Jeff Clarke is a familiar face on both Chicago Med and Chicago Fire, and he has also made notable appearances in another popular TV series and a critically acclaimed movie. Chicago Med is a spin-off of Chicago Fire, focusing on the emergency department at the fictional Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. The series centers around the dedicated doctors and nurses who strive to save lives amidst the various crimes, accidents, and tragedies that take place in the city. As the third installment in the Chicago series produced by Dick Wolf, following Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire, Chicago Med has amassed a dedicated fan base and concluded its eighth season in 2023, having premiered in November 2015. With a diverse ensemble cast, the show features characters who work at the hospital, collaborate with other emergency services depicted in the other series, or are civilians. One such character is Jeff Clarke, who has left a lasting impression on fans beyond his role in Chicago Med.
Jeff Hephner Played Jeff Clarke On Chicago Med
Jeff Clarke, portrayed by Jeff Hephner, is a recurring character on both Chicago Med and Chicago Fire. He was initially introduced in Chicago Fire in the first episode of season 2 titled "A Problem House" and made appearances in a total of 20 episodes. Clarke then made his way to Chicago Med in season 1, episode 18 titled "Timing" and continued to be a recurring character throughout season 2.
Clarke, a medical student and former Marine veteran of the Iraq war, had originally worked as a firefighter before a back injury led him to pursue a career in medicine. Eventually, he decides to relocate to Hawaii after securing a position at a hospital there.
Hephner's portrayal of Clarke effectively captures his determined and serious nature as an emergency worker. The character's patience and intelligence, acquired through his experience in both firefighting and war, are evident in Hephner's performance. Despite his strength and kindness, there is a subtle weariness that adds depth to the character. This weariness becomes understandable as Clarke's decision to leave for Hawaii, after years of challenging and draining work, is rooted in his exhaustion. Hephner's run on Chicago Med concluded with his appearance in the 22nd episode of season 2 titled "White Butterflies."
Hephner Played Matt Ramsey On The O.C.
Hephner also portrayed the recurring character Matt Ramsey in the ensemble of The O.C. Matt is an associate affiliated with a company aiming to acquire the Newport Group. He is a young and accomplished individual who is unafraid to employ unethical tactics, such as bribing board members, to achieve his goals. This character showcases a slightly more deceitful side of Hephner compared to Clarke, although both characters exhibit competence in their respective professional endeavors. Interestingly, once Ramsey's plans crumble, he relinquishes his pursuit and departs for Chicago, coincidentally the same city where Hephner's Clarke would be situated years later in Chicago Med.
Hephner Also Played A Doctor In Interstellar
Hephner has primarily focused on television acting throughout his career, although he also made an appearance in Christopher Nolan's mind-bending film Interstellar. In the movie, he portrays a doctor who Joseph Cooper (played by Matthew McConaughey) encounters after saving his world. Although the character remains unnamed, Hephner's role involves providing crucial information in Nolan's film. Interestingly, this doctor character bears similarities to Jeff Clarke from Chicago Med, suggesting that Nolan may have been influenced by Hephner's performance in an early season of Chicago Fire when considering him for this particular role.