diff --git a/tractor/_root.py b/tractor/_root.py
index cb405f5..b6aa895 100644
--- a/tractor/_root.py
+++ b/tractor/_root.py
@@ -243,7 +243,6 @@ async def open_root_actor(
                 logger.cancel("Shutting down root actor")
                 await actor.cancel()
     finally:
-        _state._current_actor = None
         logger.runtime("Root actor terminated")