Chicago Fire fans are no strangers to its expansive cast, from mainstay characters to those who pop in and out. Among the many memorable faces is Shiri Appleby, who played Clarice Carthage, the pregnant girlfriend of paramedic Leslie Shay (Lauren German), in Season 1. Appleby’s brief but impactful appearance left fans wondering, “Where have I seen her before?”
The answer lies in a career spanning decades, filled with roles on iconic TV shows and films. Here’s a closer look at Shiri Appleby’s journey and the many places you may have spotted her.
Shiri Appleby Started Her Career at Age 4
Shiri Appleby’s acting career began when she was just four years old. She appeared in commercials for brands like Cheerios, M&Ms, and Taco Bell before earning her first TV role on the soap opera Santa Barbara in 1984. From there, Appleby racked up guest appearances on shows like Thirtysomething and Freddy’s Nightmares.
Her foray into feature films began with small roles in Curse II: The Bite and I Love You to Death, where she acted alongside stars like Kevin Kline and Tracey Ullman.
TV Guest Appearances on ER, Baywatch, and More
As Appleby transitioned into her teenage years, her career gained traction with more prominent roles. She played Rachel in Sunday Dinner, a short-lived show from Norman Lear, before landing guest spots on popular series such as Doogie Howser, M.D., ER, and Baywatch. These early roles helped her refine her craft while building her resume.
Her Breakout Role: Liz Parker on Roswell
In 1999, Appleby’s career skyrocketed when she was cast as Liz Parker in the cult-favorite series Roswell. The show, which followed the lives of teens navigating romance and alien mysteries, gained a dedicated fan base and ran for three seasons. Appleby appeared in all 61 episodes, earning her a place on magazine covers and cementing her status as a teen TV star.
Diverse Roles After Roswell
After Roswell, Appleby explored a range of roles. She appeared in Six Degrees, a drama from the producers of Lost, and returned to ER as Dr. Daria Wade in a recurring role. She also took the lead in Life Unexpected, playing Cate Cassidy, a radio host reconnecting with her teenage daughter.
Her versatility shone in Girls, where she played Natalia, a love interest of Adam Driver’s character, and in UnREAL, where she starred as Rachel Goldberg, a morally complex producer on a fictional reality dating show.
Appleby’s Connection to Chicago Fire
In 2012, Appleby joined Chicago Fire as Clarice Carthage, adding emotional depth to Leslie Shay’s storyline. Clarice’s arc, involving her reconciliation with Shay and the complexities of her pregnancy, lasted six episodes, concluding in the Season 1 episode “Viral.”
Appleby’s ability to bring nuance to her characters made Clarice a standout, even in a series filled with dynamic personalities.
Full-Circle Moments: Directing and Returning to Roswell
After Chicago Fire, Appleby continued her impressive career trajectory. She appeared on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and returned to her sci-fi roots with a role in the Roswell, New Mexico reboot. Beyond acting, she directed several episodes of the reboot, showcasing her talent behind the camera.
Why Shiri Appleby Stands Out
Shiri Appleby’s enduring appeal lies in her versatility and ability to connect with audiences. From her early roles to her breakout in Roswell and her impactful performance in Chicago Fire, Appleby has consistently delivered memorable characters.
So, the next time you spot her on screen, you’ll know why she looks so familiar: her impressive body of work has made her an unforgettable presence in the world of television.
