For over a decade, Chicago Fire has done more than depict the pulse-pounding heroics of first responders—it has built a living, breathing world that’s nurtured characters and the careers of the actors who play them. As Firehouse 51 remains the beating heart of the One Chicago franchise, the performers who have walked its fire-polished floors often find themselves launched into unexpected and exciting territory once their screen time fades—or, in some cases, while they’re still in uniform.
Three of the most talked-about names among recent cast departures and arrivals—Daniel Kyri, Jake Lockett, and Michael Bradway—have each taken unique paths since their time in the CFD spotlight. From acclaimed stage performances and leading man momentum to breakout debuts, these actors are redefining what it means to “move on” from one of network television’s most enduring dramas.
Daniel Kyri: A Torchbearer for Representation and Resilience
In a landscape where procedural television often recycles the same archetypes, Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter felt refreshingly real. Introduced in Season 7, Ritter wasn’t just a firefighter—he was a fully realized, emotionally layered individual navigating personal growth, queerness, and camaraderie in one of the toughest professions imaginable.
While Ritter has become a fan favorite—thanks to Kyri’s sensitive, charismatic performance—the actor’s artistic journey is far richer than any single role. A Chicago native, Kyri has maintained a deep commitment to the stage, even as his star rises on the small screen. A proud ensemble member of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Kyri has starred in powerful, politically resonant productions such as Ms. Blakk for President and The Brothers Size, performances that have earned him critical acclaim far beyond Chicago’s theater circles.
He’s also proven his versatility with roles in television projects like the Hulu rom-com The Thing About Harry, where he played the title role with heartfelt charm, and the Fox sci-fi thriller NeXt, where he navigated dystopian tension with convincing gravitas.
Still part of Chicago Fire—for now—Kyri exemplifies the modern working actor: grounded, multitalented, and unafraid to toggle between the spotlight and the soul of live performance. As rumors swirl around potential exits and contract shifts ahead of Season 14, fans are hoping that this particular flame keeps burning bright on their Tuesday night screens.
Jake Lockett: Finding Fire—and Fame—in Prime-Time
For actor Jake Lockett, landing the role of Sam Carver in Chicago Fire Season 11 was more than just another job—it was a career recalibration. With Carver, the show introduced a firefighter with a haunted past, simmering rage, and undeniable chemistry with Stella Kidd. It was a risky move—injecting a complex wildcard into a well-established team—but Lockett’s portrayal quickly won over audiences.
A former military man and MMA enthusiast in real life, Lockett brings a rugged physicality to his roles, but it’s his emotional vulnerability that has given Carver staying power. From standoffish newcomer to trusted team member, Carver’s arc has allowed Lockett to flex his acting muscles in ways that few roles before it had.
Prior to joining the One Chicago universe, Lockett had already dipped his toes in high-stakes drama. His credits include a memorable turn as Special Agent Joe Milius in NCIS: Hawai’i, plus appearances in SEAL Team, Daybreak, and Hawaii Five-0. These roles offered glimpses of his talent, but Chicago Fire made him a weekly fixture in millions of homes—and a new leading man to watch.
Off-screen, Lockett’s star is rising just as quickly. He recently wrapped production on a military drama pilot for Amazon Prime, in which he plays a conflicted Navy SEAL turned private contractor. His social media presence is also growing steadily, thanks in part to behind-the-scenes glimpses of CFD life and his real-life fitness routines, which have turned him into a quiet fan favorite.
Whether or not Carver remains a permanent fixture at Firehouse 51, Lockett has proven that he’s more than ready for his next chapter. Hollywood is watching.
Michael Bradway: A Brief Blaze with Long-Term Promise
Michael Bradway’s turn as Derrick Gibson may have lasted only a handful of episodes, but it sparked an undeniable buzz. Introduced as a troubled floater dealing with the shadows of PTSD, Gibson was raw, unpredictable, and deeply human—a reminder of the emotional toll real-world trauma takes on even the most courageous of professions.
Bradway’s nuanced performance struck a chord, with many fans calling for the character’s return even after his emotional exit. And while Gibson’s time in the firehouse was short-lived, it served as a breakout moment for Bradway, whose résumé prior to Chicago Fire was still in its early stages.
He had already appeared on ABC’s The Rookie in 2023, and he’s set to co-star in the upcoming indie drama Marked Men, based on the bestselling novel by Jay Crownover. In it, Bradway plays a tattoo artist with a dark past and an even darker secret—a role that once again leans into his ability to blend danger with empathy.
Bradway is a textbook example of the power of a well-cast, emotionally resonant guest role. Though his Firehouse 51 stint was short, it made an impact—and more importantly, it made industry insiders take notice. Casting directors are reportedly eyeing him for multiple prestige drama pilots this upcoming season, and his audition tapes have been circulating across both network and streaming platforms.
For an actor still on the cusp of mainstream recognition, the road ahead is wide open—and thanks to Chicago Fire, it’s already blazing with potential.
More Than Just a Stepping Stone
The stories of Daniel Kyri, Jake Lockett, and Michael Bradway reinforce a powerful truth about Chicago Fire: it’s more than a procedural drama. It’s a proving ground for emerging talent, a haven for ambitious performers, and a springboard for multidimensional careers.
Kyri has used his role to deepen representation and bridge television with theater. Lockett has turned a single character into a compelling portfolio piece that now spans genres and platforms. Bradway has shown how even a short arc can light a fire powerful enough to launch a career.
The sirens may fade, the shift may end, and the episode credits may roll—but for these actors, the fire is just beginning to spread.
