One Of Chicago Fire's Longest-Tenured Stars Is A Real Firefighter Who Was Hired As An Extra
TVLine • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Anthony Ferraris, a retired Chicago firefighter, has appeared in over 250 episodes of "Chicago Fire," playing the character Tony, originally starting as an extra in Season 1 before gaining a speaking role despite no prior acting experience.
- Ferraris was the only cast member initially qualified to drive a fire engine, bringing authentic firefighting skills to the show, and has become a fan-favorite with the seventh-most appearances among the cast.
- His portrayal of Tony extends into the "One Chicago" universe, including appearances on "Chicago P.D." and "Chicago Med," marking his only acting roles to date.
- Ferraris praised the show's realistic depiction of firefighters' behavior, highlighting the contrast between their intense work during emergencies and their camaraderie during downtime at the firehouse.
- With over 14 years on the series, Ferraris' acting tenure is notable but still shorter than his 25-year real-life career with the Chicago Fire Department.
