Chicago Fire’s Kara Killmer talks ‘really interesting’ season 7

Chicago Fire star Kara Killmer talks about Sylvie Brett’s recent challenges, and why Chicago Fire season 7 has been ‘really interesting’ for her.

Before Chicago Fire returns, One Chicago Center spoke to Kara Killmer about the busy season she has been having at Firehouse 51.

Her character, paramedic Sylvie Brett, has had new developments in both her professional and her personal lives—and they haven’t always been good. Off-camera, this is the first season where she has a new scene partner, after Monica Raymund left the series.

Kara gave us her opinion on everything she and her character have experienced this season; learn more about her thoughts in our interview below, then don’t miss a new Chicago Fire episode airing tomorrow at 9 p.m. on NBC!

One Chicago Center: What has Chicago Fire season 7 been like for you personally? You’ve lost your longtime partner, but gained a new one.

More from One Chicago Center

• Chicago Med star on 2024 cast changes: ‘Nice to have new faces’
• Here’s the perfect Chicago Fire episode to watch on Thanksgiving
• Ranking the 8 NCIS Thanksgiving episodes from worst to best
• Mark Harmon does NOT have plans to reprise Gibbs on NCIS
• One Chicago stars tease new seasons on IG: ‘Here we come’

Kara Killmer: It’s been really interesting. Monica was obviously there at the beginning [of the series], so this was my first year doing it without her. She showed me the ropes, so everything I know how to do right is something that Monica taught me.

I think both myself and in the character, there’s a lot of stepping into that role of being a leader in the group. Bringing in Annie [Ilonzeh], who plays Foster, and kind of teaching her the ropes—which she’s learning very quickly and very well.

It’s been a lot of fun. Obviously we miss Monica and miss the story [of] Dawson, but the group is resilient and cranking on like we always do.

Watch One Chicago on fuboTV: Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!

With having to become Paramedic in Charge and moving on without Dawson, does it feel like Brett is a different character this season?

Certainly. I think because the responsibility is a little greater, she’s carrying a greater weight with her decisions and how she shows up. She doesn’t have anybody else—not that she doesn’t have the other guys to lean on, but it’s really about her proving herself more and being more in charge, which is different from any of the other seasons for me.

What Chicago Fire season 7 experience has been the most fun for you so far? Was it the plot where Brett was dealing with the bus crash?

That was fun. We shot out in the middle of nowhere; it was Lamont, Illinois on a highway. It was the first two days of the year. It could have been a lot worse—it was only 30 degrees in Chicago, it could be negative 50, obviously—but we were outside, and we had this huge bus accident and we had a blast.

That bus was like a big jungle gym. We were climbing all over this thing and jumping in and out. It was the first time that I had done an episode where I didn’t have any of the guys around. It was just [Brett] and Foster, and then eventually Stella [Kidd]. So it was like okay, we have to step up. The only people who are going to be able to do anything is us, so find your strength.

Chicago Fire also gave Brett a new romantic relationship this season, even though it didn’t last. How would you describe her dynamic with Kyle Sheffield (Teddy Sears)?

I think there’s just [the opposite] of what she had with Antonio [Dawson]. That was so fast and kind of confusing and turbulent. [Kyle]’s sweet, straightforward, he’s really easygoing and they’re very well suited for each other. They’re kind of like the same creature.

What was it like for you to move away from Brettonio, though, considering you had played that relationship for so long? Was it difficult?

I still hold a small candle for Brettonio. But it’s good to see people grow in other relationships, too, and I think that the chaplain feels so right for her right now. I definitely had white knuckles holding onto Brettonio for a really long time, because it is so great to work with Jon [Seda], but that’s also the nature of the job in real life. It’s sort of accurate in how heartbreaking it is, in terms of people who are that dedicated to their job.

Are there any other One Chicago characters you’d like to play Brett with in the future?

I have long thought that [Kim] Burgess and Brett would be good friends. I want one of two things to happen. Either we find out that [Hailey] Upton is Brett’s sister, because any time Tracy [Spiridakos] and I are around everybody is like oh, you could be sisters. And I’m like wouldn’t that be so fun? Or that Burgess and Brett hang out and become best friends. I just love spending time with Marina [Squerciati].

You’re a Chicago Fire veteran now. How different is Kara Killmer as an actress compared to the one who joined the show in season 3?

Now I feel like I’ve got it down. I know what I need to do, and that’s actually broadened my perspective. Now that I feel secure in what I bring to the table, it’s helped me to appreciate and open my eyes to what everyone around me is doing—not just the cast but the crew as well.

I’ve gotten more interested in how we’re shooting things and special effects and the wardrobe and special effects makeup. I don’t really think I understood the extent of all the moving parts and all of the skills that go into making this show work. That’s something that, for me, has been a revelation.

For the latest Chicago Fire season 7 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago Fire category at One Chicago Center.