Jake Lockett will always hold a special place in the hearts of Chicago Fire fans. The actor came in during a transitional period in the show, and managed to liven things up as unpredictable firefighter Sam Carver. He lit up the screen for three seasons, but NBC confirmed that the actor will not return for the show’s fourteenth season (which is still pending).
It’s been difficult to process for fans, especially because Lockett’s exit has been paired with that of another beloved Chicago Fire actor, Daniel Kyri. Both men will be gone within a few episodes, and the response from cast and crew has been interestingly muted. Lockett, for example, has not posted a thing on Instagram. He did, however, resurface on his girlfriend’s Instagram account mere days after his exit was confirmed.
Lockett celebrated his girlfriend’s birthday in Chicago
Lockett’s girlfriend, Dominique Domingo, posted a photo of them sitting together in celebration of her birthday. Lockett can be seen smiling and looking at Domingo as she gets ready to blow out the candles on her cake. Just Jared reported that the photo was taken at the Blue Paradox Sustainable Fashion Show, which took place on April 22 at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Where’s the museum located? Chicago, of course.
The event was held in celebration of Earth Day, and was reported by several actors from the One Chicago franchise. In addition to Lockett and his girlfriend, Chicago PD stars Benjamin Levy Aguilar, Toya Turner and Marina Squerciati appear, as did Lockett’s Chicago Fire co-star, Hanako Greensmith. Even former One Chicago stars like Nick Gehlfuss dropped by.
This is evident in Domingo’s Instagram post, which features a playful comment from Squerciati. “Pales in comparison to mine,” she wrote, humorously referring to birthday celebrations. “PALES!” Lockett’s appearance, coupled with the involvement of other One Chicago actors, suggests that there’s still very much a communal bond despite the fact the actor is on the cusp of leaving.
Lockett remains silent on his exit announcement
Lockett hasn’t addressed his character’s exit yet, nor has he spoken on what will become of Carver by the end of season 13. This has been a direct contrast to Daniel Kyri, who took to Instagram right after the exit announcements were made and issued a statement.
“I’ll miss this character, and it’s time to move on,” Kyri wrote. The actor was brief in his remarks, but he made a point of showing love to all those he worked with, and all those who have supported his turn as Ritter over the last seven seasons. “Thank you to the cast, crew, & the awesome fans,” he added.
