Dr. Kroger was written out of the show Monk due to the real-life passing of his actor, Stanley Kamel.
The Real-Life Reason Behind His Departure
The unfortunate reason behind Dr. Kroger's absence and the character's death within the series was the actual passing of Stanley Kamel, the actor who portrayed him. Kamel died from a heart attack, leading to a significant decision for the show's creators.
The Show's Response and Impact
Rather than recasting the pivotal role of Monk's long-time therapist, the creators of Monk chose to address Stanley Kamel's death directly within the narrative. This led to Dr. Kroger being written out of the show as having passed away. This decision resulted in one of the most emotional and heartbreaking episodes of the series, as it allowed the show to acknowledge the real-world loss of a beloved actor while also providing a poignant moment for Adrian Monk's journey and for the audience who had grown attached to Dr. Kroger's supportive presence.
