Charlie Barnett, who played the novice firefighter Peter Mills on NBC’s Chicago Fire, quickly became a fan favorite after joining the show in 2012. Over the first three seasons, Mills’ journey was central to the series, as he navigated the challenges of proving himself worthy at Firehouse 51. Following in the footsteps of his firefighter father, he worked his way up from candidate to a respected member of Rescue Squad 3, overcoming various obstacles along the way.
Despite his pivotal role, Barnett was written off the show in 2015 during Season 3, a decision that hit him hard. Speaking with Digital Spy, Barnett reflected on his unexpected departure from the show. “I was really sad to be let go,” he shared. “It broke me for quite a long time.” He explained that while he hadn’t anticipated Chicago Fire’s enormous success, he was grateful for his time on the series.
Barnett had over 60 appearances on Chicago Fire and even made cameo appearances on Chicago P.D., solidifying his presence in the One Chicago franchise. After his departure, he expressed his gratitude to fans on Twitter, stating, “If I had my way, I wouldn’t be leaving, but I can’t deny the time I had was beyond amazing.”
While leaving Chicago Fire was a tough moment in his career, Barnett found new opportunities, going on to star in hit series like Orange Is the New Black and Russian Doll, where he continued to showcase his versatility as an actor.
