Before Stranger Things turned Joe Keery into a household name as the charming Steve Harrington, he delivered a heartfelt performance in Chicago Fire that showcased his budding talent. Keery’s guest appearance as Emmett Bird in Season 3 remains a standout for fans, offering a glimpse of the star’s future potential while delivering a deeply emotional storyline.
Keery’s role in Chicago Fire revolved around a tense and unexpected encounter with Firehouse 51’s Mouch (Christian Stolte), a storyline that left audiences captivated and proved Keery’s ability to handle complex emotions. Let’s dive into Keery’s memorable arc and how it impacted the series.
Joe Keery as Emmett Bird
In 2015, Keery guest-starred in Chicago Fire Season 3, Episodes 16 (“Rag the Bull”) and 17 (“Forgive You Anything”). He played Emmett Bird, the protective half-brother of Mouch’s biological daughter, Lizzie, who was conceived through a sperm donation.
The storyline began when Mouch received a call from a sperm bank informing him of a security breach that revealed the identities of several donors, including himself. This startling news led to the revelation that Mouch was a biological father—a fact he hadn’t considered for years.
Keery’s Emmett Bird entered the story as a fiercely loyal brother. After leaving Mouch a voicemail introducing himself, Emmett arranged to meet Mouch at a diner. However, Mouch, overwhelmed by the situation, left without saying a word, abandoning Emmett.
An Emotional Confrontation
The tension escalated in Episode 17 when Emmett showed up at Firehouse 51 to confront Mouch. In a powerful exchange, Emmett made it clear that his loyalty lay with his sister, Lizzie.
“No, man, you’re not my father,” Emmett snapped. “You’re not that either. My half-sister is your birth kid. I’m a little protective, so I wanted to meet you first. Man, I’m glad I did, so it wasn’t her left sitting in that diner like some sucker.”
Mouch, ashamed of his actions, realized the gravity of his mistake. Encouraged by his wife Trudy Platt (Amy Morton) and his colleagues, Mouch sought out Emmett again to apologize and ask for a chance to meet his daughter.
A Heartwarming Resolution
In a tearful moment, Emmett forgave Mouch and shared Lizzie’s contact information. This led to a deeply moving scene where Mouch finally met his daughter, played by Stolte’s real-life daughter, Corinne Anderson. Their emotional embrace marked the beginning of a new chapter for Mouch, a moment that resonated with fans of the show.
Keery’s portrayal of Emmett Bird was brief but impactful, adding depth and emotion to the series. His performance showcased his ability to balance vulnerability and strength, traits that would later define his beloved role as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things.
Keery’s Connection to Chicago
A Chicago native, Keery’s appearance on Chicago Fire was more than just a guest role—it was a nod to his roots. Having graduated from DePaul University’s Theatre School, Keery’s ties to the Windy City run deep. Under his musician stage name, Djo, he even references his love for Chicago in his viral hit “End of Beginning.”
While Keery’s rise to stardom came through the supernatural adventures of Hawkins, Indiana, his early work on Chicago Fire remains a testament to his acting versatility and his ability to leave a lasting impression, even in a short arc.
