By TV Fanatic Staff | Feature
Phil Donlon may not be a household name — yet — but those who follow Chicago Fire and the greater One Chicago universe know that his presence is hard to ignore. As Todd Graham, Donlon played a memorable, if brief, role in the NBC procedural drama, bringing tension and complexity to the firehouse dynamic. But Donlon’s talents extend far beyond the walls of Firehouse 51.
Over the years, the actor has steadily built a multi-faceted career in the entertainment industry, wearing multiple hats as a director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. Now, as he continues to expand his creative reach behind the camera, Donlon is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood’s ever-evolving landscape.
Lighting a Fire in Front of the Camera
Donlon’s appearance on Chicago Fire as Todd Graham, a confident and often confrontational firefighter from a rival house, gave him a spotlight in one of network TV’s most-watched franchises. While his arc wasn’t lengthy, it left a mark — and more importantly, it reintroduced audiences to a performer who’s been working steadily across television and film.
Beyond Chicago Fire, Donlon has landed roles in a diverse slate of shows including Lucifer, The Righteous Gemstones, Stitchers, and Animal Kingdom. Each role — whether villainous, comedic, or emotionally layered — has showcased his chameleon-like ability to slip into vastly different characters with nuance and depth.
“I’ve always loved exploring characters with tension under the surface,” Donlon said in a previous interview. “Even the smallest roles can have so much going on psychologically. That’s what draws me in.”
Behind the Lens: Directing with Heart and Grit
While Donlon’s onscreen work continues to shine, it’s behind the scenes where he’s finding even greater creative fulfillment. His directorial debut, The Man Who Knew Belle Starr, premiered to acclaim on the festival circuit. The film, based on the short story by Richard Bausch, was a slow-burning crime drama steeped in atmosphere and internal conflict — a style that has become somewhat of a signature for Donlon’s directorial voice.
Since then, Donlon has worked on several independent projects that blend genre with character-driven storytelling. His interest lies not in spectacle, but in the emotional and moral gray areas that characters inhabit.
“Directing is where I get to tell the story exactly how I see it,” Donlon explained in a podcast interview. “It’s about guiding every piece — from the script to the performances to the final cut. It’s challenging, but it’s the most rewarding kind of work I’ve done.”
Donlon has also produced multiple short films and is currently in development on two feature-length projects — one a psychological thriller, the other a dark comedy with social themes. He’s also attached to a limited series project, rumored to involve a streaming platform, though details remain under wraps.
An Artist Drawn to Complexity
What sets Phil Donlon apart from many rising filmmakers is his deep understanding of character and story structure, likely influenced by his years of work as an actor. He brings an actor’s sensitivity to his directing style — fostering trust, collaboration, and emotional authenticity on set.
Whether it’s the intensity of Chicago Fire or the moral complexity of his indie work, Donlon is consistently drawn to stories with tension — emotional, psychological, or situational.
“I’m fascinated by the moments where people are forced to make impossible choices,” he says. “Those are the moments that define us, and those are the moments I want to explore — as an actor and a director.”
His work resonates with viewers who crave depth in storytelling. In an era when content is being churned out faster than ever, Donlon’s approach is refreshingly deliberate and thoughtful.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Donlon?
Looking forward, Donlon shows no signs of slowing down. With a growing list of directing credits, acting roles, and creative partnerships, he’s steadily becoming a notable name in indie filmmaking circles and a respected collaborator in television.
While fans may still remember him best as Todd Graham from Chicago Fire, industry insiders are paying close attention to where he’s headed next — and more importantly, what stories he’ll tell.
He’s currently writing a limited series focused on the world of underground journalism and disinformation, and another film that’s said to explore the fallout of modern surveillance culture. Both projects are being pitched to streaming platforms and are in early stages of development.
In the meantime, Donlon remains grounded, driven, and deeply committed to storytelling in all forms.
“Whether I’m acting or directing, it’s about truth. That moment when the character stops being a performance and becomes a person. That’s when the magic happens.”
And for Phil Donlon, the magic is only just beginning.
