EXCLUSIVE: Original Chicago Fire actor Eamonn Walker is leaving his series regular

duties on the hit NBC series after 12 seasons playing boss Wallace Boden, Deadline has

learned. Although there have been many cast changes on OneChicago recently, we

understand that the decision to step back was his. Sources say the character Boden is alive and well and Walker is expected to return to the show in a recurring capacity in the future. Fans will get a better look at what’s going on with Boden and his plans for the future in the Season 12 finale “Never Say Goodbye” airing on May 22. The character has been absent for some time briefly due to personal family issues, leaving Severide (Taylor) Kinney) in charge but will return in the finale. A diary entry for the season closer reads, “Boden makes a decision that will impact the race for Deputy Commissioner.

A tense phone call brings back painful memories for Carver [Jake Lockett] and Damon [Michael Bradway]. Mouch [Christian Stolte] struggles to adapt to the new Truck. In Chicago Fire, Boden started out as Battalion Commander of the 25th Battalion, a boss to many, yes, but most importantly, a mentor and friend respected by all. He climbed the ladder (pun intended) to be promoted to Deputy District Chief in Season 10 and is now serving as Deputy Fire Commissioner, to the dismay of a few, including Sheriff Robinson (Laura Allen), who thinks she’s better suited for the role. .

If Boden wins that promotion, it could leave Walker with less screen time while Severide potentially moves up to a higher position and could mean a whole new era for the Chicago Fire. Up to now, Walker has more than 4 decades working in the industry including television, theater and film. In addition to his tenure on Chicago Fire, notable credits include his role as Kareem Saïd in the HBO series Oz; the drama Othello, a character he also portrayed on stage as the first Black Actor to bring the character to life at the Globe Theater or Shakespeare’s Globe; ER as Dr. Stephen Dakarai; and Cadillac Records for the big screen. The series is produced by Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studios Group.