Fans of Chicago Fire were introduced to Kelly Severide’s father, Benny Severide, early in the series, but his mother, Jennifer Sheridan, remained a mystery until Season 6. Played by Emmy-winning actress Kim Delaney, Sheridan brought a new layer of depth to Kelly Severide’s story. Portrayed as a warm, faith-driven, church-going woman, Jennifer was also a complex character who struggled with the fallout of her messy divorce from Benny.
Jennifer’s role as a supportive, albeit reluctant, mother offered moments of wisdom for both Severide (Taylor Kinney) and his love interest, Stella Kidd. Her sporadic appearances extended into Season 7 but have since ceased, leaving fans eager for her return.
Why Fans Love Jennifer Sheridan
Despite her limited screen time, Jennifer Sheridan has become a beloved figure in the Chicago Fire universe. Her appearances offered insights into Kelly Severide’s upbringing, adding emotional weight to his decisions and relationships. Fans often express their affection for Severide’s parents on social media.
One fan tweeted:
“Dear Jennifer Sheridan, Nancy Casey, and Camila Dawson, you have the three best children ever. Thank you for birthing them.”
It’s clear that fans are holding out hope for Sheridan’s return to the show, especially as her presence provides a deeper understanding of Severide’s character.
Rumors of a Return in Season 10
Speculation about Sheridan’s return gained traction after Chicago Fire showrunner Derek Haas teased the reappearance of a familiar character in Season 10. Haas revealed to TV Line:
“There will be an old character coming back in the second episode and going forward. It’s such a good, emotional surprise.”
The Season 10 premiere seemed to set the stage for Sheridan’s comeback, with Severide being urged repeatedly to call his mother. This detail sparked excitement among fans, who believed the groundwork was being laid for her reintroduction. However, the second episode came and went without any sign of Jennifer Sheridan, and her return has yet to materialize.
Kim Delaney’s Current Projects
Part of the uncertainty surrounding Delaney’s return lies in her current commitments. In 2020, she joined the cast of the daytime drama General Hospital, returning to her roots as a soap opera star. Delaney first rose to fame as Jenny Gardner on All My Children, building a loyal fanbase.
Her involvement with General Hospital may explain why she hasn’t reprised her role as Jennifer Sheridan on Chicago Fire. While no official announcements have been made regarding Sheridan’s fate, it seems Delaney’s schedule might be a barrier to her return.
What Does the Future Hold for Jennifer Sheridan?
For now, Jennifer Sheridan’s return to Chicago Fire remains a possibility, though nothing has been confirmed. Fans continue to hope that her character will make a comeback to offer more insights into Severide’s past or to provide him with the emotional support he often needs.
Given Haas’s history of surprising fans and the show’s knack for weaving personal stories into its high-octane plotlines, there’s always a chance that Sheridan could reappear when viewers least expect it. Until then, fans will have to rely on reruns and dream of what could be.
