Eamonn Walker has been a commanding presence on NBC’s Chicago Fire since its debut in 2012, portraying Firehouse 51’s steadfast Battalion Chief Wallace Boden. With his authoritative tone and unmistakably Chicagoan accent, Walker embodies the role of an all-American leader. However, many fans might be surprised to learn that Walker isn’t from Chicago—or even the United States. The veteran actor hails from London, speaking with a pronounced British accent when he’s off-camera.
So, how does this London native transform into the gruff and grounded Chief Boden? In interviews, Walker has shared insights into his process for mastering the Chicago accent and how he seamlessly steps into the role of one of television’s most iconic fire chiefs.
Crafting the Musicality of a Voice
Walker attributes his ability to take on Chief Boden’s accent to his deep understanding of the “musicality” of a character’s voice. Speaking to Assignment X, he described his acting philosophy as using his entire body as a “toolbox” to fully embody a character. While accents are an important part of that process, they aren’t the sole focus for Walker.
“Sometimes an accent is easy, and sometimes one isn’t,” Walker explained. “It’s much more about building the character, which comes from the piece, rather than doing an accent.” For him, creating Boden’s persona is about weaving together voice, body language, and emotion to craft a character that feels authentic to viewers.
Overcoming Early Doubts About His Accent
Walker’s journey to mastering an American accent wasn’t without challenges. In an interview with NBC 10 Philadelphia, he reflected on his initial apprehension when he began playing American characters in 1997. “I was petrified that I had to do an American accent in front of Americans and working with Americans,” he confessed.
To overcome this fear, Walker worked extensively with voice coaches, first in New York and later in Chicago. These coaches helped him fine-tune his accent, guiding him through the nuances of various American dialects.
Walker shared a memorable anecdote about his preparation for Chicago Fire. His voice coach provided him with recordings of real Chicago fire chiefs to help him understand how they speak on the job. “The first voice that we picked up on and I started doing, I was like, ‘Oh god, he sounds white, and that’s not going to work,’” Walker said. It wasn’t until he heard the voice of a Black fire chief that he found the foundation for Boden’s vocal characteristics.
Like Slipping Into a Familiar Suit
After more than a decade of playing Chief Boden, Walker has reached a point where stepping into the role feels effortless. “I can put him on like I’m putting on an old suit,” he explained. This comfort comes from years of honing his craft and immersing himself in the world of Chicago Fire.
Walker’s ability to convincingly portray a Chicago fire chief has not only won over fans but also earned him respect for his dedication to authenticity. His transformation into Boden—accent and all—is a testament to his skill as an actor and his commitment to representing the role with integrity.
The Legacy of Chief Boden
Walker’s portrayal of Wallace Boden has become synonymous with leadership, resilience, and compassion. As fans watch him command Firehouse 51 with authority and heart, it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. For Walker, the journey from London to Chicago—and from his natural British accent to Boden’s distinct voice—has been one of growth, learning, and artistic triumph.
