Donna Robbins, a schoolteacher with a strong will and a sharp intellect, made her debut in Season 2 of NBC’s Chicago Fire. Introduced in the episode “Out with a Bang,” Donna crossed paths with Battalion Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) under dramatic circumstances when Firehouse 51 responded to a fire at her apartment building.
What began as an unlikely meeting soon blossomed into a whirlwind romance. Over the course of Season 2, Donna delved into Boden’s complicated past, learning about his previous marriages and his estranged stepson, Jimmy. Despite their differences and initial hesitations, their relationship took a pivotal turn when Donna revealed she was pregnant. After grappling with his reluctance toward commitment, Boden proposed, and the couple married in the Season 2 finale, cementing their status as one of the show’s most beloved partnerships.
Over the next several seasons, Donna remained a recurring presence, appearing sporadically as she balanced her role as a wife, mother, and professional. However, her last on-screen appearance was in the Season 9 episode “Don’t Hang Up” in 2021. This left fans wondering what happened to Donna Robbins—and what Melissa Ponzio, the actress behind the character, has been up to since her departure.
Melissa Ponzio’s Career After Chicago Fire
Melissa Ponzio brought Donna Robbins to life in over 30 episodes of Chicago Fire from 2014 to 2021. While Donna’s appearances became less frequent over time, with a high of 10 episodes in Season 3 to just one in Season 9, Ponzio stayed busy with a range of exciting roles.
In 2021, the same year as her final Chicago Fire appearance, Ponzio took on the role of Rachel Gonzales, a mayoral candidate, in the superhero comedy film Thunder Force, starring Octavia Spencer and Melissa McCarthy. That year, she also showcased her versatility with recurring roles in several TV projects, including First Wives Club (4 episodes), Everything’s Fine (2 episodes), Die Hart (1 episode), and The Girl from Plainville (5 episodes).
Expanding her repertoire, Ponzio voiced Anne Becker, a former police officer, in 10 episodes of the mystery podcast Bridgewater between 2021 and 2023.
Her career came full circle when she reprised her iconic role as Melissa McCall, the mother of werewolf Scott McCall, in Teen Wolf: The Movie. Her return to the Teen Wolf universe tested her character’s mettle as a parent in high-stakes situations, much like her portrayal of Donna in Chicago Fire.
Donna Robbins’ Future on Chicago Fire
Fans of Donna Robbins have something to look forward to. While Donna has been absent from Firehouse 51 since Season 9, executive producer Derek Haas confirmed in an interview with TV Insider that viewers can expect Melissa Ponzio to return as Donna in Season 11. This news has reignited excitement for the character, who brings depth and heart to the Chicago Fire family dynamic.
With her upcoming return, Donna’s story is far from over, promising fresh developments that will undoubtedly strengthen her bond with Boden and the rest of Firehouse 51.
