Captain Lee Rosbach leaving ‘Below Deck’ over health issues
Forever the “Stud of the Sea.”
Captain Lee Rosbach announced he’s departing the boat after coming to terms with ongoing health issues in the midst of “Below Deck” Season 10.
“As you guys know, I’ve been struggling with my mobility, and it’s been hard,” Rosbach, 73, told the crew on Monday’s episode. “And I’ve let you guys down, and for that I apologize. So I’ve made a decision to leave the boat.”
The longtime fan-favorite star explained in a confessional that he was struggling with nerve issues at the beginning of the charter season. Despite his best efforts, things were “getting worse.”
“The left side of my body, I don’t feel anything,” Rosbach explained.
He later added in another confessional that the “most frustrating part about it is, I can’t do a goddamn thing about it, and it’s hard.”
“There comes a point if a captain is really being objective, he should be putting the best interests of his crew first because that’s your primary responsibility,” he continued. “As soon as you step on board, check your f–king ego at the dock. That’s where you leave it.”
Rosbach raved to Chef Rachel Hargrove that his journey on the show has been “one of the most humbling experiences of my life.”
The Bravolebrity didn’t clarify if he has plans to ever return to the hit show. A Bravo rep did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
Just last month, the beloved captain told TV Insider that he thinks “retirement is overrated.”
“I’ve always said that when it comes time for me to walk away it will come down to it not being fun or you guys not liking me or the show,” he said. “Other than that, I have every intention of being there. I don’t have any plans of retiring.”
Rosbach began his “Below Deck” journey on Season 1 in 2013 and quickly became a fan favorite for his direct yet kind leadership style. His good looks and charm didn’t hurt either.
“Below Deck” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.