During a candid discussion, The Rookie cast members Melissa O’Neill, Shawn Ashmore, and Eric Winter opened up about the unexpected and sometimes intense injuries they sustained while shooting the action-packed police drama.
“There are moments when you forget how physical the job is until you go home covered in bruises,” said Eric Winter.
Each actor shared different experiences from the set, describing how seemingly routine stunts occasionally went wrong. Melissa O’Neill recalled twisted ankles and bruised knees from chase sequences, while Shawn Ashmore mentioned scrapes and muscle pulls that took weeks to heal.
Eric Winter described one particularly bad injury that caused more than just physical pain.
“It actually changed my personality for a while,” he admitted, explaining that an on-set accident affected his mobility and mood during recovery.
The cast agreed that the series’ dedication to realism often means taking physical risks. Many stunts are performed with limited doubles to preserve authenticity, which adds both excitement and potential danger.
Despite the challenges, they expressed pride in creating a show that feels grounded and engaging. O’Neill summed it up by saying that every bruise reminds them of the show’s commitment to telling real, human stories through the lens of law enforcement.
The actors also highlighted the importance of on-set camaraderie. Injuries fostered a stronger sense of trust among the cast and crew, reinforcing their teamwork both on and off screen.
Author summary: The Rookie cast candidly discusses the physical toll of filming high-intensity scenes, revealing how injuries shaped both their performances and off-screen relationships.