If you’re a Chicago P.D. fan who did a double take during a recent episode of Chicago Fire, you’re not alone. The character who caused quite a stir—both on-screen and off—was played by none other than Phil Donlon, an actor who has already made his mark on the One Chicago universe.
Donlon’s appearance on Chicago Fire as a shady, suspicious guest star instantly set off alarm bells for P.D. viewers. Why? Because they remember him as Ray Price’s troubled son, Mark Jefferies, in Chicago P.D., a character who brought his own set of complications and moral dilemmas to the table.
Now playing a completely different role, Donlon returns to the shared universe, this time stirring up new drama—and making fans wonder if there’s ever a calm day in Chicago.
A Familiar Presence in a New Role
Though his new character is unrelated to his P.D. past, Phil Donlon brings a similar intensity to the screen. On Chicago Fire, he plays a man whose behavior raises red flags among the firefighters at Firehouse 51, and viewers can’t help but feel uneasy watching his interactions unfold.
“He always plays someone you just can’t trust,” one fan commented on X (formerly Twitter). “I knew I’d seen him before—and it hit me. That’s the same guy from P.D.!”
Donlon’s talent for portraying layered, morally ambiguous characters has earned him a reputation in the One Chicago fandom. Whether he’s creating friction within the ranks or playing someone with a dangerous secret, he brings a unique energy that fans recognize immediately.
The Perks (and Perils) of a Shared TV Universe
One of the joys of the One Chicago franchise is its interconnected world—familiar faces often cross between shows, sometimes as new characters, sometimes continuing old arcs. But when actors reappear in new roles, it can be both a treat and a twist for eagle-eyed fans.
In Donlon’s case, the recognition adds a layer of unease to his performance. Even though he’s technically a new character, his face carries the weight of his P.D. past, making viewers instinctively wary of his motives. It’s a clever move by the casting team—leveraging a familiar actor to spark immediate tension, even without backstory.
Will He Return Again?
So far, NBC hasn’t confirmed whether Donlon’s Chicago Fire character will reappear, but the open-ended nature of his storyline leaves the door wide open. Given his history with Chicago P.D. and his knack for getting under viewers’ skin, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him pop up again—maybe even across another One Chicago series.
