Charlie Barnett’s Evolving Career From Firefighter to Sci-Fi Star

1. From Engine 51 to Intergalactic Fame: The Rise of Charlie Barnett

In the ever-evolving world of television and film, few actors have shown the range and resilience of Charlie Barnett. Known to millions as Peter Mills from NBC’s Chicago Fire, Barnett has successfully stepped beyond the firehouse and into some of the most talked-about streaming series in recent memory. From gritty drama to time-bending sci-fi and now to the galaxy far, far away, Charlie Barnett has proven he’s much more than just a one-show wonder.

As of 2025, Charlie Barnett is making headlines once again, not for returning to Chicago Fire, but for igniting the screen in Disney+’s Star Wars: The Acolyte, along with two major indie films releasing this year. But how did this Florida-born actor become one of TV’s most dependable and diverse talents?

2. Early Life and Passion for Performance

Born in Sarasota, Florida, Charlie Barnett grew up surrounded by the arts. He began acting at a young age and graduated from the Juilliard School, one of the most prestigious performing arts conservatories in the world. This formal training prepared him not just to play compelling roles, but to bring a level of emotional depth and stage presence that makes him stand out on screen.

After graduating, Barnett didn’t have to wait long for a big break. His early career included small film roles and guest TV appearances, but it was Chicago Fire that introduced him to a global audience.

3. The Chicago Fire Breakthrough as Peter Mills

In 2012, Charlie Barnett joined the original cast of Chicago Fire as firefighter candidate Peter Mills, a role that lasted three seasons. His character, the son of a fallen firefighter, was driven, empathetic, and frequently caught in the middle of high-stakes rescues and firehouse drama.

Mills’ storyline was central to the early seasons of Chicago Fire, including complex relationships, racial tensions, and personal loss. Despite becoming a fan favorite, Barnett was written out of the series in Season 3, as Mills chose to leave Chicago and help his family run a restaurant in North Carolina.

At the time, many fans were shocked, but the character’s departure was respectful and open-ended, allowing the possibility for future returns. Though Charlie Barnett has not yet reprised the role, he continues to be warmly remembered by One Chicago loyalists.

4. Post-Chicago Fire: Finding His Lane in Streaming Hits

After exiting Chicago Fire, Charlie Barnett didn’t slow down. In fact, his post-firehouse career arguably brought him even greater critical acclaim.

One of his most recognized performances came in Netflix’s Russian Doll, where he starred as Alan Zaveri, a man stuck in a mysterious time loop alongside Natasha Lyonne’s character. The show was praised for its originality, writing, and performances, with Barnett’s understated emotional performance being a standout.

That role led to others in high-profile series, including:

• Ben Marshall in Tales of the City (2019), a reboot of the beloved LGBTQ+ miniseries

• John Diggle Jr. in the CW’s Arrow, where he entered the DC Comics universe

• Eric Payne in NBC’s Ordinary Joe (2021–2022), playing the best friend of the lead character in a three-timeline concept drama

• Guest appearances in You (Season 2) and Special on Netflix

Each role revealed new layers of Charlie Barnett’s talent, as he moved from ensemble TV actor to a versatile leading man.

5. Hollywood Buzz in 2024–2025: A Jedi Knight and Indie Darling

Perhaps the most high-profile moment of Charlie Barnett’s recent career came with his role in Star Wars: The Acolyte, which premiered in late 2024. He played Yord Fandar, a Jedi Knight with both humor and vulnerability, standing out in a crowded cast.

Although his character met a dramatic end mid-season, fans and critics praised his performance for bringing grounded humanity to the Jedi Order — a rare feat in the often stoic world of Star Wars. Interviews with Barnett around the release revealed his deep respect for the franchise and his excitement to be a part of the canon.

Beyond the galaxy, Charlie Barnett also stars in two indie films making waves in 2025:

• We Are Gathered Here Today, a screen-life drama releasing VOD in May 2025, in which he plays a conflicted family member during a Zoom-era funeral

• Bookends, a heartfelt ensemble dramedy set to hit festivals in the fall, where Barnett plays a psychiatrist navigating loss and memory

These projects demonstrate Charlie Barnett’s commitment to meaningful, character-driven stories, whether in sci-fi epics or quiet, emotional narratives.

6. Advocacy, Identity, and Representation

Openly gay and biracial, Charlie Barnett has spoken often about the importance of representation and diversity in the roles he takes. He chooses characters and stories that reflect the complexity of identity and refuses to be boxed into stereotypes.

His involvement in LGBTQ+ media, including Tales of the City, has solidified his place not just as a talented actor but as an advocate for inclusion in Hollywood. Barnett often attends Pride events, participates in charity readings, and uses his platform to support emerging artists of color.

7. Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Charlie Barnett?

With critical success in both mainstream and indie projects, Charlie Barnett is well-positioned for an even more impactful future. He has expressed interest in returning to the stage, writing his own scripts, and producing stories that reflect the intersection of queerness, race, and working-class American life.

There are also rumors (though unconfirmed) that he may appear in a second season of The Acolyte via flashbacks, or even step back into the Arrowverse depending on DC Studios’ shifting plans.

As of mid-2025, Barnett remains one of the most dynamic actors of his generation. He seamlessly moves between genres, platforms, and roles — always elevating the material and leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

     Charlie Barnett is a true modern actor — fearless, thoughtful, and continually evolving. From the fire trucks of Chicago Fire to the corridors of the Jedi Temple and beyond, he’s proven that there’s no genre he can’t master. With his blend of vulnerability and strength, charisma and humility, Charlie Barnett has more than earned his place in the spotlight — and we can’t wait to see where he shines next.

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