Charlie Barnett, known for his role as firefighter Peter Mills on Chicago Fire, spent three seasons on the NBC hit show, which left a profound impact on him both as an actor and a person. Working closely with real-life firefighters, Barnett gained a new respect for the profession. “It really humbles you,” he said in a 2014 interview with Starry Mag, reflecting on how much he’d learned from these real-life heroes. His connection to the cast and crew was equally deep. Barnett shared in a 2013 interview with Cult Box that his castmates felt like family, each coming from different backgrounds but bonding as a team in Chicago.
In 2015, Barnett’s character Peter Mills made a heartfelt exit from Chicago Fire. Choosing to honor his late firefighter father’s legacy by stepping away, Mills decided to leave the firehouse and work with his family at their North Carolina restaurant. “I can’t keep chasing his ghost. I want to be with my family,” Mills said in his emotional farewell. However, Barnett had imagined a different ending for his character, joking that he wanted Mills “to go out in a blaze of glory” instead of quietly leaving.
A Story-Driven Departure for Peter Mills
Charlie Barnett didn’t choose to leave Chicago Fire—the decision came from the show’s writers, who felt that Peter Mills’ story had reached a natural end. In a 2015 interview, Barnett recalled being called aside by the producers, who informed him of the decision to write him off. “They felt Peter had reached a plateau, and the writers didn’t know where to take him,” Barnett explained. It wasn’t due to any issues on set or with his performance; rather, it was a move to introduce new characters and keep the storyline fresh. Executive producer Matt Olmstead shared, “It was solely based on bringing in new people for new stories. Otherwise, it turns into a clown car.”
The news was tough for the cast and crew to hear, and Barnett asked if he could personally share the news with his coworkers, knowing they would take it hard. Despite the disappointment, Barnett took his exit in stride, saying, “I wasn’t mad. I got so much from the show.” His gratitude for Chicago Fire and the growth it inspired remains clear.
Would Barnett Return as Peter Mills?
While Barnett has since moved on to roles in Russian Doll, You, Arrow, and more, he’s expressed openness to returning as Peter Mills. When TVLine told him in 2019 that a Chicago Fire showrunner had mentioned possibly bringing back his character, Barnett laughed and said, “Tell him to call me!” He even joked about a potential spinoff, “Chicago Puerto Rico! I would be more than happy to return,” reflecting his affection for the series and the impact it’s had on his life and career.
Life After Chicago Fire: Barnett’s Thriving Career
Since leaving Chicago Fire, Barnett’s career has flourished. He’s landed memorable roles on Russian Doll, You, Ordinary Joe, and Arrow. In a 2019 interview with E! News, Barnett shared how grateful he feels to have had so many opportunities, joking that he used to look up to actors with such busy schedules—and now he’s one of them. “I have, knock on wood, had a lot of time and I hope that I’m using it correctly,” he said. His experiences on Chicago Fire helped shape his career, and he remains grateful for the growth it offered him as both an actor and a person.
