Fans of 9-1-1 have long wondered, “Where did Chimney get his name?” One of Ryan Murphy’s standout original series, 9-1-1 captivates audiences with thrilling storylines and a diverse ensemble of Los Angeles first responders. Among them, Howard “Chimney” Han (Kenneth Choi) has become a fan favorite. Known for his skill as a paramedic and his unwavering loyalty to the team, Chimney brings both heart and humor to every episode.
Chimney made his debut in the series pilot and has appeared in nearly every episode since, brightening tense and dangerous situations with his signature wit and playful personality. He tends to follow his own moral compass rather than simply doing what’s expected, which may explain why he hasn’t climbed the ranks in the department. Yet, few first responders are as well-suited as Chimney for 9-1-1’s high-stakes emergencies. Despite his openness with the team, the story behind his nickname remains a closely guarded secret.
The Mysterious Origin of Chimney’s Name Is a Running Gag on 9-1-1
One of the funnier ongoing jokes in 9-1-1 is that Howard Han never reveals how he got the nickname “Chimney.” From the very first episode, everyone refers to him as Chimney, and hardly anyone—aside from his wife Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and half-brother Albert (John Harlan Kim)—calls him “Howie.”
Occasionally, someone in the series will ask about the nickname, only for Howard to dodge the question or for another character to dismiss the inquiry as pointless. These cutaways and quick refusals make the running gag even funnier, leaving fans laughing and curious at the same time.
Given that Howard is a firefighter, you might expect a simple explanation for such a nickname. Instead, his obvious reluctance to explain it turns the mystery into a comedic moment. What could he possibly have done to make a harmless nickname like “Chimney” so embarrassing? Each time the topic comes up and Howard shuts it down—or the scene abruptly cuts—the joke lands even harder, keeping viewers guessing and chuckling season after season.
Fan Theories About Chimney’s Nickname on 9-1-1
Howard “Chimney” Han (Kenneth Choi) has remained a fan-favorite character on 9-1-1, and his mysterious nickname has sparked plenty of speculation online. Fans on Reddit and other forums have shared countless theories about how he got the nickname “Chimney.”
Some suggest it could be related to a childhood mishap, while others think it might reference an incident on the job as a firefighter or paramedic. A few fans even joke that it’s tied to something embarrassing that Howard doesn’t want anyone to know—explaining why he avoids the question every time it comes up on screen.
The fact that the show never confirms the true origin only fuels the speculation, making it a beloved running gag. This ongoing mystery keeps viewers laughing while encouraging lively discussions in fan communities. Whether it’s a funny story, a heroic moment, or just pure embarrassment, Chimney’s nickname continues to be one of the quirkiest and most talked-about elements of 9-1-1.
