While actor John Reardon battled tonsil cancer in late 2024, he couldn’t wait to be well enough again to spend quality time with his family, including his wife and fellow Hallmark star Meghan Ory, and to get back to work on his popular TV series, “Hudson and Rex.”
A few weeks after announcing he’d completed treatment, he excitedly announced in early February that his doctors had given him the go-ahead to return to work. He was eager to get back to the set — until he was informed the show had moved on without him, he said.
Reardon said nothing publicly about the situation until September 24, 2025, when he issued a lengthy statement on social media that left many fans shocked. In it, he shared, “I’ve been quiet for a while — partly because it was hard to find the words, and partly because I didn’t want anyone else speaking for me.”
He then wrote, “The truth is: I didn’t leave Hudson & Rex. After taking a couple months to go through cancer treatment, I was given a clean bill of health and cleared and ready to return to work. But the team chose to go in a different direction. Although this is not how I had hoped the 7 year journey would end – I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to play a part in building something special.”
John Reardon Shares Gratitude After 7 Years Starring on ‘Hudson & Rex’
Reardon had played Detective Charlie Hudson on the Canadian-based series since 2019, until he had to miss part of filming season seven due to his cancer diagnosis, according to the Winnipeg Free Press. The show airs on CityTV in Canada and is available to watch in the U.S. on UPtv and Roku.
The production company behind the series, Shaftesbury, told the outlet in a statement that the two parties “could not find a workable pathway forward for his return to ‘Hudson & Rex.'” An actor named Luke Roberts was hired to play a new detective named Mark Hudson.
Reardon shared his gratitude for the city where he shot the series, his fans, and his co-stars, including the pup who played Rex, a German Shepherd named Diesel who died in February, just as Reardon was gearing up to return to work.
“I’d like to thank the people of St. John’s who embraced me and my family,” Reardon wrote. “My daughter was born on the island and I’m proud to call her a Newfoundlander 🍀 I’d like to thank my friend Paul Pope who I miss dearly, the cast and crew that felt like family and of course my partner – Diesel – you truly had swagger buddy.”
“But above all I want to thank the fans,” Reardon continued. “I’m blown away by the thousands of messages I’ve received from you over the past year. You’ve shared stories of the hard times you’ve gone through, sent kindness and compassion and shared with me how important the show has been to you. This is worth more than gold. I will hold it close always. Thank you for welcoming me into your homes it has been a privilege.”
Reardon concluded, “I’m healthy. I’m working. And I’m proud of what comes next. I hope you’ll join me on the adventure :)”
Fans & Famous Friends Upset Over Show Letting John Reardon Go
GettyReardon, who’s starred in multiple Hallmark movies over the last decade, from 2014’s “The Christmas Secret” with Bethany Joy Lenz to 2024’s “Believe in Christmas” co-starring his wife, received an outpouring of love from frustrated fans and friends.
Hallmark’s Emilie Ullerup, who co-starred with Ory on “Chesapeake Shores,” offered her support by writing, “You know how I feel about this. I am so proud of you for sharing this openly. In a business that does not always value what it should. Nothing changes until we dare to speak up. Here’s to you. And to your health dear friend. 😘”
“When Calls The Heart” star Pascale Hutton wrote, “Love you John. ❤️”
Many fans said they don’t plan to watch the new season without Reardon, including one who wrote, “Won’t be watching without you, John. So very glad you’re healthy and will be watching anything new you’re in!”
Another upset fan commented, “I’m so very sorry to hear this because it’s a terrible injustice to you, to the show as well as the fans like me that has been with you from the beginning and now are cheated out on the end!! There is no Hudson & Rex without you! Thank you for the time and talent you and Diesel brought to the show! Love your work on your house. Much love to you and your beautiful family ❤️❤️❤️”
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John Reardon Flooded With Support After Revealing He Was Removed From TV Series While Fighting Cancer