5 Unforgettable Battles: Inside Marlyne Barrett's Inspiring Journey To Complete Remission And Her Chicago Med Exit

Marlyne Barrett's story, as of this current date in December 2025, is one of extraordinary resilience, professional dedication, and personal triumph. Best known to millions as the compassionate and formidable Head Charge Nurse Maggie Lockwood on NBC's hit series Chicago Med, the actress has recently made headlines for two major life updates: a significant change in her television career and a monumental victory in her health battle.

The latest news confirms that Barrett is stepping back from her long-running, beloved role in the *One Chicago* franchise, a move that comes as she celebrates being in "complete remission" from a harrowing two-year fight against uterine and ovarian cancer. Her public transparency and "joyful survival mode" have turned her into a powerful advocate for health and hope, making her journey one of the most compelling stories in Hollywood today.

Marlyne Barrett: A Complete Biography and Profile

Marlyne Barrett, born Marlyne Nayokah Afflack, has built a distinguished career on television and film, often portraying strong, authoritative women. Her life is a blend of New York grit, Canadian upbringing, and deep family values.

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• Full Name: Marlyne Nayokah Afflack
• Date of Birth: September 13, 1978
• Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Upbringing: Grew up in Montreal, Canada, maintaining strong ties to her Haitian heritage.
• Education: Promised her parents she would earn a degree before fully pursuing her acting career.
• Spouse: Pastor Gavin Barrett (married 2009)
• Children: Twin sons, Joshuah-Jireh and Ahnne-N'Urya (born 2011)
• Maiden Name: Marlyne Nayokah Afflack
• Key Roles: Maggie Lockwood on *Chicago Med*, Nerese Campbell on *The Wire*, Felicia Marquand on *Damages*.

The Health Battle: Complete Remission and 'Joyful Survival Mode'

The most inspiring chapter of Barrett's life is her public, courageous fight against cancer, a journey that has resonated deeply with fans and the medical community alike. Her transparency has been a beacon of strength for others facing similar diagnoses.

Diagnosis and Aggressive Treatment

In July 2022, Barrett received the life-altering diagnosis of uterine and ovarian cancer after doctors discovered a football-sized tumor. The news was initially shared with the public in September of that year, marking the beginning of a challenging but open journey. The actress and her husband, Pastor Gavin Barrett, faced the challenge head-on, opting for aggressive treatment.

Her treatment regimen was rigorous, involving a total of 30 rounds of chemotherapy. This was split into 15 rounds before a necessary surgery, which included a hysterectomy, and another 15 rounds afterward. Throughout this period, Barrett continued to work on *Chicago Med*, with her character, Maggie Lockwood, also facing a health scare, allowing the show to subtly incorporate the actress’s real-life struggle.

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The Triumph of Complete Remission

In a powerful update that brought relief and celebration across the *One Chicago* fanbase, Marlyne Barrett announced that she had achieved "complete remission". This monumental victory has shifted her perspective, which she now describes as being in "joyful survival mode". She has spoken candidly about the emotional and physical toll of chemotherapy, including the hair loss, but always emphasized her faith and the unwavering support of her family as her anchors.

Her experience has transformed her into a passionate advocate for early detection and for women, particularly Black women, to prioritize their health and listen to their bodies. This advocacy work, born from personal struggle, has become a significant part of her public life, extending her impact far beyond the fictional halls of Gaffney Medical Center.

Stepping Back: The Emotional Exit from Chicago Med Season 11

After a decade of playing Head Charge Nurse Maggie Lockwood, one of the original and most central characters in the *One Chicago* universe, Marlyne Barrett is stepping back from *Chicago Med* ahead of the forthcoming Season 11. This decision marks a significant change for both the actress and the long-running NBC medical drama.

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Maggie Lockwood became synonymous with the show’s emotional core, serving as the trusted gatekeeper of the Emergency Department (ED). Her character was a fan favorite due to her no-nonsense attitude, deep compassion for patients, and complex personal storylines, including her own cancer battle, adoption, and family struggles. Barrett’s tenure on the show included numerous crossover appearances on both *Chicago Fire* and *Chicago P.D.*, solidifying her as a foundational pillar of Dick Wolf's successful franchise.

While the exact details of her departure from the main cast are being kept under wraps, the news is widely understood to be related to her ongoing health and recovery, as she prioritizes her well-being after a grueling period of treatment. The move is viewed as a necessary step for the actress to fully embrace her "joyful survival mode" and focus on her family, including her husband and twin sons, Joshuah-Jireh and Ahnne-N'Urya.

Beyond the ED: Marlyne's Diverse Career and Future

Before becoming a staple of the *One Chicago* world, Marlyne Barrett had already established a strong resume across various television genres, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her career is a testament to her commitment to the craft, which she promised her parents she would pursue only after earning her degree.

Notable Pre-*Chicago Med* Roles

Barrett’s early career featured a recurring role in one of HBO’s most critically acclaimed dramas, *The Wire*, where she played Nerese Campbell from 2006 to 2008. This role demonstrated her ability to handle complex, dramatic material, a skill she would later bring to the medical drama genre. She also had guest and recurring roles on other New York-filmed dramas, including the long-running police procedural *Law & Order*.

In 2015, the same year she joined *Chicago Med*, she co-starred in the first two episodes of the ABC crime drama *American Crime*, further diversifying her portfolio. These roles, from the gritty streets of Baltimore to the intense courtroom dramas of New York, prepared her for the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of the *Gaffney Medical Center* ED.

What's Next for Marlyne Barrett?

While stepping back from *Chicago Med* is a major change, it is not an end to her career. Her focus is currently on her health, family, and her advocacy work, but her return to television or film is highly anticipated. Fans are optimistic that her departure is a temporary leave, allowing for potential guest appearances in future seasons of *Chicago Med*, similar to other long-time cast members.

Her inspiring story of overcoming uterine and ovarian cancer, coupled with her powerful stage presence, guarantees that Marlyne Barrett will continue to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and a vital voice in the conversation surrounding women's health. Her journey from the Head Charge Nurse to a cancer survivor in complete remission is, without a doubt, her most powerful and unforgettable performance yet.