For All Mankind demonstrated its unpredictable nature by eliminating a central character just three episodes into the season.
On the Friday, April 10, installment of the Apple TV show, main character Ed, played by Joel Kinnaman, passed away with his grandson Alex, portrayed by Sean Kaufman, at his side. Over the series’ run, the cast has evolved, but Kinnaman, 46, has led since its inception in season 1.
Kaufman, 26, shared with Us Weekly his experience of being present during this pivotal scene, stating, “My favorite part about this show is that as much as there’s all these stunts in every episode — and it’s so expansive in the nature of the solar system and constant exploration and CGI and planets — it’s a really grounded drama. It focuses on familial relationships and platonic and romantic relationships and just everyday human life. Being able to focus on that was truly my favorite part.”
Viewers witnessed the beloved character’s demise in episode 3 as he succumbed to lung cancer. In a poignant moment, Kelly, played by Cynthy Wu, urges him to seek treatment, but he refuses.
For All Mankind, which debuted in 2019, presents an alternate history where the Soviet Union reaches the moon before the United States. The series delves into the ongoing Space Race and is inspired by the lunar plaque left by the Apollo 11 crew on the moon.
The show features historical figures such as astronauts, NASA officials, U.S. presidents, and other political leaders. Initially, For All Mankind starred Kinnaman, Shantel VanSanten, Jodi Balfour, Wrenn Schmidt, Sonya Walger, Krys Marshall, Cynthy Wu, Coral Peña, and Edi Gathegi, with Toby Kebbell, Tyner Rushing, Svetlana Efremova, and Daniel Stern completing the cast.
Describing Ed’s final scene, Kaufman told Us, “Ed’s death was a very emotional moment. I had the pleasure of working with Joel and being with him for that scene and it was very powerful. I watched this man who spent a chapter of his life doing this show — and who clearly had a connection and was family to this cast and this crew — and it literally came to a close. It was so emotional. I had no choice but to feel overwhelmed.”
Having joined in season 5, Kaufman experienced what he called “the passing of the guard.”
“It felt so impactful for me to be able to be there in that scene — and for him to pass it on to me,” he continued. “There was a scene we did before where I was a little nervous. We were talking about it. At the end of the scene, after my coverage, he just looks at me silently in his old man makeup and he just nods and gives me a thumbs up. I’ll never forget it.”
Riverdale, Glee and more TV shows were faced with the difficult task of writing out characters after their portrayers died off screen. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us […]
He concluded by saying, “Because to me, that was the moment I knew he trusts me. It was a very powerful thing that I really used a lot in the show because it was like, ‘Well, it’s on me now to shape my future in the show. I have to trust myself in the way that he trusts me.’”
Kaufman expressed his excitement about taking on the next chapter of the series, telling Us, “I’ve been telling everybody that the only thing that I want to do in this career is things that scare me. I want to do complete 180s.”
He added: “Anything that I don’t know or anything that I am unaware of how to do [is something I want to try]. If I ever know how to do something, then I shouldn’t do it. I love being uncomfortable. I love uncomfortability. I love not knowing what a joy that is, what a privilege that is and to be able to learn.”
New episodes of For All Mankind are released on Fridays on Apple TV.
