In a heartfelt announcement that’s rocking the One Chicago fandom, David Eigenberg, the actor behind the beloved Christopher Herrmann, has confirmed that this will be his final season — marking his official retirement from acting.
For over a decade, fans have watched Herrmann grow from comic relief to the emotional backbone of Firehouse 51. Now, his story — and Eigenberg’s time on screen — is coming to a close, leaving viewers feeling like they’re losing a family member.
Reflecting on a Legendary Run
“This is the end of the line for me,” Eigenberg told reporters. “It’s been an incredible ride — but it’s time to hang up the gear for good.”
Eigenberg joined the original cast of Chicago Fire in 2012 alongside Taylor Kinney, Eamonn Walker, and Monica Raymund, quickly becoming a fan favorite. His warmth, loyalty, and unfiltered honesty made the firehouse feel like home for audiences.
“I never thought it would last this long,” he admitted. “We started as this little firefighting drama on NBC, and suddenly, we’re over 250 episodes in. That’s not just a show anymore. That’s a legacy.”
A Personal Decision
Unlike many departures driven by storylines or network decisions, Eigenberg says this choice was entirely his. “I’ve loved every minute, but my priorities have changed. I want to be home for dinner again. I want to see my kids grow up without a morning call time.”
Fans instantly connected with his sentiment. Herrmann — a father of five balancing chaos, compassion, and duty — mirrored Eigenberg’s own dedication to family.
“Herrmann and I share a lot,” Eigenberg said. “We both care deeply about the people around us. We both can be stubborn as hell. But at the end of the day, it’s about love. And right now, I’m choosing family — my real one.”
A Farewell Worthy of Herrmann
Production insiders say Eigenberg informed the team months ago, giving writers time to craft a proper farewell. While NBC is keeping plot details under wraps, one crew member teased: “You’ll cry — not just once. Maybe all episode.”
The sendoff reportedly centers on Herrmann facing one last major call — a storyline that tests everything he’s stood for since his first day at Station 51. The episode will feature familiar locations, favorite one-liners, and nods to the show’s earliest days, ensuring fans get a proper tribute to the character.
Co-stars have already begun sharing heartfelt goodbyes. Miranda Rae Mayo posted a behind-the-scenes photo with the caption, “Forever my mentor. Forever my Herrmann.” Taylor Kinney wrote, “No one can fill those boots.”
As one production assistant put it, “The locker room won’t be the same without him. When David’s on set, there’s laughter. When he’s gone, there’s silence.”
Looking Ahead
Asked if this means leaving Hollywood altogether, Eigenberg smiled: “I think so. I’ve been blessed beyond measure. I don’t need another role to tell me I’ve done enough. It’s time to rest, to breathe, to live.”
And yet, he left fans with one final promise:
“I may not be on screen anymore, but the spirit of Herrmann — his loyalty, his humor, his fire — that’s going to live on. You’ll see him in the next generation of firefighters, in every little moment of bravery. That’s the best legacy I could ask for.”
Fans are already preparing for an emotional goodbye. As one put it:
“Herrmann didn’t just fight fires — he lit up every scene he was in.”
Eigenberg echoed the sentiment himself:
“This isn’t goodbye. It’s just the end of one chapter — and the start of peace.”
