‘Chicago Fire’: Cast Changes Are Hard Says Christian Stolte: ‘When Somebody Has to Go, It’s Heartbreaking
Chicago Fire celebrates its 200th episode during season 10 episode 5 (titled “Two Hundred”). Here’s what Christian Stolte had to say about cast changes and his journey with the show so far.
‘Chicago Fire’ Episode 200
Chicago Fire Episode 200 is a milestone for the Dick Wolf series. One big event is the birth of Cruz’s baby. It was first announced the firefighter was going to be a father during Chicago Fire Season 9 Episode 5 (“My Lucky Day”). Last season, Herrmann and Cruz experienced a tough call after being stuck in a freight elevator. At one point, neither of them thought they would make it out alive. Luckily, they were rescued at the last minute.
Fans are paying the most attention to changes with Matt Casey. At the end of Chicago Fire Season 10 Episode 4, his future at the firehouse was uncertain. Casey was trying to decide whether to move to Oregon so he could take care of Ben and Griffin. His decision was partly based on whether Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer). was open to the move.
Christian Stolte says ‘Chicago Fire’ cast changes are difficult
During an interview with NBC’s KGET, Christian Stolte (Mouch) spoke about Chicago Fire cast shakeups and how they can take their toll. Cast members become close throughout the years, so it’s tough to adjust to someone’s absence.
The actors on a show become not only co-workers but also close friends, says the Chicago Fire actor. “We hang out together constantly,” says Stolte. “We know each other as well as I know anyone else in my life. They are just the best group of people. When somebody has to go, it is heartbreaking.”
Christian Stolte wouldn’t mind playing a cowboy
Stolte loves playing Mouch on Chicago Fire but says he wouldn’t mind playing a different role. He would be interested in playing a cowboy, but says he’s getting older, so that might not be possible. Although Stolte would like variety, he he is grateful to have consistent work.
“After 10 seasons, the level of comfort I have with the people I work with on our sets and on our locations, it will be hard for me to ever have that feeling again,” says Stolte in his KGET interview. “The idea of consistent employment for an actor is insane. In the meantime, I do get that impulse to go play a cowboy. I want to play a member of a motorcycle gang. I just turned 59 so I am aging out of certain roles. By the time I wrap this show it will strictly be grandpa roles for me.”
What happened last time on ‘Chicago Fire’
During Chicago Fire Season 10 Episode 4 (“The Right Thing”), Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker) continues to struggle with his new role at the Chicago Fire Department. He misses the old team, and it shows. One way he copes with the change is by meeting up with Herrmann (David Eigenberg) for coffee every week. Herrmann gives him updates on what’s going on at 51. However, it still doesn’t seem to be enough for Boden. It’s clear he regrets his career move and wants to go back to how things used to be.
Changes are also happening for Brett. She is now leading a paramedicine program. The goal of the program is to help manage and eventually reduce the number of non-emergency calls. These low-level calls take time away from urgent calls that require a higher level of care. After Mouch put in a good word for her, the new program is temporarily approved. Brett has six months to prove herself.
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