According to Deadline, actor Eamonn Walker, who has played Wallace Boden on Chicago Fire since the series debuted, has decided to exit from the show, after 12 seasons. This isn’t the first cast shakeup for the NBC drama in Season 12.
With that being said, the silver lining in all this is that it seems Boden will not be leaving the series permanently, rather, will return occasionally.
Walker has been with Chicago Fire since its pilot episode that aired in 2012 and is one of three actors who remain from the original Season 1 cast; David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann) and Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide) are the other two.
Chicago Fire, Season 12: More Casting Shakeups
Part of the Chicago franchise and one of the most popular dramas on NBC, it’s not overly shocking that the network renewed Chicago Fire for Season 13.
Still, by the time of Season 12’s finale, Walker will be one of four stars that has exited the show this season. Regular cast members, Kara Killmer (Sylvie Brett) and Alberto Rosende (Blake Gallo) left at different times during Season 12; while Rome Flynn (Derrick Gibson) entered the show in a recurring role to potentially become something more, only to announce his exit in the middle of the season, as well.
Chicago Fire, Season 12: Why Is Eamonn Walker Leaving?
As of this writing, the reason for Walker’s exit is unclear. However, with his decision to bring his status to “recurring”, this means he has a good working relationship with Chicago Fire, and his character will remain pivotal with the franchise as it continues on.
It’ll be interesting to see how Chicago Fire will handle Walker’s transition from “regular” to “recurring”, the powershift that will undeniably occur within Firehouse 51, and how the firefighters will adjust to having someone new take the lead.
Will you miss seeing Eamonn Walker and Wallace Boden regularly on Chicago Fire? Share your thoughts below and continue to catch the drama on Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. (ET), airing on NBC. Stay tuned to this site for the best television spoilers, news, and updates!