fter ten years of saving lives as paramedic Sylvie Brett, Kara Killmer officially hung up her stethoscope in 2024. While her character received a fairytale ending—marrying Matt Casey and moving to Portland, Oregon—fans have been eager to see where Killmer’s career would lead next.
As of January 2026, the wait for her return to the screen is finally over. Here is everything we know about Kara Killmer’s life and career after leaving Firehouse 51.
The Big Comeback: “Jimmy” (2026)
Kara Killmer has officially booked her first major post-Chicago Fire role, and it’s a departure from the procedural world. She has joined the cast of the high-profile biopic Jimmy, which tells the life story of the legendary actor and WWII hero James Stewart.
-
The Role: Killmer portrays Lady Julia, a character described as a glamorous singer who crosses paths with Stewart (played by Riverdale‘s KJ Apa) during his military service.
-
A Musical Turn: The film’s trailer showcases Killmer performing on stage for servicemen, allowing her to display her singing talents—a side of her that Chicago Fire fans rarely got to see.
-
Release Date: Jimmy is scheduled for a theatrical release on November 6, 2026.
Why She Left the Firehouse
Killmer’s exit was a personal choice driven by a desire to “stretch her wings” after a decade in the One Chicago franchise. In interviews following her final episode, she noted:
“I was excited by the possibility of finding a new outlet… hopefully, the next few things I get to work on will be a little bit of a different flavor.”
After nearly 200 episodes, Killmer felt that Sylvie Brett’s journey—which ironically began with her being a “jilted bride”—came to a perfect, natural conclusion by ending with her becoming a happily married woman and a mother.
Is a Return to Chicago Possible?
While she is currently focused on her film career, Killmer has not closed the door on the Windy City.
-
The Open Door Policy: She has repeatedly told fans and showrunners that she is “more than happy” to return for a guest appearance if the story allows.
-
Season 14 Updates: While Killmer herself hasn’t appeared on screen in the current 2025-2026 season, the show’s writers frequently mention “Brettsey” in dialogue, confirming that Sylvie and Matt are thriving in their new life in Portland.
Personal Life
Outside of acting, Killmer continues to live a relatively private life with her husband, actor Andrew Cheney (whom she met on the set of the 2015 film Beyond the Mask). She remains active on social media, often sharing behind-the-scenes throwbacks and supporting her former castmates.
