Daniel Kyri, who plays firefighter Darren Ritter on Chicago Fire, joined the show’s action-packed universe in Season 7. As a reliable and relatable character among Firehouse 51’s team, he’s forged a unique place in the hit NBC series alongside well-loved characters like Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). Not only does he bravely battle blazes, but Ritter also channels his entrepreneurial spirit, helping to open a microbrewery with friends Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende).
While Kyri is now a familiar face on Chicago Fire, his journey from Chicago’s theater scene to network TV stardom is full of unexpected twists and inspiring transformations.
From Reality TV to Theater: The Early Stages of Kyri’s Career
Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Daniel Kyri showed a passion for the arts from a young age, eventually studying drama at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His first appearance on TV came in 2007 as part of CBS’s reality show Kid Nation, where Kyri, then known as “D.K.,” joined 39 other children in a “ghost town” survival experiment. This early experience sparked his interest in the entertainment industry, leading him to pursue acting both onstage and onscreen.
Kyri credits his uncle, Reuben Echoles, for helping launch his stage career. A creative force in theater, Echoles cast Kyri in his first play as a child, a role that inspired him to explore acting more seriously. Kyri also drew inspiration from celebrated writers and performers, like Langston Hughes and Denzel Washington, immersing himself in Chicago’s theater scene.
Building a Name in Chicago’s Prestigious Theater Scene
Kyri’s early enthusiasm for the arts evolved into a deep-rooted passion for theater, and he quickly became a regular in Chicago’s thriving theater community. Performing with prominent theater companies, he landed roles in productions like Moby Dick with Lookingglass Theatre, Objects in the Mirror at the Goodman, and Ms. Blakk for President at Steppenwolf. In these varied roles, Kyri continued to hone his craft, embracing the chance to tell different stories onstage.
His work caught the attention of the press, with critics lauding his performance in Hamlet at the Gift Theatre. Kyri has called theater “the actor’s playground,” a space where he could explore the depths of emotion and hone the skills that would later make him a powerful screen actor.
Breaking into Film and Television
After years of successful theater work, Kyri began appearing onscreen, first in the 2015 indie film Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party and later in the series Saranormal. His breakout moment came in 2018, though, with The T., a web series he co-created, wrote, and starred in. This project allowed Kyri to showcase his range as both an actor and storyteller, while continuing to work in Chicago’s vibrant arts scene.
During this same period, Kyri also landed a role in Dick Wolf’s One Chicago franchise. Originally appearing as Lane Tucker in an episode of Chicago Med, he impressed the production team enough to earn a recurring role as Darren Ritter on Chicago Fire—the character fans now know and love.
Bringing Life to Darren Ritter on Chicago Fire
In his role as firefighter Darren Ritter, Kyri has shown his ability to handle both high-stakes action scenes and heartfelt character moments. Ritter’s friendship with his Firehouse 51 team and his entrepreneurial side bring depth and relatability to Kyri’s portrayal, adding another layer to the Chicago-based series. Fans have celebrated Kyri’s authenticity and his commitment to Ritter’s character, making him an essential part of the Chicago Fire ensemble.
From his early start on a reality TV show to becoming a respected Chicago theater actor and Chicago Fire star, Daniel Kyri’s journey is a testament to his talent, versatility, and determination. As he continues to grow as an actor, it’s clear that Kyri’s story is only just beginning.
