Chicago Fire TV Series – Taylor Kinney Returns as Lieutenant Kelly

Many things were uncertain for many Chicago Fire first responders at the end of last season.

As a new season of the series begins, show runner Andrea Newman is ready to share what happens next for the residents of Firehouse 51.

First, she confesses that when the creative team began working on this season, there was “a certain amount of scrambling trying to figure it all out.”

She claims that this was in part owing to the writers and actors’ strikes. “We always have some plots in mind for the end of the season, but this year was different. So, it was a little chaotic at first, but I actually believe it worked for us story-wise to have a longer time jump than we usually do—six months this year. That was an unexpected silver lining for us.”

Revealing what’s going on in the firehouse, Newman begins, “You know, it’s actually fun to be able to bring a character’s story to a conclusion, I always love to give the audience that surprise and closure, but we also want to make sure that any exits are organic to the character, and if you’ve built the character’s overall storyline properly, it doesn’t feel like they’re leaving is coming out of the blue.”

She elaborates on this when discussing the departure of firefighter Blake Gallo, which has already been reported in the media. “For him, he had such a great season last year. We’ve been referring to it as his Super Bowl winning year. So, it made sense for him to move on. It feels a little like when a really great quarterback retires and goes on his way and you just feel like it’s right.”

Paramedic Sylvie Britt is another character who will appear briefly before leaving.

According to Newman, “That character’s been with us a long time and just watching her grow and change and with her adopting a baby at the end of last season, it really feels like it’s time for that character to keep evolving and keep building that family.”

She adds, “She’s not leaving right away, she’s going to be with us for a lot of the season and she has plans in place at the start, but they don’t exactly work out as she thought they world. So, yeah, she’s on a real journey.”

As for who’s coming, Newman gushes a little, saying, “I’m so excited about our new firefighter.” He appears in episode two and has a terrific hero moment when he saves someone who has been a part of our 51 family for a long time. And he’s quite intriguing, with several layers to peel back on. “He’s going to shake up the firehouse.”

Lieutenant Kelly Severide is also returning to the firehouse, having been absent since actor Taylor Kinney’s personal leave last season.

“It’s so great to have Taylor back,” Newman says.

Now in its 12th season, Newman says Chicago Fire continues because, “We’re in awe of all of the first responders out there, and we want to make sure that we do justice to what they do every day.” That was the idea from the beginning of this program, and we’re totally dedicated to delivering that in every episode.”

Every Main Cast Member of Chicago Fire Season 12 

Taylor Kinney – Lieutenant Kelly Severide

Taylor Kinney returns to his role as Lieutenant Kelly Severide in Chicago Fire Season 12.

Deadline reported in October 2023 that Kinney is set to return full-time as Kelly Serveride in Season 12 after taking a personal leave of absence in Season 11.

Chicago Fire justifies Severide’s absence, stating that he was assigned to an arson investigation program. At the end of Season 10, Severide’s wife, Stella Kidd, takes matters into her own hands in order to find and return her husband home.

Kinney is recognized for his roles in Zero Dark Thirty, The Other Woman, and The Forest.

David Eigenberg – Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann

Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg), a company officer with Engine 51, has seen it all and is ready for new firefighting trials in Season 12.

Herrmann had a difficult Season 11, as he learnt of his wife’s lung cancer diagnosis and witnessed his colleague and friend, Mouch, being shot by a sniper.

As the lives of two of his closest friends hang in the balance, Herrmann is expected to provide unwavering support to both them and his unit.

Eigenberg’s film credits include Sex and the City, Garfield: The Movie, and A Perfect Murder.

Joe Miñoso – Firefighter Joe Cruz

Joe Miñoso reprises his role as Firefighter Joe Cruz in Season 12.

Aside from becoming a respected firefighter in Squad 3, Cruz has evolved from a carefree single man to a family man in Seasons 10 and 11.

Cruz’s life took a dramatic change in the previous season when he welcomed his newborn son, Otis, and adopted a youngster, Javi.

Miñoso has previously starred in Man of Steel, Boss, Chicago P.D., and Boss.

Christian Stolte – Firefighter Randall “Mouch” McHolland

Firefighter Randall “Mouch” McHolland (played by Christian Stolte) is at the core of one of Chicago Fire Season 12’s storylines due to him getting shot by a sniper at the end of Season 11.

While things did not look promising when fans last saw Mouch, the show’s return in 2024 is expected to answer the enigma surrounding his fate.

Mouch has been a member of the series since its inception, working as a firefighter, a union representative, and a reliable driver.

Stolte has more than 50 film credits, including The Unseen, Public Enemies, and Law Abiding Citizen.

Miranda Rae Mayo – Lieutenant Stella Kidd

Miranda Rae Kelly Severide’s wife, Mayo’s Lieutenant Stella Kid, is hunting for her husband after he failed to return home after completing his arson investigation program.

One of the most pressing questions in Season 12 is whether Kidd will successfully bring Severide home. This is on top of Mouch’s life-or-death predicament and the emotional consequences.

Mayo’s major filmography includes Pretty Little Liars, True Detective, and Blood & Oil.

Daniel Kyri – Firefighter Darren Ritter

Daniel Kyri plays firefighter Darren Ritter, a devoted member of Engine 51 at Firehouse 51. The character is proud to be a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Kyri is recognized for his parts in The T, Chicago P.D., and Night’s End

Hanako Greensmith – Paramedic Violet Mikami

Violet Mikami, a paramedic, has been a faithful aide to the firefighters of Firehouse 51. Hanako Greensmith portrays the character.

Violet’s romantic feelings for Carver grow in the Season 11 finale, and it appears that the two will be a “thing” if he reciprocates those sentiments in Season 12.

Greensmith has previously appeared on FBI, Bull, and Chicago Med.

Jake Lockett – Firefighter Sam Carver

Sam Carver, a firefighter, is an honorable man who will go to any length to do the right thing. Jake Lockett plays the character.

Carver is unhappy that Stella is searching for her husband, Severide. Carver may be able to move on from her, given Violet’s emotions for him.

Lockett’s significant credits include NCIS: Los Angeles, Family, and Transpecos.

Eamonn Walker – Deputy District Chief Wallace Boden

In Season 12, Eamonn Walker returns as Deputy District Chief Wallace Boden.

Boden has long been the undisputed leader of Firehouse 51, and some believe he will retire in 2024.

Boden, however, is still 61 years old and is two years away from the required retirement age of 63, according to the Firemen’s Annuity & Benefit Fund of Chicago’s determination. As a result, the character is projected to remain the focal point of the 51st’s formidable firefighters.

Walker has had numerous impressive parts, including performances in Unbreakable, Lord of War, and Blood & Bone.

Jesse Spencer – Captain Matthew Casey

In the film Chicago Fire, Jesse Spencer portrays Captain Matthew Casey.

Casey is a former fire captain with the Chicago Fire Department who moved to Portland. Despite his new position, Casey occasionally collaborates with Firehouse 51, most recently in their search of the sniper who shot Mouch in the Season 11 finale.

Casey is romantically involved with Sylvie Brett.

Spencer is recognized for his roles in House, Uptown Girls, and Neighbours.

Kara Killmer – Paramedic in Charge Sylvie Brett

Sylvie Brett (portrayed by Kara Killmer) is a competitive paramedic who embarks on a path of self-discovery in Season 11 after deciding to adopt a son.

Variety reported in November 2023 that Killmer is expected to leave the program after season 12. Since her debut in Season 3 in 2014, the actress has appeared in 193 episodes of the series.

Casey proposed to Brett at the end of Season 11, but the outcome is yet unknown. The news of her departure means Brett will most likely accept Casey’s wedding proposal, resulting in their happily ever after.

Killmer played recurrent roles on Chicago P.D., Special Skills, and Beyond the Mask.

Alberto Rosende – Firefighter Blake Gallo

Alberto Rosende plays firefighter Blake Gallo, who will leave the program in Season 12.

Gallo has progressed from a willing volunteer to a full-fledged firefighter. It’s bad that he’ll be leaving soon, especially since Lieutenant Stella Kid promoted him to the main squad in Season 11.

Gallo confessed in an emotional Instagram post in December 2023, via One Chicago, that he was the one who opted to end his stint on the show, stating “it wasn’t easy:”

“It was not an easy decision for me to leave Chicago. The people I met were very remarkable, the connections I formed will last a lifetime, and the narrative I was able to tell made me proud.

Rosende is known for his roles in Shadowhunters, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Story Game.

Randy Flagler – Firefighter Harold Capp

Harold Capp, portrayed by Randy Flagler, is a recurrent character in Rescue Squad 3.

Flagler’s film credits include The Double, Men of Honor, and Raisin’ Junior.

Anthony Ferraris – Firefighter Tony Ferraris

Tony Ferraris is a fireman and engineer who works with Harold Capp in Rescue Squad 3. Anthony Ferraris, a real-life fireman, plays the character.

Ferraris’ first major acting role came in the film Chicago Fire. He also appeared in episodes of Chicago Med and Chicago Police Department.

Rome Flynn – Jake Gibson

Rome Flynn appears in Season 12 as Jake Gibson.

Gibson is a rookie to the Chicago Fire series and an amateur boxer whom the squad discovers after performing a nice act in public.

Flynn has previously starred in How to Get Away with Murder, With Love, and Raising Dion.

‘Chicago Fire’ airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC, and is available for streaming the next day on Peacock.

 

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