Interview with “Chicago Fire” actors

TV Interview!

 

actors Eamonn Walker and Hanako Greensmith, and executive producers Derek Haas and Andrea Newman of "Chicago Fire" on NBC

Interview with actors Eamonn Walker and Hanako Greensmith, and executive producers Derek Haas and Andrea Newman of “Chicago Fire” on NBC by Suzanne 3/30/22

This was a fun press day, dubbed One Chicago Day.  OneChicago Wednesdays return with originals on April 6! I’ve spoken with Eamonn before, but it’s always nice to see and hear him because he’s got such a beautiful voice and presence. Hanako is new to me, and fairly new to the show. She’s just been made a regular on the series. We hope to have the transcripts up soon, and don’t miss the show! It’s a very exciting episode and, unlike the other two shows that night, there is no spewing blood or vomit.

 

MORE INFO:

Interview with Chicago PD  Interview with Chicago Med

“CHICAGO FIRE” — “KEEP YOU SAFE” (Wednesday, April 6 at 9 p.m. ET/PT)
Severide and Kidd work with CPD regarding a suspicious car wreck. Hawkins and Violet’s relationship is in jeopardy. Chloe and Cruz adjust to a new family dynamic.

Chicago Fire

Wednesdays on NBC (9-10 p.m. ET); Returns: Jan. 5

Chicago Fire: Season 10 key art

From renowned Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf (“Law & Order” brand) and co-creator Derek Haas, the writer behind “3:10 to Yuma,” comes season 10 of the adrenaline-fueled drama “Chicago Fire.” This edge-of-your-seat ride is a look into the professional and personal lives of the firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51 as they risk their lives every day to save and protect the citizens of Chicago.

Led by Lt. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), Rescue Squad 3 works closely with Lt. Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) on Engine 51 and Lt. Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) on Truck 81. Their tireless, never-give-up mindset brings them all closer together – the men and women of Firehouse 51 are more than co-workers, they’re family.

The firehouse also includes Deputy District Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), who keeps his house running smoothly and his firefighters prepared to overcome all adversity. Paramedic Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) returns alongside seasoned veterans Randy “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte) and Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso).

Completing the team are daredevil Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende), talented and dedicated Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri), and 51’s newest addition, headstrong paramedic Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith).

Executive producers are Dick Wolf, Derek Haas, Andrea Newman, Michael Gilvary, Reza Tabrizi, Arthur Forney and Peter Jankowski.

“Chicago Fire” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Wolf Entertainment.
Eamonn Walker of "Chicago Fire" on NBCEamonn Walker

Battalion Chief Wallace Boden, “Chicago Fire”

Eamonn Walker plays Battalion Chief Wallace Boden on the NBC drama “Chicago Fire.”

Walker was born in London and attended Hungerford School in Islington. He went on to study social work at the University of North London, and eventually trained as a dancer. He then joined the Explosive Dance Theatre Company in London. He also studied at the New York Film Academy.

Walker made his professional acting debut in 1983 on stage in London in the musical “Labelled with Love,” based on the music of the pop band Squeeze. In the U.S. he is known for playing Kareem Saïd on the HBO television series “Oz,” for which he won a CableACE Award.

His film roles include “Tears of The Sun” and “Lord of War,” opposite Nicolas Cage. He returned to British television in the ITV1 production of “Othello,” opposite Christopher Eccleston. For his role, he won the Best Male Performance in Television Award at the first Black Film Makers (BFM) Film and Television Awards ceremony.

He made his debut on Broadway, playing Mark Antony in “Julius Caesar,” opposite Denzel Washington as Marcus Brutus. Two years later, he became the first Black actor to play the role of Othello at either the original Globe Theatre or at the modern reconstruction, Shakespeare’s Globe, in London.

He recently starred in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Between Riverside and Crazy” at the Steppenwolf Theater. For his performance as Pops, he was nominated for a Jeff Award and won best actor from the 2016 Black Excellence Award Committee.

Hanako Greensmith of "Chicago Fire" on NBC
Hanako Greensmith

Violet Mikami, “Chicago Fire”
Hanako Greensmith plays Violet Mikami on the NBC drama “Chicago Fire.”

Recent TV credits include “Chicago Med,” “Bull” and “FBI.” She made her New York theater debut in the Off-Broadway production of “Lolita, My Love” and is a graduate of Pace University.

 

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Eamonn Walker of "Chicago Fire" on NBCHanako Greensmith of "Chicago Fire" on NBC

Interview with “Chicago Fire” Actors

TV Interview!

David Eigenberg, Joe Minoso and Christian Stolte of "Chicago Fire" on NBC

Interview with David Eigenberg, Joe Minoso and Christian Stolte of “Chicago Fire” on NBC by Suzanne 10/8/21

This was a really fun interview! These guys are hysterical. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Here’s the video of our chat.

NBC’s “Chicago Fire” 200th Episode Virtual Press Junket
Friday, October 8th 
12:00PM-1:30 PM PT 

Suzanne:   So, congratulations on your show being on the air for ten seasons. That’s fantastic.

Joe:   Thank you.

Christian:   Thank you.

David:   We’re very grateful.

Suzanne:   I mean, it’s not unheard of, but it’s kind of rare.  Joe, your character Cruz goes through a lot in the first three episodes. In the third episode, he seemed to be doing better, but will he still be traumatized? If you can tell us from what happened in the first episode?

Joe:   You know, I think we’ve definitely kind of gotten over that hump, at least for now. I think there are other hurdles that he’s going to be facing over the course of the season, but I think we’re going to be able to see Cruz back in action, the way he used to be.

Suzanne:   And now he’s gonna be a dad.

Christian:   Until there will be – I don’t think this is a spoiler; I think they’re okay with this, but at some point, there’s going to be an incident at a factory that results in Joe’s character having a terrible fear of packing peanuts.

Joe:   Oh, I didn’t want to bring that [up]. See, I feel like that did spoil it, because now you told them exactly. Well, you didn’t tell them that I fall into the vat of packing [peanuts]. Oh!

Christian:   Now, see, you just made it worse.

Joe:   Sorry.

Suzanne:   I have a fear of packing peanuts, so I understand. I hate those things. [laughs]

Joe:   They’re terrible for the environment.

Suzanne:   They’re almost as bad as Christmas tinsel. You’re finding it for weeks after you get the package.

Christian:   I haven’t seen tinsel in years.

Joe:   Where do you get tinsel?

Suzanne:   You can still get it online. Go on Amazon.

Christian:   Well, you’re not really doing the best job of selling me on wanting tinsel.

Joe:   Find it. It’s on Amazon!

Suzanne:   It’s worth it.  David, Herman got a black mark on his record for helping Sylvie. Is this going to cause more trouble for him this season? If you can tell us?

Joe:   Is it? Good question.

Christian:   David, is it?

David:   As my cast mates and my friends in real life, Christian and Joe, might say, my mouth, David, and the mouth of Herman are correlating in the same column of inappropriateness and belligerence, so you never know when Herm is going to snap off. The difference between me and Herman is Herman is trying to do the right thing. David is doing – how would you categorize it, Chris?

Christian:   He’s doing the thing.

David:   The thing. But you never know, and these days, we’re never cued into really what’s going to occur later on. People always find that kind of amazing, or people that you meet on the street, go like, “You should have them blah…” We don’t know.

Joe:   They don’t ask us what we’re interested in, because let me tell you, if they asked us what we were interested in, our show would be very different. Very, very different. And to their [credit], I think it’s a good idea that they’re not asking us for ideas.

Christian:   Joe’s not suggesting we would continue to get any viewers if it went our way.

Joe:   No, we would get canceled immediately.

Question:   Would it be like this conversation?

Suzanne:   Yeah, that would be good. I think you should have a podcast or something; you guys would be great.

Joe:   I keep telling Christian this. I haven’t asked David. Frankly, I want to be –

David:   There’s going to be a billing problem. It’s always a billing problem. He’s on the screen, a guy who gotten everybody to say he’s the greatest actor of our generation.

Christian:   What’s that? I’m sorry, did you want something?

David:   Yeah. See, and then it becomes – it’s a billing problem with the podcast. I’ve wanted to do it, but just…

Christian:   When David says it’s a billing problem, he’s talking about the fact that I bill him for any time he spends around me.

Joe:   Well, I mean, you have to charge David, it’s work. It’s actual literal work.

Christian:   It’s what he understands.

Question:   I have one quick question, that I think you guys kind of answered by the entire conversation, which is the show makes everyone feel sort of like a family. I was going to ask, do you feel like a family behind the scenes? I think the answer is clear by this conversation, but you can go ahead and give us a little more.

David:   Yeah, there’s a constant banter at our show, and not to be narcissistic, a lot of of it is to ridicule me, and whoever [can] pile on, they do, and because I came here –

Joe:   You have to understand. David goes in there asking to be ridiculed.

Christian:   Yes.

Joe:   He thoroughly enjoys –

Christian:   He’s not a victim of anything.

Joe:   He loves to be the butt of jokes.

Christian:   He loves it. He loves it. He invites it; he insists on it.

Joe:   Trust me. I’ve tried to talk –

David:   Family branches – that’s the flower, the thing that family branches out of. A good sense of humor and somebody who’s easy to hit.

Joe:   No one understands what the hell you’re saying you’ve made this a completely useless part of the podcast.

David:   I’m done apologizing for myself. I am what I am.

Question:   Thank you. I think that the question was answered before, but thank you.

Question:   Episode 200 I’ve heard is a very, very big one for you guys. What can you [say] about what you’re up to there?

Christian:   Can anyone think of anything to say that doesn’t spoil anything? If you have been a longtime viewer of the show, then you’re probably going to watch it without my prompt, without me trying to sell you on it, but if you are a person who’s been devoted to the show for a long time, brace yourself!

Joe:   Yeah, yeah, yeah. That is definitely –

David:   The conflict will come from outside, but the love will blossom from [with]in. That’s kind of at the core of I think what happens with a lot of these characters, even their flaws, is that they care and they have compassion, and that comes from first responders, the actual first responders that we work with, and their genuine concern for the human condition and taking care of people…We don’t have any nemesis within the core group of all the actors, the eleven, twelve, thirteen actors, depending on what day it is that we have together; we don’t have a nemesis amongst us. But the show is always branching out. It’s just, you know, it’s tentacles of love. I love that metaphor. Tentacles of love, what could be better?

Joe:   I mean, if that’s not the title to a song, I don’t know what is.

Christian:   [pulls out guitar] I’m sorry, did you say Tentacles of Love?

Joe:   Oh God, I never should have made that setup.

Christian:   Give me just a minute. All right, I’m done.

Joe:   Ask your question.

Question:   Since we are on our 200th episode, I want you each to share your favorite memory about being on the show.

Joe:   Everything between action and cut, like, especially those first couple of years, just whatever nonsense was filling our time, while they were setting up some giant fire while we were sitting in a freezing truck, those will forever be the best memories for me of the show.

Christian:   If you take the first few seasons, because it was all new to us, and we were all sort of marveling at the very idea that we could get paid to hang out with this cool group of people and suffer through some pretty rough conditions together, to the extent that you kind of lose your sense of humor on your own. Take any moment in the back of that truck where we’re laughing until tears come out of our eyes, and that’s my favorite moment. As far as the actual acting part, a lot of the cool rescues and stuff we did, those are hard won moments. They take a lot of hard work from a lot of people to make those things happen, and they are rewarding in their own way. But very recently, last week, we shot a scene that took place entirely in the bullpen, right outside Chief Boden’s office, and it was hard to comprehend, but it was a fast paced, high stakes, fast-moving scene, and it was probably the most rewarding acting experience I’ve had in ten seasons. It was exciting.

Joe:   Well, and we’ve been exploring a lot more kind of long form filming; we’ve been doing a lot more kind of longer takes. I think I will forever remember my episode with David in that elevator; that was unlike anything we’d ever filmed. We were doing thirty pages a day, twenty-five, twenty-six minute takes. And I think what Christian is kind of honing in on there is when we have the opportunity to play with each other for an extended period of time, and everyone’s hyper focused on just making the scene work, it is rewarding in a wholly new way. It’s ten years of doing, you know, one page at a time. When you get an opportunity to really let something kind of cook like that and let yourself feel through an entire couple of scenes, it’s really rewarding as an actor.

Christian:   Yeah, and to tag on to what Joe is saying, I think part of that, what is rewarding about it, is it kind of catches you almost off guard, because we don’t tend to take ourselves very seriously. We mock ourselves and each other all the time. Once in a while we’re in the moment like that, where I think each of us realizes, “Oh, we’re pretty good at this,” and we kind of forget that, because we’re used to just sort of taking ourselves in a casual fashion.

David:  [There’s] never, that I’ve ever been in or heard of, a scene in the show where everybody isn’t all inclusive, working on trying to get this thing to its best, highest level of effectiveness or creativity or however you want to label it. Everybody is on board to go, “How can we do this to make it [the] best?” And there’s never been a moment of somebody going like, “I’m not doing it like that,” type thing. And that’s a unique [thing in] my experience, not that I’ve seen a lot of that, but I’ve seen it where people bash against the grain of trying – I think the show has been very selfless in like, “How can we help make this work?” Many times other actors go like, “Can I kind of throw you something that’s going to aid you?” Or whatever. There’s a conversation about being better as opposed to how can the individual be better, because we all want each other to be as good as as we can. We always want to aid each other, rising to the highest level. It’s hard for me to explain, but it’s just hard to articulate that kind of friendship and creativity because it’s never been detracted against, if that’s right.

Christian:   And the new people come on the cast, they get it. They either get it, or they don’t last very long, but the thing is, if you come on our show and think this is gonna be about you, you’re gonna find out otherwise pretty quick.

David:   We had one actor one time, who will remain nameless, and we were at a call day, and they said, “I’ll read my lines from inside the vehicle,” and that immediately was like [shrugs]. They didn’t get out, because we were standing on the street ready to go. And not to be negative, I don’t mean to bring it down, but you fit or you don’t, and we’ve been really successful with that with those numbers.

Interview Transcribed by Jamie of http://www.scifivision.com

MORE INFO:

From renowned Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf (“Law & Order” brand) and co-creator Derek Haas, the writer behind “3:10 to Yuma,” comes season 10 of the adrenaline-fueled drama “Chicago Fire.” This edge-of-your-seat ride is a look into the professional and personal lives of the firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51 as they risk their lives every day to save and protect the citizens of Chicago.

Led by Capt. Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) and Lt. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), the Truck and Rescue Squad companies work day in and day out beside each other. This tireless, never-give-up mindset brings them all closer together – the men and women of Firehouse 51 are more than co-workers, they’re family.

The firehouse also includes Battalion Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), who keeps his house running smoothly and his firefighters prepared to overcome all adversity. Paramedic Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) returns alongside seasoned veterans Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) and Randy “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte) as well as resourceful firefighters Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso).

Completing the team are daredevil Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende), talented and dedicated Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri), and 51’s newest addition, headstrong paramedic Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith).

Executive producers are Dick Wolf, Derek Haas, Andrea Newman, Michael Gilvary, Reza Tabrizi, Arthur Forney and Peter Jankowski.

“Chicago Fire” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Wolf Entertainment.

Please visit the official show site at: https://www.nbc.com/chicago-fire

For the latest “Chicago Fire” news, videos, and photos, please like on Facebook and follow on Twitter and Instagram:

https://www.facebook.com/NBCOneChicago
https://www.twitter.com/NBCOneChicago
https://www.instagram.com/NBCOneChicago/

David  Eigenberg

Christopher Herrmann, “Chicago Fire”

CHICAGO FIRE -- Season: 10 -- Pictured: David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann -- (Photo by: Art Streiber/NBC)

David Eigenberg stars as Christopher Herrmann, a seasoned firefighter and salt-of-the-earth family man, in NBC’s drama “Chicago Fire.”

Eigenberg is known to film and television audiences for his former role as Steve Brady, the good-hearted husband and quintessential New York bar owner in the Emmy-winning HBO series “Sex and the City.”

His film credits include “See You in September,” “The Trouble with Romance,” “The Mothman Prophecies” and “A Perfect Murder.”

Eigenberg’s selected television credits include “Justified,” “Criminal Minds,” “N.C.I.S.” and “Law & Order: SVU.”

A member of the Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York, Eigenberg has performed in numerous Off-Broadway plays. On Broadway, he received his break in 1990, playing a hustler in the original cast of John Guare’s “Six Degrees of Separation,” directed by Jerry Zaks at Lincoln Center. He also starred in the original cast of “Take Me Out,” directed by Joe Mantello, which was awarded the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, Drama League and New York Critics Awards for Best Play.

Eigenberg served in the United States Marine Corps for three years. He is married and living in Chicago with his wife and two children.

Joe Minoso

Joe Cruz, “Chicago Fire”

CHICAGO FIRE -- Season: 10 -- Pictured: Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz -- (Photo by: Art Streiber/NBC)

Actor Joe Minoso plays Joe Cruz on the hit NBC drama “Chicago Fire.”

Additional TV and film credits include “Get Shorty,” “Man of Steel,” “Shameless,” “Prison Break,” “The Chicago Code” and “Boss.”

Minosora, raised in Yonkers, N.Y., graduated from Adelphi University with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, and Northern Illinois University with a master’s degree in fine arts. Minoso worked extensively in the theater prior to his television and film appearances, including Chicago’s Teatro Vista, the largest Latino theater company in the Midwest.

As the founder and CEO, Minoso recently launched Mass Epiphany Studios and the Epiphany Project. Mass Epiphany Studios is a film and television vocational arts academy and studio system that looks to be a megaphone for America’s marginalized artists of tomorrow. For more information, check out the website at www.massepiphany.com

In addition, Minoso is active in the community and supports charities and organizations that include Shriners Hospital for Children, 100 Club of Chicago, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Cycle for Survival, Salvation Army and the Red Cross.

In addition, Minoso supports animal organizations that include the World Wildlife Fund and Fetching Tales Foundation. He and his wife currently have two rescues dogs, a pit-bull and French bulldog.

Christian Stolte of "Chicago Fire" on NBCChristian Stolte

Randy “Mouch” McHolland, “Chicago Fire”

Christian Stolte stars as Randy “Mouch” McHolland, a seasoned veteran who will do anything to protect his fellow firefighters and his coveted spot on the firehouse couch, in NBC’s drama “Chicago Fire.”

Stolte was born in St. Louis during the Cuban missile crisis. He moved to Chicago 28 years later in search of artistic fulfillment. He studied acting under Jane Brody and began working steadily in Chicago theater in such places as Steppenwolf Theatre, the Goodman Theatre, A Red Orchid Theatre (which produced a play written by Stolte, which won a Joseph Jefferson citation for Best New Work), Piven Theatre, Famous Door and Profiles Theatre.

His first film role was in “The Public Eye,” starring Joe Pesci. He has worked semi-regularly since, including roles in such films as “Ali,” “Road to Perdition,” “Stranger Than Fiction,” “Public Enemies,” and, perhaps most recognizably, as the killer who provokes Gerard Butler’s vengeance in “Law Abiding Citizen.”

On television, he has had recurring roles in the dramas “Turks,” “The Chicago Code,” “Prison Break,” “Boss” and “The Playboy Club.” He is a co-creator of the web series “Graveyard,” which can be witnessed in all its grotesque glory at thegraveyardshow.com.

Stolte still resides in Chicago, where his idiosyncrasies and peculiarities are indulged and tolerated to this day by his wife and two endlessly amusing daughters.

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David Eigenberg, Joe Minoso and Christian Stolte of "Chicago Fire" on NBC

Interview with Eamonn Walker and David Eigenberg

TV Interview!

Eamonn Walker and David Eigenberg of “Chicago Fire” on NBC

Interview with Eamonn Walker and David Eigenberg of “Chicago Fire” on NBC by Suzanne 3/23/21

These guys were a lot of fun to speak with. I interviewed David back in 2016 as well. I hope you enjoy this short interview as much as I did!

Here is the video version of it.

David:   We have some good Fires coming up. Boden’s gonna hop up on the front lines and steal things from me.

Question:   So, David, you’re alluding to the fact that the cast gets just as impatient as the fans, as far as Brett and Casey, just move this train long.

Eamonn:   Amen.

David:   Yeah, I mean, I find it interesting that their characters are so, you know, distressed at times about things, and you root for them in a certain way, and but their characters are very specific. Some people in life can’t pull the trigger, so to speak, in a amicable loving way, but it’s an interesting scenario. I’ve had friends like that, and I’m a “jump in” guy. I met my wife, Mary, I was 38, but I knew I was gonna marry her when I met her. She didn’t.

Question:   What about for Boden?

Eamonn:   Boden’s glad to be getting out of the office and getting some action, because Severide and Jesse’s character have been turning around and making out that he’s some old firefighter now. So, he’s grateful to be getting out there all of a sudden, whether I take it from David’s character or not. I don’t know about that, but there’s a lot of Boden in his office, and it’s about time that he came out of it.

You know, there’s the episode that went out recently with Mouch and Boden having a moment together to recognize how long they’ve been firefighters for. That moment really touched me, and I’m saying I would like more of that, because that experience is one of the things that I find grounds not only the show, but grounds to all of the characters, that these people have been doing it for a long time. Christian [Stolte] did that great speech, which really moved me when he was doing it, and I was in the room. He was saying, “They were looking at me. Most of the time, I feel invisible, because of my age, because of this, whatever, and there were these young guys that were looking at me and listening to me.” And I was like, “Right. I really feel that,” and I would like more of that with he and I. So, I’m putting that out so the writers can hear that.

Question:   I’ll forward the little tidbit along to him. Make sure they get the message.

Eamonn:   Thank you.

Question:   This feeds right into what you were talking about. So, both of you have been on this show, is it eight years now?

Eamonn:   Nine.

Question:   Nine, I mean, almost a decade

Eamonn:   Nearly.

Question:   So, I’m sure you have some shorthand with each other in this that you feel sort of comfortable in your character in a certain sort of way, but is it still really challenging to you, as an actor, to find new facets of your character to put out to the audience?

Eamonn:   I don’t know if we look at it as in terms of putting it out for the audience, because that’s the showrunner’s job, but what we do find with each other is we challenge each other at work in a way that you’ll never you’ll never get to see it. So, David will come up to me, or I’ll go up to him – and, you know, we were having a discussion yesterday. We really want the scenes to work. We really want the scenes to matter, the length and the depth of the subject matter, of all different subject matters that can be held within the fire department. We’re still challenging each other to be the best we can be, and the fact that we are doing that nine years later, it speaks speaks volumes. So, the audience will never get to see that, but I can guarantee you that when we’re in the middle of a scene and David has got that look in his eye, I’ll turn around and go, “Go again.” He’ll go, “Really?” [I’ll] go, “Yeah, go again.” And you’ll go, “Right. Claire, one more.” That tells me who we are, and that’s nine years in.

David:   Yeah, we all do play deeply off of each other. I was working with Joe [Minoso] yesterday, and what Eamonn says also goes for us, but there’s just a thing that we all want each other to succeed. There’s no pettiness here, and not that there’s a lot of that in this industry, but there is really a will for all of us to succeed and do well.

And the characters, you know, we’ve been aging on the show. Like there aren’t a ton of shows a go long distance. Sometimes I feel like I’ve been aging in dog ears here, the weather and stuff, but I think that the writers have changed some of the writing from time to time, or we see it differently sometimes, and I find myself making adjustments into it, and that does keep it interesting for me.

Eamonn:   The thing is, we care. We care about each other, and we care about the job still because of the love of the people that are here and the family that we have. So, that’s never going to go away. I know that now.

Question:   We have found new respect for first responders, and you guys have been on this show for so long. How did the pandemic hit you in terms of, you know, as characters who understand more about these first responders, and how was it getting back into it while we’re in the pandemic? Did [you have] any new experiences and new stories, any new feelings?

David:   I don’t know if it’s tied into the fact that first responders, the real ones, they have a vulnerability. I mean, they’re throwing themselves right out there and into it. And this is not a statistical reality, but there’ve been quite a few real firefighters in healthy shape that have gotten hammered by COVID, and I wouldn’t say they’re long haulers, but they’ve gotten hit pretty hard. And you – appreciate it’s not the right word, but, you know, you respect the choices that they’ve made, the decisions in their lives, and the depth of the character that they have in reality to take care of people. This is a new reality and a new vulnerability. So, it impacts us as people to see them, to be around them, and to have compassion for them, because some of them have been taking it on the nose. So, I don’t know if that answers you completely, but that’s something that we’ve been around and with.

Eamonn:   For me, when it first hit – we’ve been living with it for a year now, and so we’ve all gone through the emotions of COVID and learning to live with it. On one level, we’ve all got kind of emotional, mental fatigue of being with it. But when it first hit, I don’t know if you remember the worry and the fear of not knowing what the hell this was or how it was going to impact our lives. None of us thought we’d be here a year down the line, but because of our relationship with these first responders, and that’s police, firefighters, [and] paramedics, we knew that they still had to do their job. We knew they would still go and do their jobs because of the type of men and women that they are.

So, when we closed down, and we all went home, there was a certain amount of safety for us as actors, but the people who work with us on the show who were firefighters and policemen and paramedics, we knew they would be going out there in the middle of COVID.

So, I know, for me, I was worried; I didn’t know who I was going to see again, and that impacted me a lot. So, when we came back in September after however long off, I was grateful to see people who I knew who had been going. I also had been reading a lot and knowing that some firefighters and first responders were getting sick; I knew some had died. I was grateful to the people that we had come to know and love over the years that we’ve been doing this work [with] were still here, but we’ve lost some people along the way.

So, yeah, it’s changed everything. Our lives are all going to be very different. There’s no two ways about it. Whatever we consider to be normal is not going to be normal again. We know that now, but we’re very grateful that we were able to come back and work, but life isn’t going back to what we think it’s going to be. It’s going to be new.

Suzanne:   Hey, guys. I went on all of the Chicago P.D., Med, Fire Facebook groups that had over a thousand people; you guys are so popular. I asked if anyone had any questions, and I got a lot, but Christy wants to know what your least and favorite things are about working in Chicago.

David:   I’ve always loved this [city]. This is a scrappy city, and it has a lot of grit, and I highly value it. There’s weather here; it’s a tough city. I spent 25 years of my life in New York City. My family’s roots are all from New York City, and it’s another tough city, but Chicago has a grit that’s very different than New York even. There’s a beautiful part of their hearts and their souls that you get to be among and with, and my life now is in Chicago. My kids are Chicago kids, and I love being here…

Eamonn:   Yeah, it’s just the people; the people make Chicago. So, I’m saying the same thing as David is saying; it’s got everything here. It’s got the food; it’s got the music. It’s got blues. It’s got all of that kind of stuff, but every other city has that, but it’s the nature of Chicago people that makes Chicago. They’re straightforward people. They say what they mean.

David:   I’m not a hater, so there’s nothing I really hate. There’re things that are harder in this town, but every city has its own ups and downs, but there’s nothing to really hate here. You know, there’s certain elements of humanity that I don’t appreciate or even sometimes despise, but that’s not necessarily endemic in Chicago. There’s a great concern for humanity here. So I really appreciate it.

Eamonn:   There’s an underbelly in Chicago that we all know about, and I know that the the media sometimes picks up on or just puts it out, and when I go back to London, I know that’s part of the stuff that they pick up on, but I know London really well. There’s an underbelly to London that will freak you out, and I come from that part of London. So, for me, there’s nothing unusual here. It’s all fantastic when you get to know the people, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and it’s the people that make Chicago.

Interview Transcribed by Jamie of http://www.scifivision.com

MORE INFO:

Eamonn Walker

Battalion Chief Wallace Boden, “Chicago Fire”

CHICAGO FIRE -- Season: 6 -- Pictured: Eamonn Walker as Wallace Boden -- (Photo by: John Tsiavis/NBC)

Eamonn Walker stars as Battalion Chief Wallace Boden, a fireman’s fireman, in NBC’s drama “Chicago Fire.” As chief of the firehouse, it’s Boden’s job to look out for the lives of the men and women who are the courageous firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51.

Walker is a compelling performer known for his depth, integrity and ability to give life to the most layered of characters. He credits Sidney Poitier’s performance in “In the Heat of the Night” as the inspiration that led him to become an actor.

Born in London, he is perhaps best known in the United States for his portrayal of Kareem Said, the Muslim leader on the critically acclaimed HBO series “Oz.” His work on this show earned him a Golden Satellite nomination and a Cable Ace Award for Best Actor in a Dramatic Series.

On the big screen, Walker received stand-out notices for his performance as Howlin Wolf in “Cadillac Records,” opposite Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Mos Def and Beyoncé Knowles. He also has given memorable performances in such films as “The Messenger,” opposite Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson and Samantha Morton; “Lord of War,” opposite Nicholas Cage and Ethan Hawke; “Duma,” Carroll Ballard’s critically acclaimed film; “Tears of the Sun,” opposite Bruce Willis; Laurence Fishburne’s “Once in the Life;” the psychological thriller “Legacy;” and M. Night Shamaylan’s “Unbreakable.”

Moving seamlessly between film and television, his numerous TV credits include the NBC series “Kings,” the Jerry Bruckheimer series “Justice” and the award-winning BBC series “Moses Jones.” He portrayed a modern-day John Othello in the BAFTA and Peabody Award-winning adaptation of London Weekend Television’s “Othello” and Tom Fontana invited Walker to portray the sympathetic killer in the “Homicide” finale, the two-hour teleplay “Homicide: Life Everlasting.”

Other credits include a special arc on “Lights Out,” “ER,” and the miniseries “The Governor” and “Supply and Demand.” He also appeared in the BBC’s groundbreaking Martin Shaw series “Inspector George Gently” and the Cinemax series “Strike Back.”

Walker was nominated in 2005 for a Drama Desk Award for his Broadway debut as Marc Antony, alongside Denzel Washington and Colm Feore, in “Julius Caesar” at the Belasco Theatre. He later performed to sold-out audiences as the first black actor to portray Othello at the historic Old Globe Theatre in London.

Walker co-founded the Flipside Theatre Company in London and starred in their production of “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea.” He also appeared in London’s West End and in plays on such venerable stages as the Citizens Theatre, the Royal Exchange and the Hampstead Theatre.

Walker starred in Chicago’s famous Steppenwolf Theatre for the company’s 2016 premiere of Stephen Adly Guirgis’ “Between Riverside and Crazy.” Walker was nominated for a 2016 Jeff Award, which celebrates excellence in Chicago Theatre, in the category of Best Actor in a Principal Role. The same year he also won the Black Theater Alliance Sidney Poitier Award for the same play performed at Steppenwolf Theatre in the Best Actor in a Drama or Comedy category.

Walker resides in both Los Angeles and London.

David  Eigenberg

Christopher Herrmann, “Chicago Fire”

CHICAGO FIRE -- Season: 6 -- Pictured: David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann -- (Photo by: John Tsiavis/NBC)
David Eigenberg stars as Christopher Herrmann, a seasoned firefighter and salt-of-the-earth family man, in NBC’s drama “Chicago Fire.” Herrmann co-owns and operates one of Chicago’s favorite pubs, Molly’s.

Eigenberg is known to film and television audiences for his former role as Steve Brady, the good-hearted husband and quintessential New York bar owner in the Emmy Award-winning series “Sex and the City.”

His film credits include “See You in September,” “The Trouble with Romance,” “The Mothman Prophecies” and “A Perfect Murder.”

Eigenberg’s selected television credits include “Justified,” “Criminal Minds,” “N.C.I.S.” and “Law & Order: SVU.”

A member of the Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York, Eigenberg has performed in numerous Off Broadway plays. On Broadway, he received his break in 1990 playing a hustler in the original cast of John Guare’s “Six Degrees of Separation,” directed by Jerry Zaks at Lincoln Center. He also starred in the original cast of “Take Me Out,” directed by Joe Mantello, which was awarded the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, Drama League and New York Critics Awards for Best Play.

Eigenberg served in the United States Marine Corps for three years. He is married and living in Chicago with his wife and two children.

From renowned Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf (“Law & Order” brand) and co-creator Derek Haas, the writer behind “3:10 to Yuma,” comes season nine of the high-octane drama “Chicago Fire,” an edge-of-your-seat view look at the lives of everyday heroes committed to one of America’s noblest professions. The firefighters, rescue squad and paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51 risk their lives week in and week out to save and protect the citizens of their incredible city.

The family inside Firehouse 51 knows no other way than to lay it all on the line for each other. Capt. Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) leads the Truck Company and brash Lt. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) runs the Rescue Squad.

The firehouse also includes Battalion Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), a fireman’s fireman. As chief of 51, Boden keeps his house running smoothly and his firefighters prepared to overcome all adversity. Paramedic Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) returns alongside seasoned veterans Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) and Randy “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte) as well as resourceful firefighter Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo).

Completing the team are dependable squad member Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso), daredevil Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende), engine newbie Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) and the newest addition, paramedic Gianna Mackey (Adriyan Rae).

Executive producers are Dick Wolf, Derek Haas, Todd Arnow, Andrea Newman, Michael Gilvary, Michael Brandt, Reza Tabrizi, Arthur Forney and Peter Jankowski.

“Chicago Fire” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Wolf Entertainment.

Please visit the official show site at: https://www.nbc.com/chicago-fire

For the latest “Chicago Fire” news, videos, and photos, please like on Facebook and follow on Twitter and Instagram:

https://www.facebook.com/NBCOneChicago
https://www.twitter.com/NBCOneChicago
https://www.instagram.com/NBCOneChicago/

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

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Interview with Eamonn Walker and David Eigenberg of “Chicago Fire” on NBC

Interview with Adriyan Rae

TV Interview!

Adriyan Rae (Gianna on "Chicago Fire") - photo credit: Diana Ragland

Interview with Adriyan Rae (Gianna) of “Chicago Fire” on NBC by Suzanne 11/16/20

This was a quick interview, but it was enjoyable. Adriyan appears to be a very easy-going person. She first appeared last week in “Chicago Fire” as the new paramedic, Gianna, and is already very popular with fans.

Suzanne:   So, I read that your set shut down for two weeks due to COVID.

Adriyan:   Yeah, because we were following some COVID protocols.

Suzanne:   Right, and from what I hear, a lot of shows have been shut down. Once they get started again, they shut down, because somebody tests positive or whatever.

Adriyan:   It could be cast; it could be crew. It could be someone in the office, but just because, you know, there’s a whole universe shooting…

(a little bit of audio missing – my recorder stopped working for a very brief period.)

Suzanne:   Do you guys have to quarantine, or are you just not working?

Adriyan:   It depends on everyone’s situation, which is different. The protocols are that whoever tests positive, that’s guarded under the privacy of HIPAA. So, we don’t know who it is. Then whoever tests positive, the studio does know, of course, and they do contact tracing, whoever that person would have been in contact with, they go and they reach out to those people. They ask them certain questions, a certain amount of questions, that will tell them if they were a Type A contact or a Type B, a Zone A or Zone B. Then, from there, based on that, that’s where you’re deemed to have to quarantine or not. We’re still being tested, and as you’re tested, your results come in, and you know what to do from there. They’ll let you know what to do from there. Yes, that’s where we stand.

Suzanne:   Thank you, that’s a really good explanation. I don’t think ever actually – I mean, I knew sort of what contact tracing was, but I didn’t have an actual explanation. So, thank you.

Adriyan:   You’re welcome.

Suzanne:   And had you watched any of the Chicago shows before getting this role?

Adriyan:   I have, yeah.

Suzanne:   Chicago Fire specifically?

Adriyan:   I’ve dabbled in Chicago PD the most. That’s why when I was auditioning before, when I said I was auditioning for two years prior to getting this role, most of those were all auditions from Chicago PD. So, I did watch that as research and, you know, follow up with it, because it’s very intriguing. So, yeah, and then of course, when I got the auditions for this, I started watching Chicago Fire. I hadn’t necessarily watched Chicago Fire prior, but I started watching it in July. So, I was able to catch all the way up by the time I started shooting.

Suzanne:   Were you nervous at all coming into a show where you’re sort of the new girl?

Adriyan:   You know, when you come to these shows where they’re well oiled machines, and they’re in their late seasons, everybody has their own friends, and you know, they’re adults. Some of them are just like, “I’m here for work. That’s it,” but this show was completely different. Of course you have some jitters about going to a new job. Everybody does, whether it’s acting, whether you work in finance, or even work in accounting, anything, you have some jitters when you go in on your first day of work. So, of course, but I was welcomed with open arms, and it was so warm and welcoming and loving and just super helpful. Anything I needed, helping me figure out – because they knew I had never been to Chicago before, helping me figure out what neighborhoods are good and what neighborhoods were good for this food, and if I like that food, this is over here. This is where this kind of quilt – like you’re looking for the Marshalls or the Jewel, it’s over here. I didn’t even know the Jewel was the grocery store there. They were just there every step of the way. Super helpful.

Suzanne:   Oh, that’s nice. Were there any particularly friendly cast members who put you the most at ease?

Adriyan:   Well, all of them. I mean, the people that I met first were Miranda [Rae Mayo] and Kara [Killmer]. Kara actually reached out and was like, “Hey, you want to just jump on a call so we can get to know each other?” I was like, “Yeah, let’s do that.” Then, Miranda reached out and was like, “Hey girl, you’re beautiful. Hi. I’m on Chicago Fire too. Congratulations.” And Daniel, I was so happy for Daniel. I had never met him, but when I had seen his announcement, I was like, “Oh, this is great.” I actually reached out to him. I was like, “This is so late. Congratulations.” He probably didn’t even know who I was at the time.

Those were my first interactions, but as soon as I got to hair and makeup, I think, my first day, Eamonn [Walker] was in the chair, and we’re not allowed to talk in hair and makeup, so after we got out, I had my mask; I was putting my mask on. He had his on, and then we’re walking to our trailers and he goes, “Hey, I’ve seen your work prior to this. Respect.” And I was like, “Oh, God! He watched my old show.”   He was just super nice. He was like, “Anything you need; let me know. I’ll show you the ropes.” He was just super there, like everybody. Super warm; just amazing.

Suzanne:   That’s great. You had to move to Chicago to film?

Adriyan:   Yes, I’m there to film for sure.

Suzanne:   How are you liking Chicago?

Adriyan:   Oh, it’s a beautiful city. It’s so freakin pretty; it’s amazing. It’s so beautiful. I’m acclimating to the weather, of course, but I really love the diversity and the different foods. It’s such good food there. It’s really hard not to get that.

Suzanne:   I know what you mean. We usually go to Chicago in April for a conference, and we didn’t get to go this year, and we were so disappointed.

Adriyan:   Right, you missed out on some food.

Suzanne:   Yeah, I love the restaurants there.

And did they give you much character background before you started filming?

Adriyan:   Well, actually, yeah, I sat down with the writers, and I wanted to know her backstory that they created. And it, ironically, was the same situation; it was just like, wow. I was meant for this, because I created the backstory for her for auditioning, and then when I met with the writers, and they told me her [backstory], I was like, “Oh my God, shut up! I literally have it written down right now.” So, yeah, they shared it with me, and we kinda like ended up merging it together, because it aligned so well. It’s constantly a backstory that’s growing as we understand more about her and learn more about her.

Suzanne:   Is there anything you can tell us about the role that we haven’t already seen or that’ll be happening with her this season?

Adriyan:   I think that viewers can look forward to someone that’s really relatable and that she is transitioning and someone who has been through things in life and has kind of got these walls up. There comes a point in time in your life, when you’ve been going through things all of your life, and you put these guards up, put these walls up. Then, there’s a point where you’re kind of like, “Are these necessary anymore?” And then people around you are like, “You know, you don’t have to be. It’s okay if you’re not,” and you’re like, “I don’t know about that.” So, the journey of her exploring that and going through that I think it’s something to look forward to and I think that most people can relate to.

Suzanne:   I enjoyed the first episode. It was like, “Wow, there’s a cliffhanger, literally.”

So, what’s nice about having – I’m sure the writers loved coming up with your character, because they like it when they can have a person who comes in and the viewer gets to see the show through your eyes as somebody who’s new and meeting everybody…So, usually, when they start out a new show, they do that. They have one person who’s new to the group or whatever, and then the viewers learn about the rest of the people through that person’s eyes. So, having you come in when they’ve already been an established show, it helps any new viewers, and it’s really good for the show.

Adriyan:   Yeah.

Suzanne:   Do you have any favorite behind the scenes moments?

Adriyan:   I do, and I’m going to share them at a later date. So, I think that if viewers follow my Instagram, I’ll be posting them there on my Insta Story, and they can follow me at “AdriyanRae,” and that is on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Suzanne:   Cool. And I was sorry to hear that Vagrant Queen was cancelled. That was a good show. I like sci-fi.

Adriyan:  Awesome

Suzanne:   How long was there between you finding out that you won’t be going back to that show and that you were hired on Chicago Fire?

Adriyan:   I found out Vagrant was canceled the second week of June. I received my first audition for Chicago Fire in July. I booked the role the first week of August.

Suzanne:   Wow. So, that was quick. I bet you were relieved.

Adriyan:  Yes.

Suzanne:   I always wondered, and let me know if this question is weird or whatever, but… I used to watch this show, and the show was all about, mainly, this one guy, and maybe, you know, a couple other people, but he was the star of the show, and then that show got canceled, and he went on to another show, and he was part of an ensemble. I was wondering, as an actor, how does your ego handle that? Was that difficult for you, or just no big deal to you?

Adriyan:   I can’t speak for all actors, but me, as a person, I try not to operate in my ego. I think it’s one of the reasons my personality fits well was the cast and crew of Chicago Fire, because it’s just not a case of that. It’s just, I am an actor, and whether I’m number one on the call sheet or number fourteen, or number seven, it doesn’t matter. My character is important enough to be written into the script, and I’m just going to go out there, and I’m going to do what I love and my best and create this character and do the work. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s about. It’s not about what number you on the call sheet.

Suzanne:   Well, that’s a really good attitude to have.

Adriyan:   Thank you.

Suzanne:   I think people that have that kind of attitude probably do a lot better in your job than people with a lot more drama.

Adriyan:   Yeah, ego is a fickle thing to operate in.

Suzanne:   Yeah, your job is not easy. I know that, because with all the rejections that you get, I don’t think I could handle it.

Adriyan:   Yeah, it’s a lot. Like you could put your heart on the line, and you’re like, “This was the greatest audition I’ve ever done!” And they’re like, “That’s not good enough for us.”

Suzanne:   “That’s not what we’re looking for.”

Okay, so do you have any other projects coming out that you can tell us about?

Adriyan:   Well, you know, filming this show in the middle of pandemic is a project in itself, but I’m also working on getting my scholarship fund, the Heart & Soul Scholarship, presented by #LoveandLight Media, my company, getting that off the ground so we can we can provide funding or some type of help to children who are underprivileged, to get some post secondary education, which is very necessary. So, that we are diligently working on amidst everything else.

Suzanne:   Cool, and is there a website for that?

Adriyan:   It’s under my website at http://www.adriyanrae.com .

Suzanne:   I’ll check that out. Anything else you’d like to tell fans of the show?

Adriyan:   Viewers of the show, I would like to tell you all that you are loved and appreciated and to stay encouraged and to make sure that you control your anxiety and don’t let your anxiety control you in the midst of these trying times.

NOTE: Some of the questions were submitted by fans on Facebook.

Here is the audio version of it. Part one and Part two. My recorder stopped near the beginning, so I had to start again.

Interview Transcribed by Jamie of http://www.scifivision.com

MORE INFO:

About Adriyan Rae

A triple-threat singer, actress and model, Rae is distinguishing herself as a star on the rise in Hollywood. Rae has recently starred in the horror-thriller series Light as a Feather, and has guest-starred on various shows including Atlanta, American Soul, and Star. On the big screen, Rae has had roles in Superfly with Jennifer Morrison, Trevor Jackson, and Michael Kenneth Williams, and Burning Sands alongside Alfre Woodard and Trevante Rhodes. She starred on “Vagrant Queen” earlier this year on Syfy.

Born in the small city of Seaford, Delaware, Rae was raised by a single mother who instilled in her the belief that she could accomplish anything she put her heart and mind to. She attended the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia where she earned two bachelor’s degrees, one in Physician Assistant Studies and the other in Medical Laboratory Science. Following college, she discovered a passion for performing and since then has worked tirelessly to hone her talents as a singer and actress. She is classically trained in theater and has extensively trained in comedy, improv and TV/film acting.

Rae currently resides in Los Angeles.

From renowned Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf (“Law & Order” brand) and co-creator Derek Haas, the writer behind “3:10 to Yuma,” comes season nine of the high-octane drama “Chicago Fire,” an edge-of-your-seat view look at the lives of everyday heroes committed to one of America’s noblest professions. The firefighters, rescue squad and paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51 risk their lives week in and week out to save and protect the citizens of their incredible city.

The family inside Firehouse 51 knows no other way than to lay it all on the line for each other. Capt. Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) leads the Truck Company and brash Lt. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) runs the Rescue Squad.

The firehouse also includes Battalion Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), a fireman’s fireman. As chief of 51, Boden keeps his house running smoothly and his firefighters prepared to overcome all adversity. Paramedic Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) returns alongside seasoned veterans Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) and Randy “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte) as well as resourceful firefighter Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo).

Completing the team are dependable squad member Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso), daredevil Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende), engine newbie Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) and the newest addition, paramedic Gianna Mackey (Adriyan Rae).

Executive producers are Dick Wolf, Derek Haas, Todd Arnow, Andrea Newman, Michael Gilvary, Michael Brandt, Reza Tabrizi, Arthur Forney and Peter Jankowski.

“Chicago Fire” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Wolf Entertainment.

Please visit the official show site at: https://www.nbc.com/chicago-fire

For the latest “Chicago Fire” news, videos, and photos, please like on Facebook and follow on Twitter and Instagram:

https://www.facebook.com/NBCOneChicago
https://www.twitter.com/NBCOneChicago
https://www.instagram.com/NBCOneChicago/

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

CHICAGO FIRE -- "Rattle Second City" Episode 901 -- Pictured: Adriyan Rae as Gianna Mackey -- (Photo by: Adrian S. Burrows Sr./NBC)