Since the pilot episode of NBC’s hit action-drama Chicago Fire in 2012, Eamonn Walker has embodied the tough, all-American Battalion Chief Wallace Boden of Firehouse 51. While Walker’s portrayal of Boden sounds authentically Chicagoan, many may not know that he hails from London. When he’s not on screen, Walker speaks with a distinct British accent, making his ability to slip into Boden’s character all the more impressive.
In an interview with Assignment X, Walker shared insights about his approach to mastering different accents for his roles. He stated, “I have an ear, I guess, for the musicality of the voice.” Walker emphasized that his acting philosophy relies on utilizing his entire body as part of his dramatic “toolbox.” He believes that an accent is just one aspect of bringing a character to life. “Sometimes an accent is easy, and sometimes one isn’t,” he noted. “It’s much more about building the character, which comes from the piece, rather than just doing an accent.” So, how does this London-born actor adopt Chief Boden’s distinct accent?
Adopting the Chicago Accent: A Comfortable Fit
For Eamonn Walker, his early experiences as a British actor in U.S. productions left him uncertain about his ability to convincingly deliver an American accent. In an interview with NBC 10 Philadelphia, he recalled, “When I first arrived [in America] in 1997, I was petrified that I had to do an American accent in front of Americans and work with Americans.”
However, thanks to his work with various voice coaches in New York and later in Chicago, Walker has gained confidence in his American accent. He recounted a pivotal moment when his voice coach introduced him to recordings of actual Chicago fire chiefs to better understand their speech patterns. While initially focusing on a white fire chief’s voice, Walker quickly realized it didn’t suit his portrayal. Instead, he found inspiration in the voice of a Black fire chief, which ultimately shaped the vocal characteristics of Wallace Boden.
These days, Walker describes slipping into Boden’s accent as second nature. He quipped, “I can put him on like I’m putting on an old suit,” indicating that the accent has become a comfortable fit for him over the years.
Conclusion
Eamonn Walker’s ability to transform into Chief Wallace Boden is a testament to his skill as an actor. With years of experience and the help of voice coaches, he has mastered not only the Chicago accent but also the nuances that bring Boden to life. As Chicago Fire continues to captivate audiences, Walker’s portrayal remains a significant part of the show’s enduring appeal.
