After seven unforgettable years on Chicago Fire, Daniel Kyri has officially filmed his final scenes as Darren Ritter, and he’s shared an emotional farewell with fans. In a heartfelt post on Instagram in August 2025, Kyri opened up about his incredible journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to portray a character who not only changed his life but also became an inspiring figure for fans.
A Journey of Transformation and Healing
Kyri reflected on his time with the show, expressing amazement that his first-ever TV role, which was initially supposed to be a brief three-episode stint, turned into seven years and eight seasons. “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,” Kyri wrote. He emphasized how honored he was to be part of Chicago Fire, thanking the cast, crew, and fans for making it such a memorable experience.
Kyri’s portrayal of Darren Ritter, a gay Black firefighter, was groundbreaking. Ritter’s character brought much-needed representation to the screen, showing viewers a strong, compassionate, and brave hero who navigated the world with empathy, loyalty, and courage. For Kyri, playing Ritter was both a transformative and healing experience.
“Chicago Fire changed my life,” Kyri said. “Bringing Darren Ritter to the screen has transformed & healed me in equal measure. He is a man who embodies empathy, humility, compassion, and unwavering bravery to save lives. 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 onscreen in my childhood but desperately craved.”
A Historic Moment for Representation
One of the most significant moments in Kyri’s time on Chicago Fire was when Ritter came out as gay in Season 8. This milestone episode, titled “A Real Shot in the Arm,” was not only a pivotal moment for Ritter’s character but also for Kyri, who identifies as queer. The scene was deeply personal for the actor, as it allowed him to portray a queer character in a way that was authentic and meaningful. Kyri shared how watching the scene felt emotional, saying, “The way it was written was so simple and such a non-issue; it brought actual tears to my eyes.”
For Kyri, Ritter’s coming-out moment was a step forward for queer representation in television, especially for Black queer individuals who were often overlooked in mainstream media. “I can’t say I had very many examples of Black queer people growing up,” Kyri admitted. “I spent a lot of my youth lost at sea, reconciling with my sexuality.”
A Fond Goodbye to a Life-Changing Role
In his farewell message, Kyri expressed how humbled and proud he was to have portrayed Ritter, a character who left a lasting impact on both him and the audience. “I’m thrilled that my inner child would have looked at you each week in awe of everything you represent. You made history. Thank you so much, Darren Ritter. And goodbye.”
As Kyri moves on to new projects, his impact on Chicago Fire and the LGBTQ+ community remains undeniable. His portrayal of Darren Ritter will continue to inspire fans and represent the kind of diversity and strength that Chicago Fire has always championed.
