After nearly seven years of portraying the quietly courageous and ever-reliable Darren Ritter on Chicago Fire, actor Daniel Kyri is officially turning the page—and stepping into a completely new spotlight. As his exit from the beloved NBC procedural nears in the Season 13 finale, Kyri has surprised fans with the announcement of his next big project: a deeply personal music venture that signals a bold artistic evolution.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kyri revealed that he has just released his debut EP, Childish Games—a four-song collection of original tracks centered around love, vulnerability, and self-discovery. It’s a creative leap that showcases an entirely new side of the multi-talented performer, and one that has fans rallying behind him as he embarks on a post-Chicago Fire journey unlike any other.
A Farewell to Firehouse 51: Ritter’s Departure Marks the End of an Era
Daniel Kyri first joined Chicago Fire in 2018 during the show’s seventh season, quickly winning hearts as firefighter Darren Ritter. Thoughtful, humble, and grounded, Ritter provided a unique emotional anchor within the high-octane chaos of Firehouse 51. Over more than 130 episodes, Kyri developed Ritter into one of the show’s most beloved supporting characters—someone fans trusted to bring both heart and authenticity to the screen.
His upcoming final appearance in the Chicago Fire Season 13 finale will be bittersweet for longtime viewers, particularly as the series teeters on the edge of major change. With other cast exits rumored and leadership within the firehouse shifting, Ritter’s absence will be deeply felt—not just in the locker room, but in the show’s emotional fabric.
A New Soundtrack: Childish Games Ushers in Kyri’s Next Chapter
In his social media reveal, Kyri offered a personal look into the inspiration behind his musical debut. “This EP is my journal,” he said in a short video. “Each track tells a story, pieces of relationships, moments I’ve lived and learned from.“
The four-song EP, Childish Games, is a bold pivot away from the world of scripted television, showcasing Kyri’s soulful vocals, introspective lyricism, and layered emotional storytelling. The songs blend R&B, alt-pop, and neo-soul, hinting at influences from artists like Frank Ocean, Moses Sumney, and Sampha, while still forging a sound that feels uniquely Kyri’s.
In the post, he also gave a heartfelt shoutout to the community of fellow artists who helped him bring the project to life, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that fueled his musical journey.
What This Means for Kyri’s Career Moving Forward
While many actors dabble in music, few manage to transition so seamlessly—and with such artistic clarity—as Kyri appears to be doing. With the release of Childish Games, he’s not just testing the waters; he’s diving in.
What’s most exciting is the potential for Kyri to explore a hybrid creative path moving forward. He could very well continue to act—whether in film, television, or theater—while also building a reputation as a serious musical artist. This dual career trajectory isn’t new (see: Donald Glover, Janelle Monáe, and Teyana Taylor), but it does require deep talent, discipline, and authenticity—three qualities Kyri has demonstrated throughout his time on Chicago Fire.
More Than Just a Side Project: This Is a Reintroduction
Kyri’s pivot to music doesn’t feel like a side hustle or vanity project—it feels like an artist reclaiming his voice and broadening his canvas. He’s not stepping away from Chicago Fire to fade into the background. He’s stepping forward, ready to tell his own story.
And perhaps most importantly, Childish Games arrives at a moment when audiences are more eager than ever to support multi-hyphenate artists—especially those willing to be emotionally transparent and creatively daring. If Kyri continues down this path, he could very well carve out a space as a respected and influential voice in both acting and music circles.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Daniel Kyri?
Though Kyri hasn’t announced any new acting roles as of yet, the buzz around his departure from Chicago Fire and his EP release could very well lead to new opportunities across film, theater, and even musical drama. Given his background in both Shakespeare and television drama, he has the range to move fluidly between indie films, Broadway stages, and perhaps even a series that lets him combine his two talents—music and acting.
For now, fans can stream Childish Games on all major platforms, and celebrate an artist brave enough to close one chapter while boldly writing the next.
Final Thoughts: The Fire May Be Out, But Kyri’s Light Is Just Beginning to Shine
Daniel Kyri may be leaving behind the firehouse, but he’s stepping into a spotlight all his own. Whether he returns to acting soon or dives deeper into the music world, his willingness to evolve and take risks makes him a creative force worth watching.
And if Childish Games is just the beginning, then we’ve only just scratched the surface of what Daniel Kyri has to say.
Stream Childish Games now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all digital platforms. Stay tuned for more updates on Daniel Kyri’s evolving career and post-Chicago Fire journey.
