Jesse L. Martin took a break from acting due to a back injury but has since returned to his role on “The Flash.”
Jesse L. Martin, best known for his role as Detective Joe West on the CW’s superhero series “The Flash,” had to take a temporary leave of absence from the show during its fifth season due to a back injury he sustained during the summer hiatus. His injury required him to take time off to recover fully. During his absence, the show’s writers addressed his character’s absence by explaining that Joe West was away visiting family.
Fortunately, Martin’s recovery went well, and he was able to return to the show. His comeback was met with positive reactions from fans who had missed his presence on the series. Aside from his work on “The Flash,” Jesse L. Martin has had a successful career on stage, in film, and on television, including a notable role in the original Broadway cast of “Rent” and a long-running part on “Law & Order.” His return to “The Flash” ensured that the beloved character of Joe West continued to be a central part of the show’s ongoing narrative.