A Career on the Brink
It’s hard to imagine Chicago Fire without David Eigenberg as fan-favorite firefighter Christopher Herrmann. For over a decade, he has brought humor, grit, and heart to Firehouse 51. Yet, before landing this life-changing role, Eigenberg believed his career was over. In a raw and revealing interview on the premiere episode of the One Chicago Podcast, the actor shared how close he came to leaving acting behind forever.
In his words, he was “dead in the water” seven years after Sex and the City, convinced his days in the spotlight were finished. What happened next was nothing short of remarkable.
Life Before Chicago Fire
After struggling to find work, Eigenberg returned to contracting, even earning his license in California. With his family, he left New York and soon found himself at a copper smelter plant in Utah. It was a far cry from the Hollywood lights, and as Eigenberg admitted, it felt like the end of the road.
But fate intervened. While in Salt Lake City, he reconnected with an old friend who asked what he was doing with his life. Eigenberg’s answer was blunt: “I’m dead. I’m over.” That conversation, however, led to the audition that changed everything.
Meeting Dick Wolf
Eigenberg recalled the day he walked into the audition for Chicago Fire. To his surprise, Dick Wolf, the legendary creator behind Law & Order and One Chicago, was sitting right there in the front row.
Wolf wasn’t just interested in Eigenberg’s acting chops — he wanted to know about the man behind the roles, where he got his humor, and how he approached life. That meeting, Eigenberg said, was the turning point. “I don’t know what happened there,” he told his wife later, “but I know Dick responded to me. And if they don’t respond, you can’t win them.”
Landing Herrmann
When the call came from his agent confirming he had been chosen as Herrmann, Eigenberg’s reaction was instant: “Take it, before they take it back.” He joked that he would have worked for half of what they offered, grateful just for the chance.
Interestingly, Herrmann wasn’t originally envisioned as the kind of character Eigenberg would play. Showrunner Derek Haas admitted they imagined someone larger-than-life, like Little John from Robin Hood. But the moment Eigenberg auditioned, they knew he was the perfect fit. Not only had they found their Herrmann — they had found the heart of the show.
A Beloved Character
Over the years, Herrmann has become much more than comic relief or a fiery presence in the firehouse. He represents loyalty, resilience, and the working-class spirit that anchors the series. Haas and his team quickly recognized that Eigenberg’s energy gave Chicago Fire its emotional foundation.
Even Brian Luce, the podcast host and producer for Chicago P.D., recalled meeting Eigenberg for the first time. He described him as a “ball of fire that shouldn’t have been,” highlighting the actor’s spark that set him apart.
Looking Ahead
As Chicago Fire gears up for Season 14, fans can look forward to more of Herrmann’s grit and determination. Eigenberg’s journey — from nearly giving up to becoming the soul of Firehouse 51 — is a reminder of how unexpected second chances can shape lives.
The One Chicago Podcast will continue to feature stars from across the franchise, including upcoming appearances from Chicago Med’s S. Epatha Merkerson and Chicago P.D.’s LaRoyce Hawkins. With behind-the-scenes stories and heartfelt interviews, the podcast gives fans a deeper connection to their favorite Windy City heroes.
For David Eigenberg, the road from copper smelter to primetime TV proves one thing: sometimes, the greatest roles come when you least expect them.
