The Unexpected Way David Eigenberg’s Real-Life Disability Changed His Role as Herrmann

Christopher Herrmann is the tough, quick-witted heart of Firehouse 51. But what most fans of Chicago Fire don’t know is that the actor behind him, David Eigenberg, is battling a real-life neurological condition—and it’s subtly shaped the way he plays the beloved lieutenant.

Eigenberg has publicly revealed that he suffers from partial hearing loss and nerve damage that affects his balance and voice. “It’s not something I hide,” he once said, “but it’s not something I lead with either.”

At first, producers weren’t sure if the condition would limit his ability to take on action-heavy scenes. But Eigenberg insisted. “Give me the fires, the stunts, the gear. I want it all,” he told them.

Behind the scenes, however, the showrunners made small adjustments to accommodate him. Dialogue was rewritten to allow for fewer overlapping voices. Camera setups were shifted to minimize rapid movement in scenes involving smoke or strobe lighting.

But the biggest change? They made Herrmann more human.

“David’s real-world vulnerability made us write Herrmann differently,” said one writer. “We leaned into empathy, heart, and grit—not just firehouse swagger.”

Eigenberg, a Sex and the City alum and father of two, has always kept a low profile in the press. But cast members say he’s a “real-life inspiration”—especially to younger crew. “He never complains,” said Joe Minoso. “He shows up, does the work, and brings more truth to Herrmann than any writer ever could.”

So the next time you see Herrmann stumble, slow down, or grow quiet in a scene—it might not be the character.

It might be the man himself, showing what real resilience looks like