Kara Killmer’s rise from a small-town girl in West Texas to a starring role on the hit series “Chicago Fire” is a testament to perseverance and determination. As Sylvie Brett, a paramedic in NBC’s successful “One Chicago” franchise, Killmer has established herself as a fan favorite and a key player in one of television’s most popular procedural dramas.
A Breakthrough in the “One Chicago” Universe
“Chicago Fire,” the first of the “One Chicago” series produced by Dick Wolf, has become a linchpin for NBC’s Wednesday night lineup. The show’s combination of intense action and strong character-driven storylines has consistently pulled in top ratings, with Killmer’s character playing a major role since she joined the series in its third season in 2014.
As paramedic in charge, Killmer’s Sylvie Brett works alongside a dedicated team of first responders, including firefighters Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Stella Kidd (Monica Raymund), as well as former captain Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer). Over the years, Brett’s bravery, compassion, and resourcefulness have endeared her to fans and solidified Killmer’s place in the cast.
From Texas to the Spotlight
Kara Killmer was born in 1988 in Crowley, Texas, and later attended Baylor University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Performing Arts. After graduation in 2010, she moved to Los Angeles with dreams of making it in Hollywood. Her first big break came when she was cast in the Hulu reality web series If I Can Dream. The show followed a group of aspiring actors as they lived under constant surveillance in a house packed with cameras. Reflecting on the experience, Killmer humorously described it as “the worst place to play hide and seek.”
While If I Can Dream only lasted one season, it opened the door for Killmer’s career, helping her land smaller roles in TV shows like Jane by Design and Scary Tales, where she played Rapunzel in a darker retelling of the fairy tale.
A Leap of Faith and New Beginnings
The next big step in Killmer’s career came in 2014, when she joined the cast of Chicago Fire. Around the same time, she also starred in the Revolutionary War film Beyond the Mask, where she met her future husband, actor Andrew Cheney. The couple married in 2016, adding a personal milestone to Killmer’s growing list of achievements.
In Beyond the Mask, Killmer portrayed Charlotte Holloway, a character she admired for her strong faith and moral compass. This role marked Killmer’s transition from smaller TV parts to leading roles in films, further showcasing her acting range and talent.
Expanding Her Role Across the “One Chicago” Franchise
Killmer’s portrayal of Sylvie Brett has extended beyond Chicago Fire to include guest appearances in the other “One Chicago” series. She’s crossed over into Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and even made a brief appearance in Chicago Justice. This interconnected storytelling allows fans to follow Brett’s character across different storylines and settings, cementing Killmer as a key figure in the One Chicago universe.
With more than 160 episodes of Chicago Fire under her belt and counting, Killmer’s journey from Texas to Hollywood has been nothing short of remarkable. From small roles to major stardom, Kara Killmer’s transformation has proven that with dedication and hard work, any dream is possible.
