Gerran Howell, a Welsh actor best known for his role as Dennis Whitaker in the hit HBO Max series The Pitt, has opened up about his experience on the show, describing it as a transformative journey that has given him a “newfound respect” for the medical profession. The series, set in a fast-paced emergency department in Pittsburgh, USA, follows the lives of healthcare professionals as they navigate intense and often life-or-death situations. Known for its gritty realism and attention to detail, The Pitt is a show that places a significant emphasis on medical accuracy, and Howell’s experience in portraying a trainee doctor has only deepened his appreciation for the real-life professionals who work in such high-pressure environments.

In a recent interview on BBC Radio Wales with Lucy Owen, Howell reflected on his journey as an actor in the role of Dennis Whitaker, a fourth-year medical student who evolves from a nervous and overwhelmed trainee to a more confident and capable doctor over the course of the show’s two seasons. Howell explained that the show’s commitment to authenticity is what sets it apart from other medical dramas, and he has spent countless hours working closely with medical experts to ensure that every scene feels as realistic as possible.

“There was a boot camp which was intense,” Howell said, recalling the rigorous preparation he and his fellow cast members underwent before filming. “They sat us all down in a room, took us through every procedure, showed us very graphic videos of every procedure, and guided us through it.” This extensive training ensured that the cast was not only familiar with the medical terminology and tools but also understood the human elements of the work, from patient interactions to the emotional toll that the job can take on healthcare professionals. Howell added, “The whole show is built on medical accuracy, and we have an incredible team of medical advisers who are with us every step of the way.”

For Howell, this immersion in the medical world has had a lasting impact. While he expressed a clear respect for the profession, he was quick to admit that a real medical career was not for him. “It’s extremely gory,” he said with a chuckle. “But I have such a newfound respect for the medical profession.” Despite the graphic nature of some of the scenes, Howell’s deep respect for doctors and nurses shines through. The show’s medical advisers, who are involved in every aspect of the production, have played a crucial role in shaping Howell’s portrayal of his character, ensuring that every scene involving medical procedures is as true to life as possible.

The portrayal of medical procedures on The Pitt has become one of the defining features of the show, with each trauma scene carefully choreographed to make it feel as authentic as possible. Howell shared that when filming such scenes, the cast is taken through the process step-by-step, learning about the instruments they will use, their purpose, and how they fit into the broader medical context. “Every instrument that we’re holding, we’re told its purpose and maybe given some stories,” he explained. This level of detail not only adds to the show’s realism but also gives the cast a deeper understanding of the work their characters are doing.

Howell’s character, Dennis Whitaker, has undergone significant development since his introduction in Season 1. He started out as an overwhelmed and inexperienced medical student, unsure of how to handle the pressures of working in an emergency department. However, by the end of Season 2, Dennis has become more knowledgeable and capable, gaining the skills and confidence necessary to thrive in such a demanding environment. “By Series 2, he’s becoming more capable, more knowledgeable, more savvy,” Howell said, adding that this progression is vital to his character’s survival in the high-stakes world of The Pitt. “I think he kind of has to be otherwise he’d be fired!”

In addition to the intense training and the realistic portrayal of medical procedures, Howell’s experience on The Pitt has also given him a new perspective on the emotional and psychological challenges that healthcare workers face. The show’s depiction of burnout, trauma, and the toll of working in a high-pressure environment provides a window into the often-overlooked aspects of the medical profession. Howell noted that, while the show focuses on the technical side of medicine, it also explores the human side of being a doctor, from dealing with difficult patients to coping with personal struggles.

Interestingly, Howell revealed that he had heard rumors that George Clooney, the legendary actor known for his role in ER, had personally recommended him for the role of Dennis Whitaker. Howell and Clooney had worked together on the 2019 mini-series Catch-22, where they became acquainted. “I’ve heard in interviews that there were words between [Clooney] and Noah [Wyle], and George recommended me,” Howell said, referring to The Pitt executive producer and lead actor Noah Wyle. “I haven’t talked to Noah about it yet, but I’ve heard those rumors.” Although Howell was quick to dismiss it as speculation, the possibility that Clooney had played a role in his casting speaks to the connections and support within the acting community.

For Howell, landing the role of Dennis Whitaker marked a significant milestone in his career. He credited his drama teachers at Barry Comprehensive School in Barry, Wales, with sparking his passion for acting. He also fondly remembered an after-school improvisation club he attended in Cardiff Bay, which he said helped him realize his potential as an actor. “I found something that I was semi-good at and I ran with it,” Howell said, reflecting on his journey into the entertainment industry.

Howell has since split his time between Los Angeles and London but still makes it a point to return to Barry whenever he can. “I try and go back as much as I can, especially at Christmas,” he said, noting that his roots remain firmly planted in his hometown. Despite his growing success in the industry, Howell remains grounded and appreciative of the opportunities he’s had, especially his time on The Pitt.

As the show continues to gain popularity, Howell’s portrayal of Dennis Whitaker has become a fan favorite. With the intense training and commitment to realism that the show demands, it’s clear that Howell’s respect for the medical profession is not just limited to his character—it’s something he truly believes in. Whether or not he will continue with the show beyond Season 2 remains to be seen, but his dedication to his craft and to bringing authenticity to his portrayal of Dennis Whitaker has made him an integral part of The Pitt’s success.