in the finale.
This quiet farewell was consistent with the show’s earlier themes. An episode titled “The Bear Mask” in Season 9 had already explored Aram’s struggles with anxiety and guilt, setting the stage for his decision to prioritize his mental health and well-being. By not killing off the character, the show left the door open for a potential return.
Aram’s Brief Return in Season 10
Fans did not have to wait long to see Aram again. Amir Arison made a special guest appearance in the Season 10 premiere of The Blacklist.
His cameo was brief but significant. Aram was shown living a calm life in New York City. While leaving the Metropolitan Museum of Art, he spotted a man he believed to be Raymond Reddington acting suspiciously alone. Aram immediately called Harold Cooper to report the sighting. His instinct was proven right when the location Reddington had just fled from exploded moments later.
This appearance served two purposes: it reassured viewers that Aram was safe and happy in his new life, and it used his sharp skills to kick off the final season’s central mystery. Showrunner John Eisendrath had expressed hope that Arison could return for “some very special episodes,” and this cameo fulfilled that.
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Other Cast Exits and the Show’s Final Season
Arison was not the only cast member to leave at the end of Season 9. Laura Sohn, who played FBI Agent Alina Park, also departed the series. Her character announced she was taking a medical leave due to a pregnancy.
The Blacklist has seen several major exits over its long run:
- Megan Boone (Elizabeth Keen): Left after Season 8 to pursue other projects.
- Ryan Eggold (Tom Keen): His character was killed off in Season 5 as a creative plot decision.
- Mozhan Marnò (Samar Navabi): The actress chose to leave in Season 6 to explore new career chapters.
Season 10, which premiered in February 2023, was the final season of the series. Aram’s departure marked the end of an era for one of the show’s original and most enduring supporting characters.
What Amir Arison Did After The Blacklist
Amir Arison’s post-Blacklist career focus was squarely on The Kite Runner. The play began performances in July 2022 and ran through October 2022 at the Hayes Theater on Broadway. His performance was critically praised and earned him a Theater World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut.
Beyond acting, Arison is also a director and producer. During his time on The Blacklist, he directed a docuseries about an 8-year-old cancer survivor. He has also been recognized for his philanthropic work, receiving awards for using his platform to give back.
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