For loyal fans of the “One Chicago” universe, the name Peter Mills carries a heavy weight of nostalgia. As the original “probie” of Chicago Fire, Mills was the audience’s entry point into the adrenaline-fueled world of Firehouse 51. Played with a perfect blend of earnestness and grit by Charlie Barnett, the character’s journey from a candidate struggling to live up to his father’s legacy to a seasoned rescue squad member remains one of the show’s most beloved arcs. When Mills drove away in Season 3 to open a family restaurant in North Carolina, he left a hole in the firehouse that many felt could never truly be filled. However, while the character found peace in a kitchen, the actor who portrayed him has spent the last decade setting Hollywood ablaze.
The Foundation of Fire
Charlie Barnett’s departure from Chicago Fire was a rare instance of a creative decision that shocked both the actor and the audience. At the time, showrunners felt that Mills’ story had reached its natural conclusion, a move that Barnett later admitted was “crushing” but ultimately a “blessing in disguise.” Looking back from 2026, it is clear that his exit from the firehouse was the catalyst for one of the most versatile and impressive careers in modern television. Barnett didn’t just move on; he evolved, proving that his range extended far beyond the turnout gear and sirens of a procedural drama.
The Master of Genre-Hopping
If Peter Mills was defined by his grounded sincerity, Barnett’s post-Chicago career has been defined by a daring willingness to experiment with genre. He transitioned seamlessly from the realism of Dick Wolf’s universe into the mind-bending, philosophical territory of Netflix’s Russian Doll. Starring as Alan Zaveri alongside Natasha Lyonne, Barnett showcased a completely different side of his talent. As a man trapped in a meticulous, neurotic time loop, he brought a tragic, comedic depth to the screen that earned him critical acclaim and proved he could anchor a high-concept prestige drama.
Barnett didn’t stop there. He leaned into his “leading man” potential while subverting expectations in the second season of the thriller You, where he played Gabe Miranda, a character that stood in stark contrast to the blue-collar roots of Peter Mills. He further expanded his reach by joining the DC Universe in Arrow, taking on the role of John Diggle Jr. (Deathstroke), showing that he possessed the physical presence and intensity required for the superhero genre.
Reaching the Stars: The Star Wars Era
Perhaps the most significant milestone in Barnett’s “conquest” of Hollywood came with his entry into the Star Wars galaxy. In the Disney+ series The Acolyte, Barnett played Yord Fandar, a Jedi Knight whose strict adherence to the Jedi Code provided a fascinating character study in discipline and duty. For fans of Chicago Fire, seeing “Peter Mills” wielding a lightsaber was a surreal and proud moment. Barnett brought a unique, disciplined physicality to the role of Yord, once again proving that he could command the screen in a massive global franchise without losing the human vulnerability that first made him a star in Chicago.
The Power of Representation and Range
Beyond his impressive filmography, Charlie Barnett has become a vital voice in Hollywood for representation. As an openly gay, Black and Jewish actor, he has navigated the industry with a transparency and authenticity that has inspired a new generation of performers. He has been vocal about how his identity informs his roles, bringing a layer of truth to characters that might have otherwise been two-dimensional. Whether he is playing a firefighter, a Jedi, or a man caught in a cosmic loop, Barnett’s performances are anchored by a profound empathy—a trait that was first evident in the way Peter Mills cared for his brothers and sisters at Firehouse 51.
Why Peter Mills Still Matters
Even as Barnett reaches new heights—with rumors of upcoming film leads and potential returns to the stage—he has never distanced himself from his roots. He frequently acknowledges that the discipline he learned on the set of Chicago Fire and the bond he formed with the cast and crew provided the foundation for his success. For the fans, Peter Mills “lives on” not just in reruns, but in the spirit that Barnett brings to every new role.
As we look at Charlie Barnett in 2026, he stands as a testament to the idea that there is life after a “dream role.” He didn’t let the end of his time in Edgewater define him; instead, he used it as a springboard. From the fire trucks of Chicago to the far reaches of the Jedi Temple, Charlie Barnett has proven that he is a chameleon of the highest order. He may have hung up the yellow jacket of Station 51 years ago, but the fire in his career is burning brighter than ever.
