For seven years, Daniel Kyri has been a steady, heartfelt presence in NBC’s Chicago Fire, breathing life into firefighter Darren Ritter — a character who became a fan favorite not through flashy heroics alone, but through his quiet courage, loyalty, and humanity. But as of August 12, 2025, Kyri has hung up Ritter’s turnout gear for the last time.
“I filmed my last scenes as Ritter yesterday,” Kyri shared in a heartfelt message to fans. “My first-ever TV gig — a role meant for just three episodes — turned into seven incredible years and eight seasons on this iconic show. I may never find another cast and crew quite like this one, but I’ll carry everything I’ve learned here into whatever comes next.”
The exit wasn’t planned by the actor, nor was it the result of creative dissatisfaction. Instead, it’s yet another casualty of budget cuts. According to Deadline, both Kyri and co-star Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) saw their contracts end after season 13, with NBC deciding not to renew them. Lockett’s send-off came in the season 13 finale, while Kyri’s will play out early in season 14.
From Three Episodes to Seven Seasons
When Kyri first stepped into Ritter’s boots, no one — not even the actor himself — expected the character to last. Introduced in season 7, Ritter quickly found a home at Firehouse 51, winning over viewers with his blend of compassion, wit, and resilience. He wasn’t the loudest in the room, but he was often the heart of it — the one quietly holding the team together.
Over the years, Ritter became more than just a background presence. His storylines explored loyalty, friendship, and identity, and Kyri’s grounded performance made him relatable to a wide swath of fans. “To the fans who embraced and celebrated Ritter for every aspect of his humanity — thank you,” Kyri wrote in his farewell.
The Unscripted Goodbyes
While Chicago Fire has sometimes written off characters between seasons with a quick line of dialogue, Ritter will get an on-screen farewell — something fans feared wouldn’t happen. Given that production began in late July and Kyri wrapped just three weeks later, it’s likely his exit will come in episode 3 or 4 of season 14.
That short timeline means fans won’t get a prolonged goodbye, but the fact that Ritter’s departure will play out in front of the camera feels like a small victory. “I can’t wait for you all to see what we cooked up this season!” Kyri teased.
Will the Door Stay Open?
The big question now: what happens to Ritter? The season 13 finale hinted at layoffs within the department, which could be the in-universe reason for his departure — a storyline that would leave the door ajar for a potential return. Of course, this is Chicago Fire, and the show has never shied away from tragic exits.
Whatever the fate of Darren Ritter, his legacy at Firehouse 51 is secure. He entered the series as a supporting player and leaves as one of its most quietly impactful characters.
As Kyri steps away, he does so with gratitude, grace, and a fanbase that will follow him to whatever project comes next. His final episodes will air this fall, but for many, Darren Ritter’s courage and heart will keep burning bright in the memory of Chicago Fire fans for years to come.
