Charlie Barnett: A Look at His Journey After Chicago Fire and the Roles That Followed
Since bidding farewell to Chicago Fire in 2015, Charlie Barnett’s career has been anything but quiet. Known for his portrayal of the heroic and charming Peter Mills, Barnett’s exit from Firehouse 51 was a heart-wrenching moment for fans, as his character embodied the very essence of what it means to be a firefighter. Yet, Barnett’s path after leaving Chicago Fire has been filled with exciting and diverse roles across TV and film, showcasing his range as an actor and his continued rise in Hollywood.
A Steady Rise in Film and TV
Barnett’s acting career began long before his time on Chicago Fire. He made his TV debut in Law & Order: SVU in 2010, followed by guest spots on Law & Order: Criminal Intent in 2011. However, it wasn’t until 2012 when Barnett joined the cast of Chicago Fire as Peter Mills, a rookie firefighter at Firehouse 51, that he truly became a household name. His portrayal of Mills, a young, dedicated firefighter dealing with family legacy and personal demons, quickly made him a fan favorite.
While filming Chicago Fire, Barnett’s film career also flourished. He appeared in Men in Black 3 (2012), starring opposite Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, and Gayby (2012), a quirky comedy. Barnett’s ability to seamlessly transition between TV and film showcased his versatility as an actor, and fans were eager to see what he would do next.
After his exit from Chicago Fire in 2015, Barnett took on various roles in both television and film, continuing to expand his portfolio. One of his first significant post-Chicago Fire roles came in the 2017 military drama Valor, where he portrayed Ian Porter, a member of a special operations aviation regiment. The show, which centered on elite military pilots and their high-stakes missions, gave Barnett an opportunity to demonstrate his intensity and range as an actor.
In the same year, Barnett also joined Tales of the City, a miniseries on Netflix, where he played Ben Marshall, a role that had him share the screen with veterans Laura Linney and Elliot Page. This was a key moment in Barnett’s career as he moved into more complex roles that allowed him to explore different aspects of his acting skills.
A Diverse Range of Roles
Barnett didn’t stop there. In 2019, he appeared in several high-profile series, including Arrow as John Diggle Jr. and You as a recurring character in its second season. These roles showcased Barnett’s ability to bring depth and intrigue to characters in popular, fast-paced shows.
Another standout project was his role as Alan Zaveri in Netflix’s Russian Doll. From 2019 to 2022, Barnett starred alongside Natasha Lyonne in this critically acclaimed series, a dark comedy revolving around time loops and existential questions. His portrayal of Alan earned praise for its emotional depth and comedic timing.
Additionally, Barnett joined the cast of Ordinary Joe as Eric Payne, a role that further cemented his reputation as an actor who can play both grounded and larger-than-life characters.
The Force Awakens: Star Wars: The Acolyte
One of Barnett’s most exciting recent roles has been in the much-anticipated Star Wars series, The Acolyte, where he plays Yord Fandar, a Jedi. This role represents a major leap into the sci-fi genre and allows Barnett to showcase his talents in a universe beloved by millions. With The Acolyte expected to be a major player in the Star Wars franchise, Barnett’s involvement marks an important milestone in his career.
Reflecting on His Chicago Fire Legacy
While Barnett’s career continues to soar, he hasn’t forgotten the impact Chicago Fire had on his life and career. Playing Peter Mills was a formative experience, and Barnett has spoken about the lasting connections he formed with his co-stars and the deep impact the show had on him. In interviews, he’s expressed immense gratitude for the time he spent on the series and how it helped shape him as both an actor and a person.
Peter Mills, with his charming personality and unwavering dedication to the firehouse, was a pivotal character in the early seasons of Chicago Fire. His emotional journey, including the heartbreak of leaving Firehouse 51 to join his family in North Carolina, resonated deeply with fans. Mills’ departure marked a turning point in the show, and Barnett’s exit, though heartbreaking for fans, allowed him to explore a wealth of new and varied opportunities.
Barnett’s career post-Chicago Fire has been marked by diverse roles, from military dramas to thrillers, comedies, and now, the expansive world of Star Wars. Fans of Peter Mills may miss his presence at Firehouse 51, but Charlie Barnett has proven that he’s much more than the firefighter he once portrayed—he’s an actor with incredible range, ambition, and dedication to his craft. As his career continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Charlie Barnett’s future is as bright as ever.
