Chicago Fire wrote off Daniel Kyri‘s character, Darren Ritter, after the actor’s surprise exit from the series — but could he return in the future?
During the Wednesday, October 8, episode of the NBC show, Ritter reconnected with his ex-boyfriend Dwayne (Samuel B. Jackson) and chose to leave Firehouse 51 to go back to New York City and start a new life.
“I’m not quitting,” Ritter noted. “It’s just an extended furlough.”
Despite the reassurance that he won’t be gone for good, Ritter later noted his absence might not be only a few months, adding, “We’ll see what happens.”
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Kyri, 30, previously reflected on his last day on set via Instagram in August.
“OK. Yesterday, I filmed my last scenes as Ritter & I’m still so amazed that my first-ever TV gig — a role that was originally meant for just three episodes — turned into seven incredible years and spanned eight seasons of this iconic show!” he wrote. “While I know I may never find another cast and crew as amazing as this one, I intend to carry what I’ve learned from you to every set in the future.”
In his post, Kyri expressed gratitude for fans “who embraced & celebrated Ritter for every aspect of his humanity.” He also referenced his costars “who have shown up for me with relentless loyalty, compassion, & love throughout my time on this show & now as I move through this enormous transition in my life.”
“Each one of you has become so incredibly important to me, & the care (& patience!) you’ve shown is entirely indispensable,” he continued. “Thank you so much for the gift of your friendship.”
Kyri called his time on Chicago Fire an experience that “transformed & healed me in equal measure.”
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“He is a man who embodies empathy, humility, compassion, and unwavering bravery to save lives,” he shared. “His heroism is further fortified by the way he navigates the world — a gay Black firefighter who is proud, fierce, loyal, & whole — a possibility I never got to see on screen in my childhood but desperately craved. … You made history. Thank you so much, Darren Ritter. And goodbye.”
Kyri’s brief return this season came after news broke that he will not be a series regular on season 14. Jake Lockett, who plays Sam Carver, is also leaving behind his full-time gig after joining the hit NBC series in 2022.
“While I don’t exactly know what the future looks like, I do know that it won’t be exactly what it was and I am going to miss the hell out of that,” Lockett, 40, wrote via Instagram in April. “So much pride in this journey.”
Lockett continued: “It’s been an honor bringing Sam to life and to every one of you, thank you for the love and support over the past three years.”
One Chicago airs Wednesdays on NBC.
