‘Chicago Fire’: Who is New Series Regular Adriyan Rae?
With Emily Foster (Annie Ilonzeh) looking at returning to medical school, Chicago Fire’s ambulance 62 is going to need a second paramedic. Foster has been riding with her partner Sylvie Brett, played by Kara Killmer. Enter Gianna Mackey, portrayed by Adriyan Rae. So just who is Rae and what can we expect from her character as Firehouse 51’s new paramedic?
An abrupt end to ‘Chicago Fire’ Season 8
With the onset of coronavirus (COVID-19) early this year, Chicago Fire like many TV shows ended the season earlier than planned. In the episode which became the finale, Foster reveals to firefighter Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) that she had reapplied to Northwestern to finish her medical school studies, according to TV Line. However, Foster is concerned about the timing with all that her partner, Brett, has been going through.
Brett, who was adopted as an infant, had recently gotten to know her birth mother, Julie (Kelly Deadmon). But, Julie subsequently died during childbirth of Brett’s half-sister. Julie and her husband had moved to Chicago to live closer to Brett, but following Julie’s death, her husband decides to return to their former home with his newborn daughter. With Foster leaving after two seasons on the show, this represents yet another loss for Brett.
The character of Mackey may help lift the mood. She is said to be “a lovable troublemaker with a twinkle in her eye,” according to Deadline. Further, she is “charming, scrappy, fun, witty and good-natured.”
Who is Adriyan Rae?
Rae is best known for her role as Elida on the sci-fi show, Vagrant Queen. With the show being canceled following its one season, Rae was available to sign up with Chicago Fire. According to Adriyan Rae’s website, she is a native of Delaware who comes from African American, German, Native American, and Venezuelan roots. She is also a model and singer.
Rae’s mother says that as a child Rae said she wanted to be a cardiothoracic surgeon. Following high school, Rae studied at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia earning a degree in Physician Assistant Studies and a second one in Medical Laboratory Science. Following, she received accreditation as a Medical Laboratory Scientist by the American Society of Clinical Pathology.
She moved to Atlanta for work, but, it turns out Rae had another calling. She was moved to Los Angeles and began performing on YouTube. Some recording executives took notice in 2013. She became a recording artist while at the same time she began modeling and acting. Before her role in Vagrant Queen, she appeared as Candice in the Emmy-winning television series, Atlanta.
Another ‘Chicago Fire’ recurring actor earns a regular role
Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) had pretty much decided maybe being a firefighter wasn’t for him when we first met him in Season 7. After being kicked off a different engine from a different house, Randall “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte) takes him under his wing. Lt. Christopher Hermann (David Eigenberg) offers him a position on Engine 51.
While we have seen Ritter in most episodes since his introduction and have come to understand a lot about the character, until now he was not considered a “regular” on the show, according to TV Line.
“[I’m] very excited Daniel is gonna be a series regular this year,” showrunner Derek Haas said in a statement. “Ritter has become a big part of Firehouse 51, and Daniel plays him with a sincerity and depth that always makes the room excited to write for him. Expect to see some big Ritter action in Season 9.”
A part of the One Chicago trilogy, Chicago Fire is set to return on November 11 in its 9 p.m. time slot between Chicago Med and Chicago P.D.
