Chicago Fire is getting another shakeup. Kara Killmer, who stars as Sylvie Brett, will be exiting the series after Season 12. Why is Kara Killmer leaving Chicago Fire? Keeping reading to find out.
The NBC procedural follows the professional and personal lives of firefighters, rescue personnel, and paramedics of the Chicago Fire Department’s fictional Firehouse 51. The series was the first installment of the One Chicago franchise, produced by Dick Wolf, and it has since spawned various other spin-offs, including Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med. The 11th season of Chicago Fire wrapped in May 2023 and it was renewed for a 12th season, however, the WGA writers strike and SAG-AFTRA strike have caused a delay in production.
Kara Killmer joined the Chicago Fire cast in 2014 in Season 3, playing Sylvia Brett, an Ambulance 61 paramedic who transferred to Firehouse 51 to replace the late Leslie Shay. Killmer has appeared in 193 episodes of Chicago Fire and she’s also had guest roles in both Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. Her character is most known for her relationship with Captain Matthew Casey (played by Jesse Spencer), who was a series regular on the firefighter drama until Spencer left the show in Season 10. Although the two characters broke up following Spencer’s exit, Spencer made reoccurring appearances throughout Season 11 and the finale ended in Casey proposing to Brett — though fans didn’t get to see her answer.
News of Killmer’s departure comes on the heals of Severide star Taylor Kinney’s mysterious leave of absence midway through Season 11, although he has been confirmed to return for Season 12. So, why is Kara Killmer leaving Chicago Fire? And what is going to happen to her character, Sylvia Brett? Keep reading to find out.
Why is Kara Killmer leaving Chicago Fire?
According to Variety, Season 12 of Chicago Fire will be Kara Kilmer’s last. The outlet reports that she will appear in the first part of the season, although it is not confirmed yet how many episodes she’ll be featured in. While Kilmer has not provided a a reason behind her exit, fans can assume the cliffhanger ending from the Season 11 finale may have something to do with it.
The last time fans saw Brett, she had just adopted a baby and was receiving a proposed from Casey. At the time of his proposal, Casey was still living in Portland, where he had relocated to in order look after late firefighter Andy Darden’s two sons. While paying his ex-girlfriend a visit, who he was still clearly in love with, he dropped down on one knee and said: “Sylvie Brett, we were meant to be. Will you make me and three kids the luckiest family in the world? Will you marry me?” Although the episode ended before fans could learn Brett’s answer, with Kilmer’s news, it’s safe to assume Brett accepted the proposal and will be moving to Portland with Casey to raise her new baby.