Kerry Weaver

Kerry Weaver is a fictional character from the American television series ER, which aired on NBC from 1994 to 2009. The character was portrayed by actress Laura Innes. Kerry Weaver is one of the most prominent and long-standing characters on the show, known for her complex personality and significant development over the series' run.

Character Background

Kerry Weaver first appears in the second season of ER as an attending physician and later becomes the Chief of Emergency Medicine at County General Hospital. She is characterized by her strong-willed, often abrasive demeanor, and her physical disability, which requires her to use a cane. Her disability is a significant aspect of her character, influencing her interactions with colleagues and patients.

Professional Life

Throughout her tenure at County General, Kerry Weaver is depicted as a highly competent and ambitious doctor. She often clashes with other staff members due to her strict adherence to hospital policies and her sometimes ruthless pursuit of career advancement. Despite these conflicts, she is also shown to be deeply committed to patient care and medical ethics.

Kerry's leadership style and decisions frequently put her at odds with other main characters, including Mark Greene, Doug Ross, and John Carter. Her role as Chief of Emergency Medicine sees her navigating the complexities of hospital administration, budget constraints, and the personal dynamics of the ER staff.

Personal Life

Kerry Weaver's personal life is explored in depth throughout the series. One of the most significant storylines involves her coming to terms with her sexuality. Kerry is initially portrayed as closeted but eventually comes out as a lesbian. This aspect of her character is explored through her relationships with other characters, including her romantic involvement with Dr. Kim Legaspi and firefighter Sandy Lopez.

Her relationship with Sandy Lopez is particularly impactful, as it leads to the birth of their son, Henry. The storyline addresses various challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, including discrimination and the struggle for acceptance.

Departure from the Series

Kerry Weaver's character arc concludes in the 13th season of ER. She decides to leave County General to take a job as a medical reporter, allowing her to spend more time with her son. Her departure marks the end of a significant era for the show, as she was one of the last remaining original characters.

Legacy

Kerry Weaver remains one of the most memorable characters in ER due to her complex personality, professional dedication, and the representation of her disability and sexuality. Her character has been praised for bringing depth and diversity to the series, and she continues to be a subject of discussion among fans and critics.

See Also

• ER (TV series)
• Laura Innes
• Mark Greene
• Doug Ross
• John Carter (ER)
• Kim Legaspi
• Sandy Lopez