Major Departure: Eamonn Walker Exits 'Chicago Fire' as Chief Boden
In a surprising twist, Eamonn Walker bids farewell as Chief Boden, marking the third major exit from 'Chicago Fire' in the season 12 finale. Find out the latest on this significant departure from the beloved series.
Eamonn Walker Becomes Latest Cast Member to Leave Chicago Fire
Maarten de Boer/NBCUniversal
Chicago Fire bid farewell to another long-standing member of the cast in its season finale on May 22. Eamonn Walker made his final appearance as a series regular in the episode.
Walker has played Battalion Chief Wallace Boden, the leader of Firehouse 51, since the show first aired in 2012. Throughout his time on the show, the 61-year-old actor has been in a total of 252 episodes spanning over 12 seasons.
He is the third series regular to leave the show this year, following Alberto Rosende and Kara Killmer, who exited in the first half of the season.
"He was the first actor cast on Chicago Fire, and once he agreed to join, we knew the show was on the right track. Eamonn played the role of Chief Wallace Boden, a strong leader at Firehouse 51. Offscreen, he also played a crucial role in our ensemble cast," shared producer Dick Wolf in a statement to Deadline.
Chicago Fire made the decision to write off Boden from the show by promoting him to deputy commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department. This move leaves the possibility for him to make appearances at Firehouse 51 in the future. Before departing his post, Boden named Christopher Herrmann as his successor.
According to showrunner Andrea Newman, Eamonn is described as the most big-hearted, passionate, hard-working, and dedicated actor and human she knows. He is like a father figure to every member of the cast and crew. Newman expressed that Eamonn is deeply loved by everyone. The upcoming changes in his role on Fire are expected to have a significant impact, akin to an earthquake. During the filming of the finale, the atmosphere on set was filled with a sense of cherishing every moment spent with Eamonn.
Eamonn Walker Becomes Latest Cast Member to Leave Chicago Fire
Adrian S Burrows Sr/NBC
Chicago Fire has officially been renewed for a 13th season in March. Despite this good news, the future of the show is still uncertain. The show's producer, Newman, has assured fans that they can look forward to a season filled with "a lot of firehouse chaos."
Newman also mentioned that viewers can expect the upcoming season to be even more intense and emotional than they may anticipate. So, Fire fans, get ready for a rollercoaster ride of excitement and drama!
Chicago Fire saw a 5 percent decrease in ratings during season 12. According to a source who spoke to Yahoo, the changes in the cast are a way to cut costs.
The source mentioned that none of Dick's nine shows have been canceled, but many of them have released some of their long-time actors to save money. This move is especially important after facing financial losses due to strikes by actors and writers. The source explained that making these changes is a smart business decision, as shows like Chicago Fire can be costly to produce.
Law & Order, another Wolf show, has also said goodbye to franchise stalwarts, including Sam Waterston, who appeared in over 400 episodes and was a key piece of the series’ reboot.
Editor's P/S:
The departure of Eamonn Walker as Battalion Chief Wallace Boden marks a significant loss for "Chicago Fire." Walker's portrayal of the beloved character for over a decade has left an indelible mark on the show and its fans. His dedication and passion have been instrumental in shaping the heart and soul of Firehouse 51. While his absence will certainly be felt, the show's creators have wisely left the door open for future appearances, hinting at a potential return that will undoubtedly be met with excitement and nostalgia.
The article also sheds light on the business realities facing long-running television shows, particularly in the wake of financial challenges. The decision to release long-time cast members, as seen in both "Chicago Fire" and "Law & Order," is a testament to the need for cost-cutting measures in an increasingly competitive industry. However, it is important to note that these changes should not detract from the quality and integrity of the storytelling. Fans of "Chicago Fire" can rest assured that the upcoming season promises to deliver the same high-octane action and emotional depth that has made the show a beloved staple of primetime television.
