Who does Bonita Friedericy play on Chicago Med?

Dr. Stevie Hammer (Kristen Hager) has become a crucial part of the Chicago Med team. In addition to her commanding presence in the ED, her references to the past have made her a bit of a mystery. Fortunately, the episode “Be the Change You Want to See” expanded on Hammer’s childhood and a crucial figure in her life.

In the season 7 episode, Hammer meets up with a woman played by actress Bonita Friedericy. It’s unclear who the woman is in relation to Hammer, and the scene opens with Friedericy by herself, making her identity even more muddled.

As the scene unfolds and Hammer urges her to accept money, however, the viewer comes to realize that the woman is actually Hammer’s mother, Terri Hammer.

Bonita Friedericy plays Dr. Hammer’s mom Terri Hammer

Bonita Friedericy is an actress who should be very familiar to TV fans. She’s appeared in some of the most beloved shows of the last 30 years, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Spin City, Becker, How I Met Your Mother, and The West Wing. Her most famous role, however, is that of NSA general Diane Beckman in the NBC sitcom Chuck.

Friedericy has acting ties in nearly every aspect of her life. She was a teacher before her career took off in the1990s, and she’s married to John Billingsley, who she acted alongside in Stark Trek: Enterprise.

So far, Friedericy has given the character of Terri Hammer a very sympathetic sheen. The fans still don’t know much about her, but Terri gives the impression that she’s a very empathetic and kind person who was simply unsure of how to raise Dr. Hammer the traditional way.

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Dr. Hammer initially met up with her mother in the season 7 premiere. She visited the tent where Terri lives and promised her that she’d help get her medication for her arthritis. The meeting was the first the mother and daughter had since Dr. Hammer returned to Chicago, and the animosity was palpable.

Things weren’t much better in the latest episode. The two butted heads over Terri’s insistence to live how she wants, and Dr. Hammer’s concern for her health. The latter ultimately lessens her severe stance, though, and by the end, she’s decided that she’s going to have to accept her mom for who she is. In keeping with Dr. Hammer’s layered characterization, the experience softened up her initially rigid presentation.

There’s more to both characters than meets the eye, which will almost surely be explored throughout season 7.

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