Chicago Fire Faces Major Change as Longtime Star Exits After 12 Seasons

Eamonn Walker is set to scale back his involvement in the NBC series “Chicago Fire,” ending his tenure as a series regular after 12 seasons. According to HELLO!, while Walker will no longer be a constant presence, his character Wallace Boden will not be killed off, leaving the door open for potential guest appearances in future episodes.

Wallace has been notably absent from recent episodes, officially on leave for family reasons. Details of his situation will be further explored in the upcoming season finale titled “Never Say Goodbye,” airing on May 22. The episode promises significant developments, including Boden’s decision that will affect the race for Deputy Commissioner and emotionally charged moments for other members of the crew.

Eamonn Walker has had a distinguished four-decade career spanning film, television, and theater. He has been a pivotal part of “Chicago Fire” since its inception in 2012, and is one of the last five original cast members, alongside David Eigenberg, Taylor Kinney, Christian Stolte, and Joe Minoso.

His departure follows the exit of Kara Kilmer, who played paramedic Sylvie Brett and left the show after her character married Jesse Spencer’s Matt Casey during season 12. Another recent departure was Alberto Rosende, who portrayed firefighter Blake Gallo and exited in the season 12 premiere.

The cast changes continued with the departure of Rome Flynn, formerly of “How to Get Away with Murder,” who had a brief six-episode stint as Derrick Gibson on “Chicago Fire.”

Reflecting on his departure, Flynn shared with Variety, “Just like all the fans, I was sad to see Gibson go. I really enjoyed playing him. My time on ‘Chicago Fire’ was incredibly fulfilling, and I have immense respect for the team. I look forward to potentially collaborating with Dick Wolf again in the future.”