Evan Cortez, portrayed by Jaime Gomez, was one of the most compelling characters on Nash Bridges . He was known as the youngest and least experienced member of the team, yet his personal struggles and growth throughout the show made him a fan favorite. His character’s journey was marked by challenges with alcoholism and complex romantic relationships, which added depth to his role.
Evan first appeared in the Season 1 premiere of Nash Bridges , titled “Genesis.” As a dedicated cop, he showcased a rare talent for solving some of the most challenging and obscure cases. His charm, mischievous personality, and ability to tackle crime head-on earned him the admiration of both his colleagues and the audience. Over the six seasons of the show, Evan transformed from a rookie officer into a seasoned professional, making his untimely death all the more to fans.
Evan’s final appearance came in Season 5’s episode “Jackpot: Part 2.” In a crucial scene, the character was seen facing intense pressure in his personal life. He agreed to marry his fiancée, Cassidy Bridges (Jodi Lyn O’Keefe), in Las Vegas, marking a pivotal moment in their relationship. After this emotional conversation, Evan kissed Cassidy goodbye and left for work. What followed would be a tragic turn of events that everyone.
Nash Bridges (Image via Getty)
Evan’s death took place during a high-stakes investigation involving a criminal named Roy McNair (Silas Weir Mitchell). Disguised as a bar staff member, Evan surveilled the area and eventually spotted McNair. The chase that ensued led them through a hotel’s pool area, kitchen, and basement. As Evan closed in on McNair, the criminal whispered “Game over” and shot him. Harvey Leek (Jeff Perry) arrived too late to prevent the attack, finding Evan barely alive on the floor.
Evan’s death was a devastating blow to his colleagues, especially Cassidy. In a poignant moment, Nash Bridges (Don Johnson) avenged his death by using a Stinger missile to eliminate McNair. At Evan’s funeral, Cassidy shared that she had been accepted into a police academy, determined to honor Evan’s memory by following in his footsteps.
In the aftermath of Evan’s death, Nash Bridges introduced a new character, Antwon Babcock (Cress Williams), who replaced Evan as an inspector in the show’s sixth season.
In 2019, a revival of Nash Bridges was announced, with Don Johnson and Cheech Marin returning for a two-hour special. While the new project is in the works, it remains uncertain whether Jaime Gomez will make a cameo in the revived series. The future of the character remains a mystery, but the legacy of Evan Cortez on Nash Bridges endures.
One of the most iconic TV shows of the 1970s, The Waltons captured the struggles and triumphs of a rural Virginia family during the Great Depression and World War II. For over seven seasons, actress Michael Learned portrayed Olivia Walton, the family’s strong and nurturing matriarch. Fans were stunned when she left the series midway through Season 8—a decision Michael Learned says she still regrets to this day.
Olivia Walton’s final appearance was in Season 8, episode The Waiting, which aired on November 22, 1979. The storyline explains Olivia’s absence by having her move to Washington, D.C., to care for her eldest son, John-Boy, who was injured in the war. Later, it was revealed that Olivia was battling tuberculosis and being treated at a sanatorium in Arizona.
Michael Learned reprised her role in four of The Waltons reunion movies, showing Olivia’s recovery from her illness. However, she was absent from Season 9. Why did she leave before the show’s finale? In one word: exhaustion.
Michael Learned spoke candidly about her departure. “On a television show, the work is so repetitive—stop and start, over and over again,” she said in an interview after leaving the show. She explained that emotional scenes became particularly draining. “It’s very hard to dredge up those emotions, pause for long breaks, and then do it all over again.”
Olivia On The Waltons (Image via Getty)
In a 2017 interview, she elaborated on her frustrations. “I just couldn’t do it anymore… I spent hours on set saying, ‘More coffee, John?’ Honestly, I was bored. And I thought I had enough money, which wasn’t true.”
Though the remaining cast managed to film 36 more episodes after her exit, Michael Learned admitted she sometimes regretted her decision. “Looking back, it might have been better to stay and finish the series,” she reflected.
Even though she left on her terms, saying goodbye to The Waltons was emotional for Michael. “I cried both on and off camera,” she recalled. At one point, she even questioned whether her tears were for Olivia leaving or for herself moving on.
Interestingly, Michael Learned wasn’t keen on playing Olivia Walton initially. After replacing Patricia Neal following the 1971 movie The Homecoming: A Christmas Story, the then-33-year-old actress had her doubts. “I didn’t want to do it,” she confessed, adding that she was in the midst of a divorce and needed to support her three children.
She shared that the role felt worlds away from her recent work in theater, including roles in Private Lives and Cleopatra. “I wasn’t ready to play a farmer’s wife at 40,” she admitted. But in hindsight, she described the opportunity as “a gift from God” that ultimately changed her life.
