Since its debut in 2012, Chicago Fire has continued to captivate audiences as part of NBC’s One Chicago universe, telling the stories of Chicago’s first responders. Over ten seasons, the show has skillfully balanced high-stakes drama with the evolving personal lives of its characters, introducing fresh faces while saying goodbye to others. One of these new faces is Darren Ritter, played by Daniel Kyri, whose journey has made a significant impact on the series and its audience.
Kyri’s portrayal of Ritter became particularly meaningful when the character came out as gay during Season 8—a pivotal moment for representation in a traditionally blue-collar, first-responder setting. In an interview with NBC News, Kyri, who identifies as queer, opened up about his character’s storyline and its broader significance.
A Groundbreaking Moment for One Chicago
Daniel Kyri joined Chicago Fire in Season 7 in what began as a recurring role. By Season 9, his character, firefighter Darren Ritter, had become a key member of Firehouse 51. While Kyri embraced his role in the One Chicago universe, one moment stood out: Ritter’s understated coming-out scene in Season 8.
In the episode, Ritter casually mentions that he has a boyfriend when his lieutenant asks if he has a girlfriend. For Kyri, this “non-event” approach was especially powerful. “This historic moment in the context of the One Chicago world—for this Black, male character to come out as gay in this blue-collar, first-responder world—I wanted to do it justice,” he shared.
The simplicity of Ritter’s statement underscored a significant shift in how LGBTQ+ narratives are portrayed. Rather than being sensationalized, the moment was treated as an ordinary part of life. This approach aligns with Kyri’s perspective on storytelling, particularly when it comes to centering marginalized voices.
From the Margins to the Mainstream
Before joining Chicago Fire, Kyri had already established himself as a storyteller and advocate for underrepresented narratives. He co-created The T, a web series about the friendship between a transgender woman and a queer Black man, exploring themes of identity, love, and community. This experience informed his approach to Ritter’s storyline on Chicago Fire.
“Because my web series felt like a kind of coming out,” Kyri said, “this moment for Ritter was incredibly personal. It’s about moving narratives—of the queer person, the Black person, the femme character—from the sidelines and making them the center of the story.”
Kyri believes that representation matters not just for those who share similar identities but for everyone. “It gives anyone watching—no matter what age, no matter what background—an opportunity to see a possibility for themselves, a possibility for how they might move through the world,” he explained.
A Symbol of Change
Kyri’s portrayal of Ritter and his groundbreaking storyline represent a larger cultural shift in how television reflects the diversity of its audience. By normalizing queer identities in settings like a firehouse—a traditionally hyper-masculine and blue-collar environment—Chicago Fire challenges stereotypes and expands what’s possible for storytelling in mainstream media.
For Kyri, playing Ritter is about more than just acting; it’s about creating space for others to see themselves. As the show continues to evolve, fans can look forward to watching how characters like Ritter navigate their lives both on and off the job, making room for more authentic and inclusive stories along the way.
