Catching Up With Charlie Barnett: From Firehouse 51 to Galaxy Far, Far Away
Many dedicated firefighters have come and gone on Chicago Fire, but few have left a lasting impression quite like Peter Mills, portrayed by Charlie Barnett. From his very first appearance, Mills stood out at Firehouse 51 for his courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the job. His departure in Season 3 was a gut punch to fans, marking the end of an era for the beloved character and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the actor behind him.
Between his heroic instincts and relentless work ethic, Mills embodied the spirit of Firehouse 51. He started as a firefighter candidate on Truck 81, later transferred to Rescue Squad 3, and even spent time on Ambulance 61 after a health scare temporarily sidelined him. Through it all, Mills remained a fan-favorite, forming strong friendships with his team and a brief but memorable romance with paramedic Gabby Dawson.
But after a deeply personal decision to prioritize his family over the CFD, Mills bid farewell to the firehouse and moved to North Carolina to help run a restaurant left to his family by their late grandfather. His final episode, “You Know Where to Find Me,” featured a heartfelt goodbye at Molly’s Bar—a moment that highlighted just how much he meant to his 51 family.
Since leaving Chicago Fire in 2015, Charlie Barnett has been steadily climbing the ranks in Hollywood, proving his range with a mix of television and film roles. Longtime fans of Barnett haven’t had to look far to catch him in action—he’s continued to take on bold and diverse characters, carving out a dynamic post-Chicago Fire career.
Barnett’s journey in the industry actually began before Chicago Fire, with early appearances in Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and the 2011 indie film Private Romeo, a modern military-themed take on Romeo and Juliet. He also popped up in Men in Black 3 in 2012 during his run on Chicago Fire.
Post-51, Barnett took on roles in a variety of genres, from thrillers to romantic dramas. He starred in The Stand In (2020) and the 2024 film Dreams in Nightmares, and made a notable TV comeback with appearances in Orange Is the New Black and the anthology series Secrets and Lies, where he played Patrick Warner.
Barnett’s momentum only grew from there. In 2017, he joined the military drama Valor as intelligence officer Ian Porter, followed by a breakout year in 2019. That year, he joined the cast of Tales of the City as Ben Marshall, landed the role of John Diggle Jr. in Arrow, and appeared in Season 2 of the Netflix thriller You.
Perhaps one of his most acclaimed performances came in the critically praised series Russian Doll, where he starred as Alan Zaveri alongside Natasha Lyonne. The role showcased Barnett’s depth and emotional range, earning him praise for his portrayal of a man stuck in a time-loop mystery as compelling as it was heartfelt.
More recently, Barnett starred as Eric Payne in NBC’s Ordinary Joe, a unique drama that explored alternate life paths. And in a major step into the world of science fiction, Barnett turned heads with his role as Jedi Yord Fandar in Star Wars: The Acolyte, where he brought charisma and emotional depth to a galaxy far, far away.
Despite moving on from Chicago Fire, Barnett has never forgotten his roots. Reflecting on his time as Peter Mills, he once shared:
“I got so much from the show—the connections, the family we created. It is beyond special and will never go away. I learned so much about myself as an actor, about the business, and what direction I want to go in. It will always be a part of my backbone.”
Charlie Barnett may have left the firehouse, but his impact on the One Chicago universe—and on fans—remains strong. With each new project, he continues to show the same heart, talent, and integrity that made Peter Mills such a standout. Whether it’s in uniform or wielding a lightsaber, Barnett’s star only continues to rise.
