Hudson & Rex star John Reardon clarified the circumstances of his exit from the show amid his tonsil cancer battle.
“I’ve been quiet for a while — partly because it was hard to find the words, and partly because I didn’t want anyone else speaking for me,” Reardon, 50, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, September 23. “The truth is: I didn’t leave Hudson & Rex. After taking a couple months to go through cancer treatment, I was given a clean bill of health and cleared and ready to return to work.”
Reardon, who revealed in December 2024 that he was diagnosed with cancer, played Detective Charlie Hudson on the eight-season USA series. The police procedural followed Charlie while he solved crimes in Newfoundland with a German Shepherd partner, Rex.
“The team chose to go in a different direction,” Reardon added on Tuesday. “Although this is not how I had hoped the 7 year journey would end, I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to play a part in building something special.”
He continued, “I’m healthy. I’m working. And I’m proud of what comes next. I hope you’ll join me on the adventure.”
Reardon, who shares two children with wife Meghan Ory, further gushed about his experience working on Hudson & Rex.
“I’d like to thank the people of St. John’s who embraced me and my family. My daughter was born on the island and I’m proud to call her a Newfoundlander,” he wrote, referring to the show’s filming location in Canada. “I’d like to thank my friend Paul Pope who I miss dearly, the cast and crew that felt like family and, of course, my partner Diesel, you truly had swagger, buddy.”
He added, “But above all I want to thank the fans. I’m blown away by the thousands of messages I’ve received from you over the past year. You’ve shared stories of the hard times you’ve gone through, sent kindness and compassion and shared with me how important the show has been to you. This is worth more than gold. I will hold it close always. Thank you for welcoming me into your homes. It has been a privilege.”
Several fellow actors shared support in the comments section, including Hallmark star Emilie Ullerup.
“You know how I feel about this. I am so proud of you for sharing this openly,” she wrote. “In a business that does not always value what it should. Nothing changes until we dare to speak up. Here’s to you, and to your health dear friend.”