Violet Mikami has been a vital part of Firehouse 51’s paramedic team for the past five seasons, but could her time on Chicago Fire be coming to an end?
Hanako Greensmith debuted as Violet in Season 8, initially appearing as a recurring character before being promoted to a series regular in Season 10. As a former rival to firefighter Blake Gallo, whom she trained with at the academy, Violet officially joined Ambulance 61 in Season 9 after the departure of former paramedic Gianna Mackey. She later took over as Paramedic in Charge in Season 12 following Sylvie Brett’s exit.
Is Violet Mikami Leaving Chicago Fire?
Speculation about Violet’s potential departure intensified during Season 13, Episode 4, titled “Through the Skin.” In this episode, she performs an emergency cesarean section on a pregnant woman, leading to the suspension of her emergency medical services license. “What do you think is going to happen to me?” Violet asks the new Chief Dom Pascal, further fueling concerns among fans.
As of now, neither NBC nor Greensmith has confirmed any plans for Violet to leave the show. In fact, Greensmith’s Instagram biography still includes a nod to her character, suggesting she remains part of the series. She also shared a post in September 2024 promoting Chicago Fire Season 13, implying her ongoing presence: “Lucky season 13 let’s GO MFS 🔥,” she captioned the post. Co-star Jake Lockett, who plays Violet’s love interest Sam Carver, responded with encouragement, indicating all is well.
If Violet were to face termination, it would follow closely on the heels of firefighter Jack Damon’s dismissal. He was let go by Chief Pascal after lying about his relationship with his brother, Lieutenant Kelly Severide, and disobeying orders from his sister-in-law, Lieutenant Stella Kidd.
A Wave of Departures from One Chicago
Greensmith’s situation reflects a broader trend within the One Chicago franchise, which has seen multiple significant cast exits in recent seasons. Notable departures include Kara Killmer (Sylvie Brett), Eamonn Walker (Chief Wallace Boden), and Alberto Rosende (Blake Gallo), all of whom left during Season 12. Additionally, the franchise has witnessed the exits of Tracy Spiridakos (Detective Hailey Upton) from Chicago P.D. and Dominic Rains (Dr. Crockett Marcel) from Chicago Med.
In a 2024 interview with TVLine, showrunner Andrea Newman addressed the wave of exits, explaining that long-running shows like Chicago Fire often require fresh storylines and character dynamics to keep the narrative engaging. “Honestly, longevity is really just part of it,” Newman stated, noting that after 12 years, changes are needed for both storytelling and actor engagement. “Nobody expects in TV that they’re going to be anywhere for 12 years, I can say that for sure, from all sides.”
What’s Next for Violet Mikami?
Greensmith, who joined Chicago Fire in Season 8, is one of the newer cast members compared to some of her co-stars. However, the recent departures serve as a reminder that even newer characters aren’t immune to the shifting dynamics of the One Chicago universe.
As fans await confirmation regarding Violet’s future, they continue to hold onto hope that her story isn’t finished. With so much character development still ahead, viewers are eager to see how Violet will navigate her challenges—both personal and professional—if she remains part of the Firehouse 51 family.
