One Chicago interview: David Selby reflects on his Chicago Fire experience

Ahead of his guest appearance in this week’s Chicago Fire episode, “A Chicago Welcome,” actor David Selby reflects on his Chicago Fire experience.

This week’s new Chicago Fire, promises to deliver another high-stake and emotional hour of television. From an intense call which cause the men and women of Firehouse 51 to put their lives on the line to save those in a precarious situation, to further development on the relationship fronts, the episode is bound to fire on all cylinders.

The episode also brings with it a special guest appearance from legendary actor David Selby (Dark Shadows, Falcon Crest), who will drop by the Windy City in Wednesday’s new episode. Although, the specifics surrounding Selby’s guest appearance are not yet known, the first images from the episode alludes to a connection to Sylvie Brett (Kara Kilmer) and/or Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer). Said images also indicate an emotional storyline for the veteran actor, who is sure to move audiences with his appearance.

Prior to Wednesday’s new Chicago Fire episode, One Chicago Center’s Brittany Frederick connected with Selby to discuss his upcoming guest appearance and the experience he had in joining the One Chicago family.

One Chicago Center: What was it about the show or about this particular script that made you say, “This is something that I want to do.” Where was the hook for you?

David Selby: Oh, my goodness. Well, first of all, I read the script, then I read it again and I liked the arc of the character. It was very moving and emotional for me. I asked my wife to read it, because I thought, “Okay, this is one I really have to consider.”

She cried and said, “You’ve got to do this.” And I said, “I know that’s what I think.” So that was it. And it just was a very touching moment and it’s always wonderful when you come across something like that.

OCC: And the cool thing is, it’s a different type of show from the roles that we’ve seen you do recently such as Legion and Castle Rock. What was it like for you just to film it, especially with filming in Chicago, which isn’t like filming in New York or in LA?

Selby: I’ve worked there over the years quite a bit. I’ve done a lot of theater in Chicago at different theater venues and so it was wonderful. Like everybody else who goes to Chicago, you walk down Michigan Avenue, hit the music and you do all of that. It was pretty special. Getting to go back and work in Chicago was quite nice.

While I was there they had their Christmas party. It was held it at a beautiful museum and all three shows — Chicago Fire, Med and PD — all were there. It was wonderful; very nice.

OCC:  I’ve heard from actors who write that it changes the way they read a script when they’re preparing for a role. Have you have you found that to be true, that it gives you a different perspective as you’re reading scripts?

Selby: I suppose in some ways it does, but I don’t think so. It’s like when you’re reading a novel and you can’t put it down, or other books you pick up and you struggle through. In reading a script like Chicago Fire, you look for some of the same elements. Does this story hold you? In this case, it did for me.

OCC: I’m hoping that people who are going to watch this episode will say, “Hey, I wonder what else he’s done recently.” Are there any favorite projects you might recommend to those who watch the episode and want to see more from you after the Chicago Fire episode has aired?

Selby: If you want a real good film from the last 10 years, you could watch The Social Network. A guy named David Fincher directed it and David is very good. Jesse Eisenberg was the main character and Jesse was quite special.  I played this lawyer opposing him on the other side and that was a lot of fun from that standpoint. [As previously mentioned], I did Noah Hawley’s Legion. We shot up in Canada and I enjoyed that.

OCC: Before we go, is there anything else you’d like to touch on or add in bringing things to a close? 

Selby: I still do a lot of theater. I have another play that they want to do in LA. So that’s always my net. I’m always thinking, “Okay, now what?” and sometimes you’re never quite [sure what might come next]. When this Chicago Fire episode came my way I thought, “Oh my goodness, how blessed am I to do this?”

My whole career, from the very start, I’ve done so many TV series over the years. I still love what I do. It’s wonderful when you read something like this current episode, and I encourage you to watch it. You know what was great was you walk onto the set and it’s like a family. Everyone pulls together; everyone has an easy conversation; they enjoy each other; they hug each other; they support each other; and to be a part of that, even for a brief amount of time, was very special.

For the latest Chicago Fire season 8 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago Fire category at One Chicago Center.