Donna Robbins, the dedicated schoolteacher, was introduced to Chicago Fire fans in Season 2 during the episode “Out with a Bang.” Her first encounter with Battalion Chief Wallace Boden (played by Eamonn Walker) wasn’t exactly romantic; it occurred during a fire emergency at her apartment building. However, this initial encounter blossomed into a whirlwind romance, and Donna soon became a beloved character on the series.
As their relationship developed, Donna learned about Boden’s complex past, including his two previous marriages and his relationship with his stepson, Jimmy. Despite some ups and downs, the relationship took a dramatic turn when Donna revealed she was pregnant. This revelation ultimately led Boden to overcome his commitment fears, proposing to her, and they married in the Season 2 finale.
Donna remained a recurring character, appearing throughout the next seven seasons, last seen in Season 9’s “Don’t Hang Up” in 2021. As a prominent figure on the show, many fans have wondered what Melissa Ponzio, the actress who portrayed Donna, has been up to since her departure.
Melissa Ponzio’s Career Beyond Chicago Fire
After portraying Donna in over 30 episodes from 2014 to 2021, Melissa Ponzio continued to work on various projects. In 2021, she appeared in the superhero comedy film Thunder Force, alongside Octavia Spencer and Melissa McCarthy, playing a politician named Rachel Gonzales. She also made appearances in several TV shows, including First Wives Club, Everything’s Fine, Die Hart, and The Girl from Plainville. Additionally, Ponzio voiced a character in the mystery podcast Bridgewater, demonstrating her versatility as an actress.
More recently, Ponzio reprised her role as the mother of Scott McCall in Teen Wolf: The Movie, revisiting her Teen Wolf roots. But it seems that Donna Robbins may not be gone from Chicago Fire for good. According to executive producer Derek Haas, fans can expect to see Ponzio’s character return to the show in Season 11, hinting at more drama and emotional moments for the beloved Donna.
