While Fire Country has become one of CBS’s most gripping dramas thanks to its high-stakes rescues and emotional storytelling, part of what makes the series shine is the incredible cast who bring these characters to life. Fans know them as Bode, Gabriela, Sharon, Vince, and Jake on screen, but off-screen, the actors behind these roles are equally fascinating. From family commitments to hidden talents, here’s a closer look at the real people who make Fire Country such a success.
Max Thieriot (Bode Leone)
The beating heart of Fire Country is Max Thieriot, who not only stars as Bode Leone but also co-created the series. Off-screen, Max is a devoted family man. Born and raised in Northern California, Thieriot drew inspiration from his own roots in the region when developing the show. His deep connection to small-town life adds authenticity to Bode’s struggles with redemption and belonging.
Max is married to Alexis Murphy, his high school sweetheart, and together they have two children. Unlike his troubled character Bode, Max’s life reflects stability and devotion. He balances his acting career with being a husband and father, often sharing glimpses of his family life on social media. In addition to acting, Max is also passionate about winemaking; he co-owns Senses Wines, a Sonoma County winery, proving his talents extend far beyond the screen.
Stephanie Arcila (Gabriela Perez)
On screen, Gabriela Perez is strong, ambitious, and emotionally invested in both her career and her relationship with Bode. In real life, actress Stephanie Arcila also radiates determination. Born in Miami to Colombian parents, Arcila has been steadily building her acting career with roles in Penny Dreadful: City of Angels and Don’t Breathe 2.
Outside of acting, she is an advocate for Latina representation in Hollywood. She’s vocal about the importance of diversity on screen and often speaks about her pride in bringing Gabriela’s character to life. Fans admire her not only for her acting but also for her authenticity and strong cultural identity. While she keeps much of her private life out of the spotlight, her career trajectory shows she’s a force to be reckoned with.
Diane Farr (Sharon Leone)
As Sharon Leone, Diane Farr brings maternal strength and resilience to the series. Off-screen, Diane is just as accomplished. She is not only an actress but also a published author and relationship columnist. Her writing includes The Girl Code, a book that explores friendship and womanhood, as well as humorous essays about modern relationships.
Diane is a mother of three children and has spoken openly about balancing career and family. Her honesty about parenthood and personal growth resonates with fans who see her as more than just a performer. Having previously starred in Numb3rs and Rescue Me, she brings a wealth of experience to Fire Country while continuing to maintain her voice as a writer and advocate.
Billy Burke (Vince Leone)
As Vince, the stoic and experienced firefighter, Billy Burke embodies quiet strength. In real life, Burke is best known for his wide-ranging film and television career, from The Twilight Saga to Revolution. Beyond acting, Burke is also a musician. He has released music that showcases a different side of his artistry, often surprising fans who only know him from dramatic roles.
Burke is a private person compared to some of his co-stars, but his career longevity shows his adaptability. Whether playing a protective father in Twilight or a leader in Fire Country, Burke brings authenticity to every role.
Jordan Calloway (Jake Crawford)
Jake Crawford is one of the show’s most loyal and complex characters, and actor Jordan Calloway is no less impressive in his real life. Calloway is best known for his previous roles in Riverdale and Black Lightning, and his energy on screen translates off screen as well.
A California native, Jordan is deeply passionate about storytelling and often talks about how grateful he feels to be part of a project like Fire Country. He is also active on social media, where he connects directly with fans, offering a glimpse of his charismatic personality that shines even more brightly when he’s not in character.
Kevin Alejandro (Manny Perez)
Kevin Alejandro plays Manny, Gabriela’s father, and a key figure in the Edgewater firefighting family. Off-screen, Alejandro is a seasoned actor and director, beloved by fans of Lucifer for his role as Detective Dan. In addition to acting, he’s a family man who often shares moments with his wife and son, showing a warm and grounded personality.
Alejandro also works behind the camera, directing episodes of various shows. His multifaceted career reflects his passion for storytelling, whether he’s in front of the lens or behind it.
The Cast Beyond the Cameras
What makes Fire Country stand out isn’t just its thrilling fire rescues—it’s the cast’s undeniable chemistry. That connection stems from their off-screen relationships. Many of the actors have spoken about how close they’ve become while filming, describing the set as a “second family.” From celebrating birthdays together to supporting one another in personal milestones, the camaraderie is real.
The show’s demanding production schedule—often involving fire stunts, physically intense scenes, and long filming days—requires trust and teamwork. That trust has translated into genuine friendships, something fans can sense through the authenticity of their performances.
The characters of Fire Country may face fiery infernos, broken relationships, and emotional struggles, but the cast behind them leads lives filled with creativity, passion, and love. From Max Thieriot’s family-centered lifestyle and winemaking ventures to Stephanie Arcila’s cultural advocacy and Diane Farr’s writing career, these actors bring their whole selves to their craft.
As Season 4 approaches and whispers of a Season 5 renewal continue to spread, fans are reminded that the people behind their favorite characters are just as inspiring off-screen as they are on-screen. The flames of Fire Country burn brightly not only in Edgewater but in the real lives of the talented actors who keep viewers coming back week after week.
