TV
‘I’m still so amazed that my first-ever TV gig … turned into seven incredible years,’ Kyri wrote on Instagram.
Daniel Kyri is saying goodbye to Chicago Fire.
On Wednesday, the actor took to Instagram to share an emotional tribute to the NBC show and Darren Ritter, the character he’s played for seven years.
“Okay,” he wrote. “Yesterday, I filmed my last scenes as Ritter & I’m still so amazed that my first-ever TV gig—a role that was originally meant for just three episodes—turned into seven incredible years (SEVEN?!?!! Whatttt???!) and spanned eight seasons of this iconic show!”
Daniel Kyri says ‘Chicago Fire’ changed his life
Earlier this year, it was announced that Kyri would be leaving Chicago Fire after season 13, though it was later revealed that he would appear in a few season 14 episodes.
In his post, Kyri went on thank producer Wolf Entertainment, the show’s writer, the fans, his team, and his fellow cast members.
“Chicago Fire changed my life. Bringing Darren Ritter to the screen has transformed & healed me in equal measure,” he wrote. “He is a man who embodies empathy, humility, compassion, and unwavering bravery to save lives. His heroism is further fortified by the way he navigates the world—a gay Black firefighter who is proud, fierce, loyal, & whole—a possibility I never got to see onscreen in my childhood but desperately craved…”
Kyri added that he was “so humbled and proud to have portrayed [Ritter].”
“I’m thrilled that my inner child would have looked at you each week in awe of everything you represent,” he concluded. “You made history. Thank you so much, Darren Ritter. And goodbye.”
Chicago Fire Season 14 premieres Wednesday, October 1 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Episodes stream the next day on Peacock.
For more news and exclusive interviews, follow Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s Instagram.
