Jesse Spencer has earned legions of fans for his memorable performances, from his early days on House, M.D. to his 10-season stint as Matthew Casey on Chicago Fire. Yet beyond his acting chops, Spencer has another talent that he masterfully unveiled as a heartfelt goodbye to Chicago Fire.
From Diagnosing Patients to Fighting Fires
Spencer first captured American audiences as Dr. Robert Chase on the hit Fox medical drama House, M.D., a role he almost didn’t pursue. Initially hesitant to play a 35-year-old doctor in his early 20s, Spencer ultimately auditioned in Los Angeles and secured the part. As he shared in a Paley Center Q&A, House began as a month-to-month experiment before becoming a critically acclaimed juggernaut. Over eight seasons, Spencer’s portrayal of the nuanced, often conflicted Chase solidified his reputation as a skilled actor.
When House ended in 2012, Spencer transitioned seamlessly to another long-running series, Chicago Fire. Reflecting on the shift, he told the Sioux City Journal, “I was filming the pilot of Chicago Fire on the weekend while we were still doing House. It was probably the right thing.”
As Matthew Casey, the steadfast lieutenant of Firehouse 51, Spencer once again endeared himself to viewers. For 200 episodes, he navigated the challenges of high-stakes rescues and emotional storylines, becoming a cornerstone of the One Chicago franchise.
A Musical Farewell to Firehouse 51
While fans knew Spencer for his acting, his departure from Chicago Fire revealed another layer of his artistry: his musical talent. Spencer, who grew up in Melbourne, Australia, has been honing his skills as a musician since childhood. Proficient in guitar, piano, and violin, he used these abilities to compose a deeply personal song as a farewell to the show.
The song, titled Firebug (si ça te fait plaisir), features Spencer singing and playing the violin, a passion he’s nurtured since the age of 10. The lyrics, “Well, that flame forever burns in my heart … just would not have been the same without you all right here,” resonated with fans and castmates alike. It was a fitting, heartfelt tribute to the show and the people who made his decade-long journey so special.
Leaving Chicago Fire: A Tough Decision
Spencer’s decision to step away from Chicago Fire after 10 seasons was not an easy one. As he explained to Variety, “It was a difficult decision because I’ve loved the show from the start. But there are other things I want to do in the future, and there’s family I need to take care of. Eighteen years [of acting] is a long time.”
The show honored Spencer’s milestone 200th episode with a poignant send-off for his character. Reflecting on his final moments on set, Spencer said, “It became this pseudo-tribal send-off. Everyone was sitting outside the burn stage, and it gave off this big, hollow sound. Then they wheeled out a cake, and we gave speeches. It was a fitting way to finish it. We started with fire and ended with it.”
What’s Next for Jesse Spencer?
Spencer has hinted that he plans to explore new opportunities, whether in acting or music. With a career spanning nearly two decades, he’s proven his ability to excel in diverse roles and endeavors. Fans eagerly await his next chapter, knowing he’ll bring the same passion and dedication to whatever lies ahead.
